The Prince George Chamber of Commerce says they’re welcoming the province’s new Short-Term Accommodations Act, but provincial needs are not uniform.
The Prince George Chamber of Commerce released a statement on the new short-term rental rules, saying they recognize the need:
- For long-term rentals to address a long-term housing shortage for residents throughout the province,
- For clear and consistent rules within jurisdictions for short and long-term rentals,
- And for support for municipalities in enforcing provincial legislation and municipal bylaws on short term rentals.
Under the Short-Term Accommodation Act, which is expected to come into effect in May, those living in communities like Prince George with more than 10,000 people will still be able to rent out their home or a basement suite through Airbnb, but they will no longer be allowed to buy multiple properties for short-term rentals.
The Chamber of Commerce noted while all regions of the province are facing long-term housing shortages, not all regions or municipalities are facing the same pressures from tourism.
“Other parts of the province are facing short-term housing demands driven by the need to bring in health care workers, construction workers, and other skilled and professional workers for two to three months at a time to meet economic and health needs of the region,” the Chamber’s statement reads.
“Because of these regional and municipal differences, different municipalities need types and and proportions of short and long-term housing to meet their housing needs for their unique workforce situations. Municipalities such as Prince George need a higher proportion of housing suitable for two to three month stays for locum health care workers, construction workers, and others on short term assignments in and around Prince George.”
The Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the province to take into consideration regional workforce issues in defining and limiting the number of short-term rentals by location.
At their December 4th meeting, Prince George City Council discussed the possibility of opting out of the act, which the Chamber is supportive of.