Several citizens and members of local organizations spoke in opposition to the district’s position on short-term rentals (STRs) during a public hearing on the issue on September 29.
The district is recommending the most restrictive option, which would limit STRs to just the primary residence, banning it from coach homes or basement suites.
Kirstin Clausen, the executive director of the Britannia Mine Museum, spoke about the negative impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in Squamish and the future impact the district regulations would have on an already strained industry.
She reminded the district about the importance of the tourism sector in Squamish and its contribution to the local economy.
Her comments were echoed by Heather Kawaguchi and Lesley Weeks of Tourism Squamish.
Kawaguchi said there was a need for diverse accommodation in town and she was opposed to restricting them to the extent that district was proposing.
Lesley Weeks supported the idea of regulating short-term rentals but said Tourism Squamish was opposed to the proposed provision of the STR bylaws. She spoke of the possible future impact of the proposed regulation on the tourism industry which has already been heavily impacted by the pandemic.
Louise Walker of the Squamish Chamber of Commerce also expressed support for some regulation of STRs but spoke in opposition to the proposed provisions.
She expressed concerns that negative impact on tourism industry could cause a high level of unemployment in the community.
A local stay-at-home mom, Sandy Hanson, spoke about the generous income generated through the option of STRs and said her STR unit was her main source of income.
Jenna Green, a Garibaldi Highlands resident, expressed her concerns for the proposed bylaw on stay-at-home moms and said STRs contributed to the economy of Squamish.
Mike Coyne from the Squamish Chamber of Commerce said the chamber supported the district’s affordable housing initiatives but was opposed to the STR provisions.
David Abbey, an STR provider, said it provided opportunity to parents to stay home with their kids and overcome the child-care crisis in Squamish.
Abby Majendie, Erol Pekuz, Shan Warburton, Megan McCreanor and Matthew Trotter were some other local citizens who opposed the district’s proposed restrictions on STRs in the community.
