A Gibsons resident told councillors Sept. 5 that he feels he’s “being held hostage” in his own home by a neighbour’s Airbnb operation.
Wayne Wright of Bay Road came forward during the public inquiries period at the end of the meeting to follow up on a complaint filed earlier with Town staff.
Wright said the house beside his was recently renovated, and the Airbnb listing went up before the work was done. He claimed it’s listed as a whole house sleeping up to 12, and it’s been full most nights for the past six weeks.
Wright told council as far as he’s concerned it’s being operated as a small hotel, and that it has no place in a residential neighbourhood.
“Basically, I’ve been unable to enjoy my house this summer… I kinda feel held hostage.”
He asked council to consider suspending the business licence.
CAO Emanuel Machado said business licences for short-term rentals treat them as home-based businesses and the owner is expected to live on the premises. He said Town staff will follow up on Wright’s specific complaint.
He also said staff have been working on a short-term rental strategy which is running parallel to similar work at the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and they hope to bring forward recommendations soon.
