“This could be a game-changer,” and other things people are saying about David Eby’s action to rein in short-term rentals
“Every unit successfully shifted into long-term rental is a home for someone.” –Alex Hemingway, Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives
“This could be a game-changer in resetting the affordable housing market. Right now [I] have two young adult children who simply cannot afford to get in to the housing market given exorbitant pricing on starter homes & homes locked down as short-term rentals.” –Alan Ruddiman
“As much as I was looking to take advantage of the AirBnB business model for my own personal gain, I think this is a net benefit for the housing market in BC. The housing shortage has no question been artificially inflated due to the volume of short-term rentals.” –Mitchell Barker
“This is a step in the right direction. The approach to bring back supply and make rents more affordable will require several steps and this is a required one.” –Troy Delance Gibson, Realtor
“It definitely helps. With the new enforcement tools, with the database they’re going to be creating, so we can actually see what we’re working with. These are all positive steps in going after people who are not following the rules.” –Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver on CKNW
“The need is great: as an example, we hear regularly from our tourism industry of the challenge their staff have in finding housing and this will go a long way to change that situation, and many similar housing challenges in our community.” –Tom Dyas, Mayor of Kelowna
“Any rule that is going to potentially shift housing into the rental pool and out of Airbnb is fantastic.” –Robert Berry, Homes For Living on CTV
“Even moving some of those [STRs] into the permanent housing market is going to make a significant difference.” –Marianne Alto, Mayor of Victoria on CBC
“Much needed leadership on addressing the housing crisis. This is a good move by David Eby and Ravi Kahlon.” –Paul Finch, BCGEU
“One of the biggest challenges for tourism operators in hiring workers is the lack of available and affordable housing largely due to the proliferation of short-term rentals in B.C. So, we are very pleased with the legislation introduced by the province.” –Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC)
“Good News! Provincial support for local governments on Short Term Rental.” –Pete Fry, Vancouver City Councillor
“We know that we need to find ways to deal with those units that have been removed from the housing market. It’ll be interesting to see how it unfolds. I’m hopeful that it will help.” –Ken Zeitner, Society of Hope Kelowna on Global Okanagan
“Hearing first hand from strata council members sending out emails to membership excited to change their bylaws to 90 days for short term rental restrictions in condo buildings and happy about the daily fine increases.” –Brad Barrett
BC United Party pundit Jordan Bateman called British Columbians hypocrites for supporting a crack down on short term rentals. He was retweeted by former BCUP Housing Critic Mike Bernier and MLA Dan Davies.