Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Better double-check your summer staycation plans. Airbnb has begun sending thousands of people cancellation notices for stays in British Columbia, amid a dispute with the provincial government over a short-term rental registration process the tech giant says the province has botched. “Airbnb has already initiated some cancellations at properties that are failing validation. Unfortunately, even those that are experiencing technical challenges,” said Alex Howell, Airbnb’s Canadian policy lead. “This is really being done to provide as much notice as possible to guests. “They’re getting a notice from us that basically says we’re really sorry. Unfortunately, due to government regulations, the property that you were hoping to stay at is no longer available" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

... he’s heard there are people trying to get a group together to launch class-action lawsuits against the Province. He expects to see that in the coming months unless there are large amendments made to the policy. “Right now, what we’re seeing with the provincial government is that they are putting blanket policies that are going to be restricting property-use rights for owners that have followed through with the City of Kelowna zoning bylaws and legally-purchased properties that were intended to be for short-term rental" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

The B.C. government has introduced new legislation to regulate the rapidly expanding short-term rental market in an attempt to return homes to the long-term rental market. The laws are being put in place to crack down on a massive increase in vacation rentals by owners. Under the new rules, when passed, British Columbians will legally only be able to rent out a primary residence and one more additional secondary suite as a short-term rental ... CLICK HERE for the full story