On Monday, Nov. 6, Parksville city council unanimously passed a motion requesting that the province exempt lands in the city designated for resorts, tourist commercial use, the downtown waterfront and restricted recreation areas from Bill 35, which bans short-term rentals on properties other than the owner’s principal residence.
Parksville Mayor Doug O’Brien says the new law could have a major impact on the city’s tourism sector.
Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon says that if Parksville wants to opt-out of the law, they have to increase the vacancy rate for long-term rentals in the city above three per cent.