Councillors Klassen and Skakun issue Notice of Motion to consider opting out of Short-Term Accommodations Act

Prince George City Councillors Brian Skakun and Trudy Klassen have put forward a notice of motion to discuss the possibility of opting out of the province’s Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act.

The notice of motion appears on the agenda for Monday’s (November 20th) meeting, but will be considered during the December 4th meeting.

The notice of motion reads:

“Whereas it is the will of Council to grow our city and attract much-needed personnel for industry, education and health care professionals, and to provide opportunities to grow our tourism industry, as stated in the 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan, we believe that the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act may not be suitable for our city.

Therefore, this motion proposes:

That Council directs staff to seek feedback from our tourism and housing sectors to prepare options for response, including the option to “Opt-Out” of the provincial Short-Term Accommodation Act so as to be prepared to respond as soon as the option to do so becomes available.” 

In the notice of motion, Skakun and Klassen wrote:

“Short-term rental housing is a vital part of the options needed to provide housing for those providing their expertise to the various projects and programs in and around our city. We must do our part to ensure the required varied housing options remain available to reduce barriers to working in our city.”

Under the legislation, homeowners would not be allowed to buy multiple properties to be used as short term rentals, but they will be able to rent out their primary residences or basement suites.