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Letters: Vote ‘no’ for commercial STRs in residential zones

Editor: 

The following letter was addressed to the District of Sechelt and shared with Coast Reporter.  

Having just finished completing the short-term rental (STR) survey and reading the “backgrounder” and other documents, I would like to make the following observations. 

Sechelt Council gave to the consultants “encouraging neighbourhood fit” as the number one priority in the proposed new STR regulations. Permitting commercial business to operate in residential zones definitely does not encourage neighbourhood fit and should never ever be allowed.  

It seems that council’s mind has already been made up in this matter. The consultants thought a maximum of 10 commercial STR’s would be enough for the District but council thinks that 30 or 50 or more would be better. Why hire and pay for consultants if we are going to ignore their recommendations? 

From personal experience, one of the problems with the current bylaws is the lack of enforcement. Note to council: It is not OK to pass on the enforcement complaint responsibility to the STR neighbours. The only sure way to eliminate complaints is for the STR owner to reside onsite. 

The Sunshine Coast consists of several relatively small local governments belonging to the same tourist region. Is it fiscally responsible for each district to hire consultants to establish their own unique set of STR regulations? 

Martin & Deirdre Mendes, Sechelt