GEORGE GREENWOOD

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Chamber is part of the front-line movement in Kelowna to convince the provincial government to sign an early exemption to allow short term rentals in buildings which meet all provincial and municipal guidelines prior to November 1, 2026.

“It’s just a matter of a signature in Victoria,” said George Greenwood, CEO of the Chamber. “Kelowna has met all the requirements of legislation. Why would the government force local businesses to lose revenue during the May Memorial Cup, and summer events, not to mention business from Kelowna’s summer tourists, just because of an arbitrary date on three-year old legislation?”

Greenwood wrote to the Minister of Housing Christine Boyle on January 13 to ask that question. In it, he cited the high local unemployment rate, and the risk the ongoing short-term rental restrictions pose for the local business community. Provincial vacancy rate requirements have been met, most recently hitting 6.9% at the end of 2025 (requirement is 3%).

The Chamber has had this legislation in its sights for several years. Highlights include:

October 26, 2023 – Bill 35 Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act adopted Public response from Kelowna Chamber opposing

May 1, 2024 – Bill 35 comes into effect May 30, 2024 BC Chamber members adopt Kelowna policy “A balanced approach to implementing new short-term rentals legislation”

2024-2025  – Successful advocacy with City of Kelowna to relax its more stringent application of the legislation

October 31, 2025 – Chamber writes public letter to Mayor and Council asking City to pursue early exemption at November 3 Council meeting

December 18, 2025 – Minister Boyle says she is open to starting a conversation with Kelowna around early exemption https://vicnews.com/2025/12/18/no-short-term-rental-rule-exception-for-world-cup-but-kelowna-may-get
-one-soon/

January 13, 2026  – Chamber writes to Minister Boyle to ask for early exemption as City meets all
provincial requirements. As of January 26, no acknowledgement or response from the Minister.

January 20, 2026 – Chamber supports City of Kelowna at Short Term Rentals Information Session

January 26, 2026 – Chamber distributes media release calling for early exemption from province

February 9, 2026 – Subzone Text amendment goes to City Council (allowing STRs once exempt)

Greenwood is very cautiously hopeful. “We are in discussions with the City, with our members, with some of the providers such as Airbnb – we know Kelowna has a strong business case, that strata councils are involved, individual owners are involved, developers are involved – anything we can do to increase the likelihood of helping fill up our restaurants, our sports attractions, including the Memorial Cup starting May 21, Touchdown Kelowna June 27 & July 4, The Soccer Premier Spring Cup/Canada Day Cup in July and the BC Summer Games July 22.”

“We’re not advocating opening up non-traditional properties in family neighbourhoods to wild west rentals. We are asking the City and the Province, very respectfully, to revisit the impact the 2024 legislation has had on properties that were designed from the get-go for short term rentals: mini-suites, many near the waterfront. Having these units filled will help take the pressure off travelers who haven’t been able to book traditional hotel and motel space, will give Kelowna’s wedding business a shot in the arm, will take visitors into the downtown centres, boost the taxi/rideshare businesses, and make storefront retailers much happier.”

City of Kelowna staff say they are doing everything possible to be ready for STR licensing. They have drafted zoning bylaw changes, discussed with strata and property owners, worked with transit on projected usage, and are constantly updating their City Short Term Rental webpages to help those involved with applications, submission dates, and necessary information as the Province considers an early exemption. https://www.kelowna.ca/business-services/permits-licences/short-term-rentals

Greenwood concludes, “The Kelowna Chamber is working with members, tourism organizations, the City and its elected MLAs to ensure we’re ready and welcoming as soon as possible. We’re not content to wait until November 1ˢᵗ for an automatic exemption.”

Derek Gratz is President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce