According to Tourism Kelowna, Kelowna attracted 2.1 million visitors in 2018.
Of these 2.1 million people, 55 percent traveled for leisure, nine percent for business, and 35 percent came to visit family and friends.
But only 37 percent of these visitors stayed in hotels or motels during their city visit.
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Airbnb operators in Kelowna face $ 500 a day after the July 1st licensing period
This could explain the recent surge in short-term rental listings in Kelowna.
Between 2017 and 2018, the number of short-term rentals rose from just under 1,200 to just under 2,000 – an increase of 69 percent, according to the city.
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Greg Wise, Kelowna City’s business licensing manager, calls short-term rentals “essentially a home business.”
WATCH BELOW (airing December 5, 2018): Kelowna restricts short-term rentals to primary homes and prohibits vacation rentals in secondary suites
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Kelowna restricts short-term rentals to primary homes and prohibits vacation rentals in secondary suites
Kelowna restricts short-term rentals to primary homes and prohibits vacation rentals in secondary suites – December 5, 2018
To keep up with changes in Kelowna’s housing needs, new regulations will apply starting Tuesday for those looking to rent their homes.
For homeowners who operate a short-term rental, this means acquiring a business license.
“Those looking to rent their home on short notice are encouraged to obtain a business license by July 1,” said Wise.
“After this two-month time window has expired, operators are expected to offer a property without a commercial license or who violate the associated regulations.”
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WATCH BELOW (Aired Mar 13, 2019): Kelowna City Council is holding a public hearing on short-term rentals
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Kelowna City Council is holding a public hearing on short-term rentals
Kelowna City Council to Host Public Hearing on Short Term Rentals – March 13, 2019
According to the City of Kelowna, homeowners with the appropriate business license can rent their property for 29 days or less. However, some properties near tourist destinations do not require licensing.
The change is in an effort to “support consistency within the Kelowna accommodation industry,” said Wise.
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Nova Scotia plans to regulate short-term rents to help expand the sector
Those applying for their business license can do so by completing a number of forms on the Kelowna City website.
The forms include proof of residence, mandatory safety instructions and a neighborhood agreement.
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The city council says it will consider changing short-term rental standards for secondary suites and coach houses in the near future.
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