Tofino cracks down on illegal vacation rentals
One of Vancouver Island's hottest tourism destinations is raising concerns about illegal short-term rentals, saying the businesses take much-needed housing away from locals.
The District of Tofino says won a B.C. Supreme Court case against a condo owner who operated a short-term rental, despite the South Chesterman Beach Homes property not being zoned for it.
Tofino Mayor Dan Law says the city was patient in enforcing the rules before taking action.
“We start with voluntary compliance – we have issued tickets. And when that doesn’t garner compliance, we go to the Supreme Court for an injunction,” Law said.
The South Chesterman Beach Homes development has never allowed tourist accommodations like Airbnbs, nor has it received business licences to operate them.
While Tofino has more than 200 legal short-term rentals, the district says it still struggles with those skirting its bylaw.
"The vast majority of short-term business rentals in Tofino have a business licence and are compliant,” the mayor said. “There’s maybe 10 per cent, or something like that, that aren’t.”
Law says the short-term rental rules are part of a plan to improve the amount of housing for people who live in the district.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.
BREAKING Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
WATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto incident caught on video
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Who is Hope Hicks, longtime Trump aide who is testifying in N.Y. hush money case?
Hope Hicks, once a longtime trusted aide in Donald Trump’s inner circle, is testifying Friday in the New York hush money trial after being subpoenaed.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.