Editor:
Over the last few weeks, I have heard so many complaints about tourists. They are being blamed for everything. From using our water supply, to parking spaces. Even shortage of gas. And then, of course, there are the ferries! That is another major problem. There is some truth to these claims. But let’s be reasonable. Most are nice people who come for a rest and to have fun. Just like we would do.
The problem is not the tourists, it’s us! We are a small community which has limited resources and capacity and we are unable to take this large influx of people. They inundate us, limit our movements and enjoyment of life. We, the people of this community, have to do something about this. We have to limit the numbers that come to visit. One way to do this is to restrict Airbnbs. Hotels and licensed B&Bs are taking only a portion of tourists. The rest are being housed in homes in residential areas. And there are plenty of them. There seem to be very few requirements to start one. This has been talked about, studied, ad nauseam.
It’s time for action. Let’s demand that our good people on council get off their backsides and do what many other jurisdictions have done. Some Airbnbs can be eliminated by ruling that the owner should be present and living on the premises at all times.
It is time for residents to enjoy the surroundings that they have worked and saved for; to sit on their decks and in their backyards and not put up with the constant coming and going of visitors. The cars, the parties, the noisy children. We are hoping for a different and better summer in 2022. Let’s think of the permanent residents, their safety and well-being. We are the ones who keep the businesses alive and well during the winter months. Also, we are the ones who vote!
Sally Watson, Sechelt
