By Cheryl Jahn

Council to fight Bill 35

Feb 26, 2024 | 8:38 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Council has opted to fight against Bill 35.

According to the report to Council, Bill 35 was introduced on October 26, 2023, the Provincial Government granted royal assent to the Short-Term Accommodations Act. The goal of the Short-Term Accommodations Act is to strengthen tools to support local government enforcement of short-term rental bylaws, return short-term rentals to the long-term housing market, and establish a provincial role in the regulation of short-term rentals.

At the regular meeting of Council held on December 4, 2023, Council considered a Notice of Motion dated November 20, 2023 from Councillor Brian Skakun and Councillor Trudy Klassen titled, “Short-term Rental Accommodation Act Response” passed a resolution to “seek feedback from the Tourism and Housing Sectors to prepare options for response, including the option to Opt-Out” of the act.

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However, municipalities need a vacancy rate of three percent or more for two consecutive years to qualify to opt out.

“This is another example of the provincial government stepping in our lane,” said Councillor Kyle Sampson.

It was noted repeatedly that Prince George is a hub city and thousands of people need to access short-term housing to access things like health care and the resource sector.

“I believe we have to push back from the Province,” said Councillor Cori Ramsay, who suggested the data for Prince George from Canada Mortgage and Housing is flawed.

“The data is questionable,” said Councillor Ron Polillo. “It may work in the Lower Mainland but I don’t think it works for Prince George.”

However, the Province will need to adjudicate the motion by the City to attempt to opt out of the act.