Short Term Rentals Poised to Increase in Kelowna Market
Kelowna: The Kelowna Chamber is pleased to see a second policy recommendation get a win just two weeks after direct to home wine sales began between B.C. and Alberta. The Chamber’s second policy, “A Balanced Approach to Implementing New Short-Term Rentals Legislation” was adopted in June 2024 by the BC Chamber and sent to government alongside its “Grapes of Wrath” policy.
“The City of Kelowna has cleared the way for property owners to follow provincial regulations, and not have to adhere to two different standards,” said Maryse Harvey, President of the Kelowna Chamber. “This demonstrates that our policy is resonating with government at multiple levels, as well as with local businesses and residents who had entered the short term rental field in the last few years.”
On Monday, City Council voted to align its STR rules with those of the province, on the same day that the province announced its short term rental registry, which comes into effect in May of 2025.
Some of the Chamber’s STR recommendations include establishing legally defined frameworks for STR owners to seek appropriate exemptions or considerations to the legislation, and to accommodate student and summer and winter tourism.
“Certainly, Kelowna saw decreased tourism and food beverage activity over the summer months,” Harvey said. “We know that multiple factors were at play, but our members who reported the drops to us pointed at the cuts in short term rentals as a prime cause. We appreciate the City re-examining the issue and making these adjustments.”
Two members of the Chamber’s Policy Advisory Committee researched and developed much of the policy’s content over the winter of 2024, and are closely watching municipal STR developments.
Chamber policies may be reviewed at https://www.kelownachamber.org/news-policies/advocacy-policy/