Editor:
Former Sechelt mayor John Henderson has been advocating a limited approach to the problem of short-term rentals (STRs). He opposes meaningful changes to the bylaws that would regulate the dilemma. His Nov. 13 letter (“Noise is the issue!”) recognizes the magnitude of the situation but his solutions are simplistic and naive.
The current bylaws restrict noise after 11 p.m. What John fails to understand is that this does little to help those who must deal with consistent disturbances throughout the day for several months at a time. Tighter controls are necessary.
John’s arguments against the elimination of STRs are irrelevant and misleading. A total ban has not been part of the public debate. People who are adversely affected have been requesting compromises such as onsite management and size restrictions. The regulations adopted by the SCRD will go a long way toward rectifying the predicament in that jurisdiction.
John fails to acknowledge that the hollowing out of communities and impact of STRs on the housing market are real concerns. So are the worries about the volume and speed of traffic on certain residential streets. Littering and putting out garbage on the wrong day or time is common at unsupervised STRS and threatens wildlife.
John’s idea that we should rely on the improved enforcement of existing bylaws is impractical. The police have made it clear that it’s not their role. Bylaw officers cannot be running around the coast dealing with disturbances at all hours seven days a week. Conflicts between neighbours and STR guests can lead to serious consequences if there is no immediate resolution.
As chairperson for the Sechelt and District Chamber of Commerce it’s easy to understand why Mr. Henderson makes profit his priority. His bias on STRs is obvious and his understanding of the problem shallow.
Richard Carton, Sechelt
