Short-term rentals spark debate in Oliver

Oliver council has decided to stay away from the touchy subject of short-term vacation rentals in lowdensity residential neighbourhoods until a public consultation process is completed and they can implement a more thorough set of rules and regulations by early summer.

The issue of rules and regulations relating to short-term vacation rentals reared its head once again at this week’s meeting when council discussed a single complaint issued by a neighbour about a shortterm vacation rental property that has been operating in the community for many years.

Council heard the business has also been operating as a bed-andbreakfast when the owners are in town.

Council heard the property owner had been issued one business licence, but is using it to operate the two separate businesses.

Staff have asked the proprietor to separate the two businesses they are running and apply for two individual business licences, said corporate officer Diane Vaykovich, during a presentation to council.

However, short-term rentals are not allowed under current bylaws.

Council has already directed staff to undertake a public engagement process to obtain feedback from the community on allowing vacation rentals as a permitted use in lowdensity residential areas.