With a high-demand tourism season approaching and ongoing pressure from tariffs and global trade shifts, the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) is calling for urgent changes to the province’s short-term rental (STR) legislation.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) was actively involved in shaping these recommendations and supports them as a more balanced approach to housing and economic development.

The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, introduced to help boost long-term housing supply, has had wide-ranging impacts, especially in BC communities that rely on tourism and have unique housing needs. While the intent of the legislation is important, BCREA’s recommendations aim to refine how the rules apply in practice, particularly in rural and tourism-dependent regions.

• Return zoning authority to local governments:
  The current exemption criteria requiring a three per cent vacancy rate for two years is too restrictive. Some communities, like Parksville and Prince George, haven’t met these thresholds despite their demonstrated need. BCREA is recommending that local governments be allowed to request exemptions based on community-specific needs, particularly where zoning already allows STRs.
• Clarify and expand exemptions for strata hotels and fractional ownership properties:
  Many properties purpose-built for short-term stays are being unintentionally restricted. BCREA says the rules are overly complex and exclude many properties meant for temporary or part-time use. It recommends full exemptions for these categories, which are essential to BC’s tourism infrastructure and economy.
• Create exemptions near major health care centres:
  Rural and northern communities often rely on STRs to house travelling medical professionals or patients accessing care. BCREA suggests a healthcare-based geographic exemption, using the model set by transit-oriented development zones.
• Support for film and TV sector housing needs:
  BC’s film and television industry brings in significant economic activity. But STR restrictions are reducing available temporary accommodation for cast and crew, adding strain to hotel availability and costs. A province-wide STR exemption for this sector is recommended.

We worked closely with BCREA on developing these recommendations. That’s why GVR supports these proposed changes as a practical way to protect long-term housing while allowing communities more flexibility to meet other essential needs, from tourism and health care to economic resilience.