Kelowna to ease short-term rental rules starting April 14

Kelowna, B.C., is preparing for a busy tourism season as many Canadians choose to vacation within the country due to a trade war with the United States. Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of the Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association, noted a strong sense of Canadian pride encouraging local travel. In response to this increase in domestic tourism, some local leaders are questioning whether the provincial restrictions on short-term rentals should be relaxed. Councillor Ron Cannan suggested that the city write to Premier David Eby, asking to lift the short-term rental ban for specific properties in Kelowna. Mayor Tom Dyas countered that the city has been advocating for its own short-term rental model. He mentioned that Kelowna plans to relax its own rental rules starting April 14, allowing new licenses for rentals in principal residences. This move will align the city’s regulations with the province’s. Walker-Matthews acknowledged that while the restrictions were initially necessary to address long-term housing needs, there should be room for discussion about flexibility in the short term to help accommodate tourists. However, housing minister Ravi Kahlon remains firm on maintaining the current restrictions. He stated that these measures are successfully lowering rents, increasing vacancy rates, and boosting housing supply in places like Kelowna. Kahlon does not expect any major changes to the short-term rental program for now.