Editor:
This letter was sent to Sechelt mayor and council.
Although there are many short-term rentals (STRs) on the Sunshine Coast, the majority have owner/operators on site and there are few complaints from neighbours. Most contentious are those with off-site, and usually off-Coast owners. With its close proximity to the Lower Mainland, the Coast has become the go-to destination for large weekend parties. The choice of many is to book entire house STRs where there is little or no oversight by the owner or local contact.
The discussion of STRs and their impacts on our communities has three local governments attempting to address the issue through legislation, with varying progress.
We commend the rural directors of the SCRD who passed bylaw changes on Oct. 8 for bed and breakfasts (STRs) that protect the livability of neighbourhoods. Director Donna McMahon articulated very clearly the focus for their decision, stating “residential areas are zoned for residents to live in, not for the operation of commercial ventures.”
With regards to STRs in Sechelt, it appears that the current focus of council is to use tracking software for their locations, which could be easily addressed by going to any of the websites for short-term rentals and counting the entries (120+ in Sechelt).
The current bylaws have very limited restrictions and enforcement is complaint-driven, available during the week, while weekend complaints are covered by the local police. The only option for bylaw officers is to issue $100 tickets, with limited compliance or payment. These tickets have become part of doing business, so the off-site STR owners continue with immunity.
In the District of Sechelt, the current bylaws are not adequately protecting communities from the negative consequences of STRs in our neighbourhoods. The problem STRs require urgent resolution immediately by council, with specific focus on this issue only, separate from the other topics contained in the current bylaw review process.
Diana and Don Mumford
Plus 40 concerned citizens
of the District of Sechelt
