The following is an edited version of a letter sent to Sechelt Mayor and council and shared with Coast Reporter.
The East Porpoise Bay Community Association acknowledges that short-term rentals have the potential to provide needed accommodation for tourists and long-term residents. The EPBCA has no objection with STRs in which the owner is living on-site. In cases where the owners are not living on-site, STRs have too often caused much disruption to the quiet enjoyment of our residential neighbourhoods. The people calling these neighbourhoods home are the ones who form the fabric of a solid, lasting and thriving community. They have a lot at stake. It is also likely that the proliferation of STRs has reduced the availability of longer-term rental opportunities to virtually zero. We are in great need of long-term rental housing in Sechelt for our care workers, police and other service providers. We also believe that the clustering of STRs should be strictly avoided. To mitigate any potential damage to this structure, we urge the district to employ adequate enforcement of rules governing STRs.
To that end, the EPBCA suggests the district adopt the following principles in a new bylaw:
1. No commercial licences permitted in residential neighbourhoods. Should the district persist in allowing some commercial applications, we suggest that neighbourhood associations have veto power over licences of this nature.
2. Annual license fee of $3,000 for commercial licences. Some larger residences charge as much as $1,600/day, so this is not an unduly high figure.
3. Upfront bond of $10,000 for commercial licences, should commercial licences be allowed. (This would be refundable to the owner if there are no complaints.)
4. Fines for infractions: $500 (first), $1,000 (second), licence revoked (third). A no response from the manager or owner on complaints will justify a fine.
Adam Shepherd, President East Porpoise Bay Community Association, on behalf of the directors
