We are hearing that fire evacuees from Jasper and elsewhere are having difficulty finding accommodation in BC, as there are no longer places available.
The province is full, we are told.
But there are rooms of appropriate type unused in the province.
These are former short term rental suites and B&Bs in people’s principle homes; the type of accommodation that Premier Eby’s government designated as what it wants to see for short term rental in this province.
So, why are they not open for business during this time of need? Because they exist in strata developments, where strata rules trump local city and provincial regulations.
Some strata councils have a strong element of “nimbyism”; Not In My Back Yard. So, strata bylaws are being used to prevent legitimate short term rental activity, even when it conforms with B.C.’s Short Term Rental regulations and local city bylaws.
Fires will not be going away. Evacuation orders and temporary accommodation needs will be with us for the future.
The provincial government needs to step up (as it did with Bill 44 for long term rental) and put in place regulations that prevent strata councils prohibiting what the province desires to see for short term rental in this province.
After all, more and more homes in this province are being built in the strata format, with strata councils holding sway, and therefore having the potential to stymie the government’s intentions.
Provincial government action is needed. You and I may be the next fire evacuees in need of short term accommodation.
Anthony Walter
