琉璃神社 residents will get a chance to have their say on how council might handle short-term rentals in the city.

More than 60 people were in the gallery at Monday鈥檚 (Oct. 23) regular meeting as council voted to send the issue to a public hearing.

鈥淭his is one where we need to hear from the public for sure before we move ahead,鈥� said Coun. Rick Webber.

Staff recommended that short-term rentals be removed as a permitted secondary use from all zones in the city where it currently exists.

Properties where short-term rentals will continue to be allowed include the Downtown Urban Centre, South Pandosy Urban Centre, Cook Truswell Village Centre and McKinley Beach.

However, future amendments may be required as the province releases more details about the Short-term Accommodation Act.

Coun. Ron Cannan noted that significant feedback has been received from the public already, adding it is an emotional issue for many.

鈥淲ith the stroke of a pen their life is turned upside down,鈥� he said.

Currently, there are 1,191 short-term rental accommodations with a valid business licence in 琉璃神社, an increase of 89 per cent since 2020.

An additional 1,200 units do not have a business licence and are operating illegally as short-term accommodation.

Staff told council that 琉璃神社 has a significant housing shortage, with a current deficit of 5,000 homes, and short-term rentals are taking away much-needed homes from residents.

鈥淚 have a feeling we will hear very strong opinions on both sides of the issue,鈥� said Coun. Luke Stack. 鈥淚t sounds like the province wants to get a lot tougher.鈥�

The staff recommendation also disallows any new applications for short-term rental business licences.

There are currently 60 applications in stream and 15 more were received when the short-term rental item appeared on the agenda for the Oct. 23 meeting.

Those applications are not affected by council鈥檚 decision.

Mayor Tom Dyas said there will be opportunities for the public to provide feedback to the city before the public hearing, but the details are still being worked out.

The public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 21.

Councillors Maxine DeHart and Loyal Wooldridge recused themselves from the discussion and vote citing conflicts of interest.

DeHart, who works for a major hotel chain, said she owns two rental units, while Wooldridge said he holds a short-term rental business licence.

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