Correspondence from Shelley Zapp: Short Term Rentals
Letter from a resident requesting the Town reconsider restrictions on principal residence short-term rentals in light of new Provincial legislation.
From: Shelley Zapp Sent: May 20, 2025 3:40 PM To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca Subject: Short Term Rentals
Attn: Mayor and Council,
May 20, 2025
Mayor and Council Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 1A6
Subject: Consideration for Allowing Principal Residence Short-Term Rentals in View Royal
Dear Mayor and Council,
I am writing as a concerned resident of View Royal to respectfully ask that the Town revisit its current restrictions on short-term rentals (STRs), in light of the recent provincial legislation introduced by the Government of British Columbia.
As you are aware, the new provincial framework permits STRs where the unit is the owner’s principal residence. This approach aims to balance the protection of long-term rental housing with the recognition that some homeowners benefit from the ability to offer short-term accommodation on a limited basis.
With this in mind, I would like to offer the following considerations:
The Province Now Sets a Principled Baseline: The BC government’s principal residence requirement ensures that only owner-occupied homes can be used for STRs. This regulation prevents the proliferation of investment properties as STRs and ensures that housing stock remains available for long-term tenants. If View Royal were to align with the provincial approach, it would not compromise the long-term rental pool in any meaningful way.
A Critical Gap in Accommodation Near Victoria General Hospital: Victoria General Hospital is a major regional facility located within View Royal. However, there are currently no hotels or formal accommodations within walking distance. Families visiting hospitalized loved ones, as well as traveling doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals on assignment, have limited local options. Enabling STRs in principal residences could help meet this clear and compassionate need.
A Modest but Meaningful Revenue Opportunity: Allowing STRs, even with the principal residence restriction, would provide a source of incremental revenue for the Town through provincial revenue-sharing and local licensing fees, should the Town choose to implement them. These funds could support local infrastructure, enforcement, or community programs.
I believe there is a thoughtful and balanced path forward that allows View Royal to support residents and visitors while remaining aligned with provincial legislation and protecting housing affordability. I respectfully request that Council consider revisiting its position on STRs to allow for principal residence-based rentals under the new provincial framework.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Resident of View Royal