Editor:
Many of the West Sechelt Community Association (WSCA) members and its executive participated in recent online sessions on short-term rentals (STRs). The WSCA has the following questions and concerns.
The majority of issues and complaints have arisen are from commercial STRs – where there is no primary resident or agent on-site. These STRs can sit vacant for up to seven months. This pulls housing stock from the market, thereby reducing the ability to attract doctors, nurses, RCMP officers and other workers to Sechelt. This creates a long-term housing shortage problem for the District of Sechelt. The absence of residents or a revolving clientele in a neighbourhood destroys the vibrancy of the community, increases safety and security risks, and reduces dollars going to local businesses. Having an agent that is 30 minutes away to deal with problems is not desirable as the problem has already manifested and disturbed the neighbourhood’s residents. Too little too late! With respect to the on-site parking requirements of one stall per STR room, very few West Sechelt residences can accommodate the maximum three on-site parking spaces.
The WSCA would like clarity and to understand “What is the benefit of having a commercial designation in a residentially zoned neighbourhood?” Has a full cost accounting been carried out – one that factors in quality of life for the residents and providing a continuous support of local businesses?
With respect to allowing non-conforming continuation of existing licensed premises, there was admission at the sessions that this is creating a challenge. This key issue needs clarification in light of how numbers of licences will be allotted as well as how it will impact on an expected increase in non-licensed STRs.
The WSCA recommends that there should be no allowance for continuation of existing licences, rather new regulations equals new requirements equals new licence.
West Sechelt Community Association Executive: Kareen McCaughan, Candice Sayer, Gail Riddell, Sharon O’Brian, Al Erlenbusch, Catherine Hanson
