Short-term rental consultations
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is working out the final details and hopes to start consultations on short-term rentals later this month.
A report from the planning department presented at the May 11 planning and community development committee meeting said SCRD staff will take a two-pronged approach. May and June will be dedicated to “inform, educate and gather information.” That will be followed up by a discussion of specific options for regulating short-term rentals.
Roberts Creek director Mark Lebbell said he’s looking forward to starting the conversation. “I’m really excited about this public engagement approach… The issue of short-term rentals has some history here on the Coast. The piece that’s driving interest from this seat is the affordable housing piece, and I’m sure that’s going to be emphasized.”
Garry Nohr, SCRD chair and director for Halfmoon Bay, said he thinks the regional district should be cautious about dealing with the issue through that lens. “This is going to be a very serious item… I would not find that the bylaw or rules are driven by affordable housing concerns. That’s a separate issue as far as I’m concerned.”
Planner Andrew Allen told directors the timing of the consultation is laid out to make sure seasonal residents and off-Coast visitors are included.
The first report on the consultations is due to come back to SCRD directors in the third quarter of the year.
Roberts Creek Distillery
The committee also endorsed first reading of zoning changes to allow an artisan craft distillery with a tasting room and an outdoor patio on a property on Porter Road in Roberts Creek.
Lebbell called it an “interesting proposal” and moved the staff recommendation.
The committee recommendation is due to go to the full board for adoption at its May 25 meeting.
An application for a similar small-scale distillery in Area F is awaiting a decision from the Agricultural Land Commission. Earlier this year, SCRD directors recommended the commission reject the application for non-farm use citing concerns around the lot size, parking and noise.
Katherine Lake Donation
A generous private donation is going to fund accessibility improvements at Katherine Lake Park in Garden Bay.
SCRD staff said they worked with the donor, who has so far chosen to remain anonymous, to find a suitable project.
The $20,000 project has been on the regional district’s to-do list for some time, and Ian Hall, GM of planning and community development, said the donation will allow them to accelerate the timeline and start work this year.
The planned improvements include: regrading and surfacing access trails from the RV campsite and road, improving drop-off zones, building a new access from the kiosk to picnic and beach area, and installing accessible park furniture.
