Tourism Squamish is calling on the District of Squamish to fully align its short-term rental (STR) regulations with those of the province, arguing that current local policies are ineffective, costly, and discourage compliance. In a letter to the District, Lesley Weeks, executive director of Tourism Squamish, emphasized the need for enforceable, practical rules that protect long-term housing while supporting the local visitor economy.
“Tourism Squamish supports STR regulations that ensure safety, protect long-term housing, and promote compliance,” Weeks wrote. “However, effective regulations must be enforceable and based on best practices. Despite past efforts, enforcement has remained a challenge at the local level.”
Recent changes—refining STR definitions, streamlining business licensing, and increasing fines—have led to the highest compliance rates since 2021. However, Weeks noted that this progress is largely due to provincial action rather than local enforcement. The letter argues that Squamish should eliminate its restrictions on STRs in secondary suites and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which the province permits within an operator’s principal residence.
Tourism Squamish outlined five key reasons for aligning local rules with the province. The letter states that the current prohibition on STRs in secondary suites and ADUs is more of a deterrent than a ban, with high costs ($1,200 for a Temporary Use Permit and a $3,000 annual license) making STRs financially unfeasible. Additionally, Tourism Squamish disputes the assumption that restricting STRs increases long-term rental availability, citing research that suggests most units removed from the STR market do not transition to long-term rentals.
“The real STR issue is non-local investors converting entire homes into full-time STRs, not local homeowners renting secondary suites or ADUs,” Weeks wrote. She argued that provincial regulations effectively target problematic operators while allowing responsible local participation, which could improve enforcement and save the District money.
Squamish is also grappling with a severe shortage of visitor accommodations, with hotel occupancy exceeding 80% year-round and even higher rates during peak periods. Weeks noted that STRs in principal residences offer much-needed lodging options while benefiting homeowners and the local economy.
“Short-term rentals provide an additional source of income for residents and support small businesses in Squamish,” she wrote. “Visitors staying in primary residences often have a more authentic, community-oriented experience, fostering better relationships between locals and tourists.”
Tourism Squamish is urging the District to eliminate the costly and complex TUP requirement for STRs in secondary suites and ADUs, arguing that full adoption of provincial rules would enhance compliance, reduce enforcement costs, and support the local tourism industry.
Ihor Zalubniak says
As is so often the case “follow the money”is the key evidence trail to proposed solutions. STR’s are businesses and should be licensed as such with corresponding oversight and accountability as businesses. These are distinct from providing resident housing. Business level municipal taxation and alignment with taxation per Federal/Provincial taxes upon the sale of a property used for business.
Jamie Martin says
Thank you Leslie,
Our small business would greatly benefit from short term rentals to help support them. We have a unique recreation of all sports here & very limited hotels here & our neighbour hoods are unique to host the short term experience that we have with again the unique atmosphere of our neighbour hoods. We should be more tourists oriented due to our location as this is our economic base.
Rudi Botha says
Thanks Leslie. Hopefully the district pays attention to this issue as many people in Squamish are only able to afford their primary homes as a result of the fact that they are able to have a secondary suite either rented out long-term, but even more so, offered as short-term accommodation in times when reliable long-term renters are not available.