B.C.’s recent short-term rental legislation has significantly restricted operations across the province. What specific regulations or local rules do you want to see for short-term rentals within Esquimalt?

Chamber ACM question

My position is that Esquimalt should begin by following the provincial regulations rather than creating another, more restrictive layer of rules. The Province already limits short-term rentals largely to a principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit, and it now requires registration and platform compliance.

Esquimalt’s own 2026 study found an average of about 64 active listings at any given time, and that number had already declined substantially following the provincial changes. It estimated roughly 22 potential homes were affected.

I also don’t think we should assume every Airbnb becomes a long-term rental if it is prohibited. In my experience, many don’t. And in this economy, that income may be helping somebody afford their home.

Finally, I think we’re conflating this somewhat with parking. Parking absolutely needs to be managed, but it should be managed as a parking issue. My approach would be: follow the provincial framework, enforce it, gather evidence, and regulate further only if we can demonstrate a problem that needs solving.