New rental rules seem to be tax grab

I purchased a condo to live in while I worked in Victoria, and now that I am back on the Mainland, it is rented out on a shortterm basis. I am providing a necessary service to travellers who choose not to stay in a hotel for financial, dietary or other personal reasons.

As an example, guests stayed at my unit who had to come to Victoria because an elderly parent had passed away. They had to be here for almost three weeks while they sorted out the estate and the sale of the property. They said it made a difficult situation bearable, as everything they needed was there, it was comfortable and they were also able to have the private time that they needed during such a difficult time.

My unit is rented out legally, and all relevant taxes, including hotel taxes, are collected and remitted. I pay taxes on the revenue and am operating completely above board. Why am I, along with others who have been operating above board, being unfairly singled out with the proposed increases in property taxes and business-licence fees? These increases are exorbitant and seem to be an unwarranted tax grab.

I also fear the proposals will have a detrimental impact on tourism, as the increases the city is considering will likely increase nightly rates. Alternatively, the unit could be taken off the market completely and therefore would not be available for shortterm or long-term occupancy.