Broaches unlicensed providers
City of Powell River council did not go so far as to crack down on unlicensed short-term accommodation providers, but it has taken the steps to put them on notice.
Councillor Russell Brewer raised the issue at a Tuesday, March 1, committee of the whole meeting after he had received some concerns about what the city was doing about unlicensed providers, people renting rooms and cabins through websites such as Air B&B and VRBO. Brewer said he appreciates residents’ entrepreneurial spirit, but businesses like these need to be licensed through the city and can do so as a home-based businesses.
“We haven’t gotten any direction to be going in enforcing our existing bylaws yet, so it will be interesting to see what direction council gives us in terms of dealing with Air B&B,” said Thomas Knight, city director of planning.
Paul Kamon, executive director of Tourism Powell River, said he understands why, from a consumer point of view, these sites are popular.
“You can find authentic dwellings where normally you wouldn’t have that experience. For consumers, it’s very enticing,” he said.
Few Powell River properties are advertised for short-term accommodations on these sites, but Kamon said he could see them increase, particularly during the summer months.
While they do add capacity to the community’s tourist accommodation, something Kamon said is good for Powell River, perhaps now is the right time for a broader community dialogue about the future of sharing economy in Powell River, he said.
Problems associated with unlicensed rental properties include issues around parking and increased noise and traffic.
“Essentially, what I’m advocating for is that we have a discussion that would help us at least look at the issue head on and try to address it before it becomes a problem,” said Kamon. ”There are issues we have to discuss and create some policy around so we can make the best of it.”
Supports opposition to herring opening
City council voted in favour of sending Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and fisheries and oceans minister Hunter Tootoo a letter bolstering Tla’amin Nation’s opposition to a commercial opening of a herring roe fishery in the federal department’s Area 15, waters that incorporate the first nation’s traditional fishing area. The letter will also be sent to Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons and Tla’amin council.
Swaps meeting date
City council approved the rescheduling of its Thursday, April 7, regular meeting to Wednesday, April 6. As supporters of Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA), city council voted to change the date because it was taking place at the same time as PRISMA’s spring fundraiser and performance of Tobin Stokes’ opera Rattenbury. The motion carried with mayor Dave Formosa voting against the change. The public consultation for Sino Bright School rezoning and sustainable official community plan amendment application will still take place on April 7 at 6 pm.
Announces survey total
The reach of the city-initiated regional recreation survey has exceeded its creators’ expectations. A final total of 2,612 surveys were collected during the expanded regional recreation survey campaign that wrapped up on Tuesday, March 15.
Ray Boogaards, city director of parks, recreation and culture, characterized the survey as “a huge success.” Participants who completed the survey were entered into a draw for a $500 prize. The name of the winner has not been announced. Boogaards and his team are compiling data and writing reports for public meetings and presentations to local governments.
Grants cleanup funds
Council approved the city’s participation in Powell River Regional District’s annual Trash Bash wilderness cleanup. The city will increase its contribution to $5,000 for the event, which takes place on Saturday, April 30. Last year the city provided $4,000 to the event’s $16,000 budget. The city’s contribution will come from its recycling and garbage operational funds.
Appoints forest directors
Council appointed Rob Fuller, Rob Stewart and Rod Tysdal as directors of Powell River Community Forest for a three-year term.
