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Rocky View County invites residents and stakeholders to share their views on short-term vacation rentals as part of an ongoing effort to balance tourism's benefits with local communities' needs. (Photo credit to Rocky View County / Facebook)
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Rocky View County invites residents and stakeholders to share their views on short-term vacation rentals as part of an ongoing effort to balance tourism's benefits with local communities' needs. (Photo credit to Rocky View County / Facebook)
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Rocky View County is inviting residents and stakeholders to share their views on short-term vacation rentals as part of an ongoing effort to balance tourism's benefits with local communities' needs.

The County has launched a public consultation process, allowing the community to express opinions on how these rentals should be managed. With the growing popularity of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, short-term rentals have become a hot topic, mainly due to concerns about their impact on residential neighbourhoods.

Justin Rebello, Supervisor of Planning and Development with Rocky View County, explained that one of the County's primary goals with this engagement is to improve clarity and consistency in managing vacation rentals.

He noted that while the County’s land use bylaw lists vacation rentals as discretionary uses requiring development permits, there are currently no clear regulations to address potential issues, such as noise or community disruptions. The engagement process, primarily through an online survey, aims to gather community input to help balance the interests of property owners, renters, and residents.

Several factors drive the increase in vacation rentals, including the appeal of staying in homes rather than hotels, proximity to loved ones, and the lack of nearby hotel options.

Short-term vacation rentals have grown significantly in recent years, typically for fewer than 30 days. They are often considered a flexible and affordable option for travellers, offering a home-like experience. While many view these rentals as beneficial to the local economy and tourism, others have raised concerns about noise, traffic, and safety—particularly in quieter residential areas.

As part of the public consultation, the County is conducting an online survey to gather a broad range of opinions from residents, business owners, and property managers. The survey addresses several key issues, including:

  • Zoning and Location: Should vacation rentals be permitted county-wide or restricted to specific areas? Some residents have expressed concerns over the concentration of short-term rentals in particular neighbourhoods.
  • Regulation and Enforcement: What regulations should be implemented to manage vacation rentals properly? Potential measures include licensing requirements, safety inspections, or limits on the number of rental properties one individual or company can operate.
  • How do short-term rentals affect those living nearby? Common concerns include noise, parking issues, and the safety of having transient visitors in residential areas.

Broader Community Impact

The County will also examine how vacation rentals may influence the broader community dynamic when properties are used primarily for tourism. Key areas of interest include:

  • Economic Impact: Do vacation rentals provide a positive economic boost by bringing visitors to local businesses, or do they create unfair competition for traditional accommodations such as hotels and motels?
  • Housing Affordability and Fairness: One of the major concerns surrounding the rise of short-term rentals is their potential effect on housing affordability. Some argue that converting properties into short-term rentals reduces the availability of long-term housing, driving up rents and contributing to housing shortages. This is especially problematic in areas with high tourism demand, where vacation rentals may outcompete traditional housing options.

Additionally, discussions around taxation and fairness are ongoing. Hotels and motels are subject to various taxes and regulatory requirements, and some believe that short-term rental properties should face similar oversight to level the playing field. Others worry that too much regulation could reduce the appeal of these rentals and discourage tourism.

For many property owners, particularly in rural areas, vacation rentals are an essential source of income. However, the County also recognizes that short-term rentals can lead to tensions between visitors and permanent residents without proper regulation.

Based on the feedback gathered through the public consultation, the County may consider several options for managing short-term vacation rentals, including:

  • Licensing and Permits: Property owners must obtain a permit or license to operate short-term rentals, ensuring that safety and quality standards are met.
  • Zoning Regulations: Implementing zoning restrictions to limit where vacation rentals can operate, potentially confining them to areas designated for tourism or commercial use.
  • Cap on Rentals: Limiting the number of short-term rental properties in specific neighbourhoods to prevent overcrowding or significant changes to community character.

The County plans to conclude the survey by mid-October and present amendments to the council by the end of the year. 

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