Editor:
Many long established pre-AirBnB era hosts don’t fit within the proposed short-term rental (STR) guidelines. We are the true B&B hosts who have been welcoming guests for decades. The new guidelines don’t recognize us nor do the valid concerns of problem STRs apply or we would have been shut down years ago. This is how we differ:
• We were inspected and licensed by the District of Sechelt.
• We live on site with on-site parking.
• We have permanent employees and spend thousands annually on supplies and maintenance.
• We offer services and promotions supporting local businesses such as spas, restaurants, kayak rentals, etc.
• We have strict house policies with never a complaint against us.
We did everything required, yet the District is moving the goal posts, potentially causing financial hardship for many who are now seniors and who rely on the income. Why? Because we have a previously DOS approved combination of units not in the proposed guidelines.
One can now have three rooms in house but not one or two rooms and a cottage, which were DOS building code approved and for which we were licenced. We may now have to close at least one unit – losing one third or one half of our income, which is devastating for a pensioner wishing to stay in their own home.
The solution? Those of us with proven track records that had been inspected, approved and licensed by the District should be permitted to keep the designation of B&B and approved mix of accommodation, built and renovated at great expense. Those that haven’t been inspected and/or licenced should be subject to the new (or old) guidelines and those that disrupt neighbourhoods should be fined and/or shut down.
Most residents and local retailers support us, not wanting to see long-time residents and small business owners get wounded in the crossfire of the District’s efforts to solve an unrelated problem.
Elaine Easton, Sechelt
