As Gibsons eyes changes to its short-term rental policies, the status quo remains for another two years.
Last week, Town of Gibsons Council renewed 25 temporary use permits (TUP) for residential-guest accommodations (commonly known as short-term rentals or STRs). The two-year extensions are the only time the permits may be renewed to allow short-term rental use of entire dwellings, (also known as “non-principal residence” rentals). Non-principal residence rentals are otherwise prohibited in Gibsons.
Mayor Silas White said changes are coming to the Zoning Bylaw next year and he anticipates modifications to short-term rental regulations the previous council enacted in 2022. “My impression from council is we're not going to continue this process on beyond the Zoning Bylaw amendment,” he said. “We need to figure out a different direction on this.”
Parking, noise and garbage numbered among public concerns about permit renewals.
Staff said operators have to provide parking plans to receive their business licences and they must provide one parking space for each bedroom in the unit, which can include on-site spaces or on-street parking where available.
Councillors suggested STR operators make clear Gibsons’ parking challenges to their guests.
“I'd like to see the operators take a little more of that responsibility,” said Coun. David Croal.
In one case where noise complaints had been received about a property, the owner noted it was for children playing in the backyard during the day.
White weighed in, “We welcome families and children in the Town of Gibsons, and I just want to make that very clear.”
Letters from the public also shared more general concerns about STR use of dwellings, where rental housing is needed in the town.
White said he appreciated the letters, but answered council needs to balance supporting tourism and ensuring adequate long-term rentals. “We're making good progress, I think, in the long-term rental department,” he said, pointing to Shaw Road’s 40 units, “and there will be more coming.”
“I feel that supporting this number of TUPs for short-term rentals is completely reasonable in our town. And it fills a need for tourism, especially when we do have a gap when it comes to hotels here.”
The one new temporary use permit application, on Gower Point Road, was not issued, with council members noting that in letters, the unit’s strata and neighbours were against the application.
The town issued 35 temporary use permits for residential guest accommodation in the past two years, which all expire at the end of the year.
