Editor:
We were very disappointed to discover in the report for Sechelt council in the short-term rental regulation amendment process that 15 Commercial STRs may be allowed. Why hire Eco-Plan International to investigate the situation and then disregard their recommendations? Ms. Seigers thinks that if commercial operations were banned it would negatively affect tourism in Sechelt.
We suggest to Ms. Seigers that if the homes that are now operating unhosted STRs were shut down, the owners could sell them to teachers, RCMP, tradesmen, nurses, entrepreneurs and other workers who are looking to buy homes in Sechelt. All of those workers would have a far more beneficial impact on our community than tourists, and, who knows, the new home owners may choose to operate a bed and breakfast or hosted STR for tourists.
How will Ms. Seigers and the council choose which 15 commercial STRs will be allowed to stay open and which will have to close? We presently have far more than 15 in the Sechelt area. How will you ensure that the STRs that do not make the cut, actually shut down? The solution seems to be to shut down all unhosted STRs – a much simpler and more equitable solution. We hope you will think of the citizens of Sechelt who live, work, play, volunteer, vote and pay taxes here when you make your decision.
Ken and Pat Kolterman, Sechelt
