it is so easy to focus on airbnb as a causation of the lack of affordable rentals in Tofino. However that would be overlooking the myriad of variables that have caused these problems. The popularity of Tofino has made it so more people can be employed in this tiny town. This creates more need for housing. Also the more tourist there are, the more rooms for rent are needed. It is absurd to micro manage what a person can do with their own house. Just because airbnb is much more efficient and simple a method of getting bookings for one's house than listing it with the chamber of commerce, does not create the demand for said rooms. The government has put much redtape and charges to decrease the likelihood of people people building. They also change the zoning and bylawa and policies every few years so it is not out of the norm that peo0ple have put plans forward under one zoning and by the time the house is built, the zoning has changed. Also the global real estate investment bubble has also made tofino more unaffordable to own housing hence discouraging people to stay long term. The homeowners also pay much higher taxes as a result and would like to recuperate their value quicker, hence using the efficiency of airbnb. Illegal vacation rentals has been an unaddressed issue way before airbnb existed. But it is easier to scapegoat airbnb. Vancouver also likes to blame airbnb for their affordable housing shortage. Little is mentioned that there has been a massive reduction in coop housing since the 80s. Little is mentioned in the massive land handouts to developer friends of the government. IF I was a landowner in Tofino, I would not even hesitate to use airbnb as opposed to longterm rental. Tofino has a transient community due to the nature of the economy. No jobs in the winter so how does one stay permanently? If one if not tied down to the community, One tends to be more unreliable in paying rents, consistent leasing, and perhaps even upkeep and respect for the household. Hence the owners being wary of longterm rental as opposed to short term. There is an insurance policy for unruly guests within the airbnb license. The municipal government has no means of insuring the houses for any damages incurred during long term rentals. I am sure we could eek out some more points but rant is over..
We're going to build a wall! A great wall! Airbnb is sending their guests here, but they're not sending their best. They're bringing drugs.They're bringing crime. They're rapists. Some, I guess, might be good people. We're going to build a wall..... and Airbnb is going to pay for it!
Enough talk about Airbnb. Let's talk about a different problem that plagues our town. Dogshit. It's everywhere. People just won't clean up behind their dogs. The district needs to get pro-active in the enforcement of the dogshit bylaws, and get out there and actively seek out the offenders and bring them to justice! Dog licence fees for responsible pet owners can be tripled or quadrupled to supply the funds to pay for this increased enforcement.--------- Does this sound ridiculous to you? Well, this is what the District of Tofino is doing, regarding short term rental enforcement. People who have done absolutely nothing wrong are being penalized with exorbitant licence fees, in order to pay for the prior lack of action by council regarding the issue. Tofino council motus operandi-- Do Nothing, Raise Taxes.
Agree, this writer is worse than a Putin propaganda campaign. Overreaching with the metaphors and analogies. Just regulate and enforce, simple. VR's and Airbnb, the scapegoat my ass. Are these your best alternate facts.
Haha I just had coffee with 3 owners of B&B's about the renewal of a business license. None were checked, inspected or questioned about extra rooms..... sounds like the doubling of fees was just a cash grab!
Uh no 11:41, actually the district is checking according to one source I heard one B&B owner was told by letter to cease and desist exceeding their 6 person occupancy. So they have received their warning letter. If they proceed, they do so at their financial peril. I suspect they will be checking vehicle numbers and guest registrations during the year. The letter was back in December. The district office staff taking the money and doing the business licenses are not the bylaw compliance checkers.
the by-law person is telling the folks with multiple VR suites to remove the doors when he inspects. as long as he can't see more than 3 bedrooms to rent...... so 3 suites and the owners/onsite care takers suite.........and a few more
Hopefully the bylaw folks will be performing random inspections of places during the year to see that the doors remain removed. The bigger VR problem is how do you advertise your units without the district knowing you are exceeding your 6 person limit per B&B? To fill the spaces you need to advertise somehow and the district has accommodation scanning software running.
Our luxurious guesthouse is the perfect place for your stay in Tofino. The Homestead is in the heart of Tofino yet you'll feel like you're an entire world away. Located on a rock point, you sit high above the water with a front row view of amazing wildlife and serene sunsets. Magnificent marine mammals and majestic birds are not an uncommon sight. From this two unit guesthouse you can enjoy the larger 5 bed/3 bath unit with all the amenities of home including a comfy storm watch room. The space Accommodates: 10 Bathrooms: 3 Bedrooms: 5 Beds: 5 Check In: Anytime after 4PM Check Out: 11AM Property type: Guesthouse Room type: Entire home/apt House Rules
The Nook is minutes from the beaches & town. This stunning timber frame home has an open concept living room, gourmet kitchen, hot tub & plenty of room for everyone! Come enjoy the inlet views, star-gazing hot tub & everything Tofino has to offer!
* Please note that our cleaning fee includes gst (Canadian Tax) under Airbnb's recommendations until they are able to incorporate it into their platform. The space Accommodates: 10 Bathrooms: 2.5 Bedrooms: 4 Beds: 7 Check In: Anytime after 4PM Check Out: 10AM Pet Owner: Dog(s) Property type: House Room type: Entire home/apt House Rules Amenities Kitchen Internet TV Essentials Prices Extra people: No Charge Cleaning Fee: $200CAD Security Deposit: $300CAD Monthly Discount: 10% Cancellation: Strict Weekend Price: $589 CAD / night https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/9274274?guests=10&adults=10&children=0&infants=0&s=1Jbweb54
Sleeping arrangements Bedroom 1 1 king bed, 1 couch Bedroom 2 1 queen bed Bedroom 3 1 queen bed Bedroom 4 4 single beds
The space
The Nook Guest House at Jensen’s Bay enlightens a true West Coast experience. Wrapped in old growth trees at the end of the road, with a back yard that opens on to the tidal flats of Clayoquot Sound; which is one of the most densely populated areas for wildlife. The Nook Guest House is conveniently located just under 1km to South Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay, Tofino’s premier beaches for surfing, beachcombing, bonfires, and storm gazing.
I'd be VERY surprised if the above listed properties haven't received some sort of notice from the district already. There isn't a property in Tofino that isn't on the district's radar. Sort of guilty-until-proven-innocent (by inspection).
As mentioned before- they have software that will tell them. It's also still a small town. We all know which places are operating illegally or advertising too many suites, or too many beds.
I would even venture to say that if you (Ralph) set-up a new post for everyone to share their "findings" it would be filled rather quickly with people positing which ones were still out there. Might be nice to have that avenue to post anonymously (which you can't do with a formal bylaw complaint).
I'm pretty sure if I spent 30 minutes on AirBnb, VRBO, tofinovr.com, staytofino.com, viewwest.com, and tofinobeach.com, I'd be able to come up with a list pretty quick.
When does this new bylaw person start? You know- the one hired with the money from increasing business licence fees for the LEGAL rentals?
Nobody cares? That implies that the status quo needs changing.
People who post here obviously care. Rather than wallowing in the philosophy of not being able to do something, perhaps give writing a letter to council a try. Officially they are paid to listen. Somethings might change if you do that. If you do nothing then nothing will change.
Better to be part of the solution than just throwing up comments of despair. Governments are like speeding trucks on a straight highway. Once started they keep going and it is hard to change their direction. It takes effort. Write that letter to bylaws linking to this blog page.
Quote from another comment..... "The housing crisis in Tofino falls squarely on the backs of the District. Taking years to rezone land for housing and outrageous municipal cost charges to develop housing is a total disgrace and a disservice to the residents of our community. Councillors may own homes, but what about the rest of us living in dingy overpriced basement suites, if we are lucky."---------------------- There are others who choose to blame the lack of housing on short term rentals. This is what the mayor and council WANT you to believe. It's not true. Tourism is the backbone of our economy. Those short term rentals exist because there's a demand for them, visitors want accomodations. Not everyone, especially families with several children or travelling with in-laws want to stay in a motel room, they need more space and multiple beds. Attacking the tourism industry is a poor excuse of a solution to the housing shortage. But this is the solution that council has decided upon: Raise taxes, raise fees, hire more staff, blame someone else. The actual solution to the lack of housing is simple. BUILD MORE HOUSING. There are developers ready to move ahead with the construction but they have a big obstacle to overcome before they can proceed: zoning and development policies that prohibit and hamstring the development of any type of affordable housing, and a total failure of mayor and council to address the issue in any type of a reasonable manner. (except to approve a temporary illegal campground). RAISE TAXES-DO NOTHING. Tofino's new motto. Perhaps a few pink slips handed out in the office of community sustainability would "shake the tree". No one there seems to be capable of doing their job in a timely manner that serves the community. Months and months and years to approve or reject a development proposal- disgusting.
I met with the planner a few days ago. Any proposal can be dealt with while Mr Rodgers is away.There is potential for a subdivision between Shelter and the school.Affordability might be a stumbling block.
11:37, has nailed it, zoning and development policies by the District have killed any opportunities for developers to provide affordable housing. While the OCP talks about encouraging affordable housing it is only talk, in reality the District has done everything it can to discourage any housing.
Why would developers built affordable housing when they can generate more money for themselves by building and selling higher end housing and commercial operations? Who wants to rent to seasonal workers with all the attached problems? Any volunteers?
1:04 you are correct. The only way that will happen is if the District forces the development of affordable housing. They have it in their power to release land based on a specific development permit. If the district had the will it could be done. Problem is, they are too busy blaming airbnb and vrbo for the shortage of affordable housing. It's a ruse and they are shirking their civic duty.
28 comments:
it is so easy to focus on airbnb as a causation of the lack of affordable rentals in Tofino. However that would be overlooking the myriad of variables that have caused these problems. The popularity of Tofino has made it so more people can be employed in this tiny town. This creates more need for housing. Also the more tourist there are, the more rooms for rent are needed. It is absurd to micro manage what a person can do with their own house. Just because airbnb is much more efficient and simple a method of getting bookings for one's house than listing it with the chamber of commerce, does not create the demand for said rooms. The government has put much redtape and charges to decrease the likelihood of people people building. They also change the zoning and bylawa and policies every few years so it is not out of the norm that peo0ple have put plans forward under one zoning and by the time the house is built, the zoning has changed. Also the global real estate investment bubble has also made tofino more unaffordable to own housing hence discouraging people to stay long term. The homeowners also pay much higher taxes as a result and would like to recuperate their value quicker, hence using the efficiency of airbnb. Illegal vacation rentals has been an unaddressed issue way before airbnb existed. But it is easier to scapegoat airbnb. Vancouver also likes to blame airbnb for their affordable housing shortage. Little is mentioned that there has been a massive reduction in coop housing since the 80s. Little is mentioned in the massive land handouts to developer friends of the government. IF I was a landowner in Tofino, I would not even hesitate to use airbnb as opposed to longterm rental. Tofino has a transient community due to the nature of the economy. No jobs in the winter so how does one stay permanently? If one if not tied down to the community, One tends to be more unreliable in paying rents, consistent leasing, and perhaps even upkeep and respect for the household. Hence the owners being wary of longterm rental as opposed to short term. There is an insurance policy for unruly guests within the airbnb license. The municipal government has no means of insuring the houses for any damages incurred during long term rentals. I am sure we could eek out some more points but rant is over..
We're going to build a wall! A great wall! Airbnb is sending their guests here, but they're not sending their best. They're bringing drugs.They're bringing crime. They're rapists. Some, I guess, might be good people. We're going to build a wall..... and Airbnb is going to pay for it!
Enough talk about Airbnb. Let's talk about a different problem that plagues our town. Dogshit. It's everywhere. People just won't clean up behind their dogs. The district needs to get pro-active in the enforcement of the dogshit bylaws, and get out there and actively seek out the offenders and bring them to justice! Dog licence fees for responsible pet owners can be tripled or quadrupled to supply the funds to pay for this increased enforcement.--------- Does this sound ridiculous to you? Well, this is what the District of Tofino is doing, regarding short term rental enforcement. People who have done absolutely nothing wrong are being penalized with exorbitant licence fees, in order to pay for the prior lack of action by council regarding the issue. Tofino council motus operandi-- Do Nothing, Raise Taxes.
Not true. We have the Weeping Willow Woman !! Also known as Wolf Tits .
For god's sake, you said the rant was over, enough of your self serving bs.
Agree, this writer is worse than a Putin propaganda campaign. Overreaching with the metaphors and analogies. Just regulate and enforce, simple. VR's and Airbnb, the scapegoat my ass. Are these your best alternate facts.
Haha I just had coffee with 3 owners of B&B's about the renewal of a business license. None were checked, inspected or questioned about extra rooms..... sounds like the doubling of fees was just a cash grab!
God bless Tofino
Uh no 11:41, actually the district is checking according to one source I heard one B&B owner was told by letter to cease and desist exceeding their 6 person occupancy. So they have received their warning letter.
If they proceed, they do so at their financial peril.
I suspect they will be checking vehicle numbers and guest registrations during the year.
The letter was back in December.
The district office staff taking the money and doing the business licenses are not the bylaw compliance checkers.
Some running multiple illegal units are advised to remove doors separating suites.
the by-law person is telling the folks with multiple VR suites to remove the doors when he inspects. as long as he can't see more than 3 bedrooms to rent......
so 3 suites and the owners/onsite care takers suite.........and a few more
Hopefully the bylaw folks will be performing random inspections of places during the year to see that the doors remain removed. The bigger VR problem is how do you advertise your units without the district knowing you are exceeding your 6 person limit per B&B?
To fill the spaces you need to advertise somehow and the district has accommodation scanning software running.
Just call your operation a "student dormitory" and bylaw will look the other way.Everybody is doing it ! Don't be a sucker and play by the rules .
https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/15788383?guests=10&adults=10&children=0&infants=0&s=1Jbweb54
About this listing
Our luxurious guesthouse is the perfect place for your stay in Tofino. The Homestead is in the heart of Tofino yet you'll feel like you're an entire world away. Located on a rock point, you sit high above the water with a front row view of amazing wildlife and serene sunsets. Magnificent marine mammals and majestic birds are not an uncommon sight. From this two unit guesthouse you can enjoy the larger 5 bed/3 bath unit with all the amenities of home including a comfy storm watch room.
The space
Accommodates: 10
Bathrooms: 3
Bedrooms: 5
Beds: 5
Check In: Anytime after 4PM
Check Out: 11AM
Property type: Guesthouse
Room type: Entire home/apt
House Rules
The Nook is minutes from the beaches & town. This stunning timber frame home has an open concept living room, gourmet kitchen, hot tub & plenty of room for everyone! Come enjoy the inlet views, star-gazing hot tub & everything Tofino has to offer!
* Please note that our cleaning fee includes gst (Canadian Tax) under Airbnb's recommendations until they are able to incorporate it into their platform.
The space
Accommodates: 10
Bathrooms: 2.5
Bedrooms: 4
Beds: 7
Check In: Anytime after 4PM
Check Out: 10AM
Pet Owner: Dog(s)
Property type: House
Room type: Entire home/apt
House Rules
Amenities
Kitchen
Internet
TV
Essentials
Prices
Extra people: No Charge
Cleaning Fee: $200CAD
Security Deposit: $300CAD
Monthly Discount: 10%
Cancellation: Strict
Weekend Price: $589 CAD / night
https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/9274274?guests=10&adults=10&children=0&infants=0&s=1Jbweb54
Sleeping arrangements
Bedroom 1
1 king bed, 1 couch
Bedroom 2
1 queen bed
Bedroom 3
1 queen bed
Bedroom 4
4 single beds
The space
The Nook Guest House at Jensen’s Bay enlightens a true West Coast experience. Wrapped in old growth trees at the end of the road, with a back yard that opens on to the tidal flats of Clayoquot Sound; which is one of the most densely populated areas for wildlife. The Nook Guest House is conveniently located just under 1km to South Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay, Tofino’s premier beaches for surfing, beachcombing, bonfires, and storm gazing.
looks like bylaw missed a few
I'd be VERY surprised if the above listed properties haven't received some sort of notice from the district already. There isn't a property in Tofino that isn't on the district's radar. Sort of guilty-until-proven-innocent (by inspection).
As mentioned before- they have software that will tell them. It's also still a small town. We all know which places are operating illegally or advertising too many suites, or too many beds.
I would even venture to say that if you (Ralph) set-up a new post for everyone to share their "findings" it would be filled rather quickly with people positing which ones were still out there. Might be nice to have that avenue to post anonymously (which you can't do with a formal bylaw complaint).
I'm pretty sure if I spent 30 minutes on AirBnb, VRBO, tofinovr.com, staytofino.com, viewwest.com, and tofinobeach.com, I'd be able to come up with a list pretty quick.
When does this new bylaw person start? You know- the one hired with the money from increasing business licence fees for the LEGAL rentals?
Google Seastar Tofino . 3 suites. Bylaw doesn't give a flying fuck. Thats just one example.
Nobody cares?
That implies that the status quo needs changing.
People who post here obviously care.
Rather than wallowing in the philosophy of not being able to do something, perhaps give writing a letter to council a try. Officially they are paid to listen. Somethings might change if you do that. If you do nothing then nothing will change.
Better to be part of the solution than just throwing up comments of despair. Governments are like speeding trucks on a straight highway. Once started they keep going and it is hard to change their direction.
It takes effort.
Write that letter to bylaws linking to this blog page.
Quote from another comment..... "The housing crisis in Tofino falls squarely on the backs of the District. Taking years to rezone land for housing and outrageous municipal cost charges to develop housing is a total disgrace and a disservice to the residents of our community. Councillors may own homes, but what about the rest of us living in dingy overpriced basement suites, if we are lucky."---------------------- There are others who choose to blame the lack of housing on short term rentals. This is what the mayor and council WANT you to believe. It's not true. Tourism is the backbone of our economy. Those short term rentals exist because there's a demand for them, visitors want accomodations. Not everyone, especially families with several children or travelling with in-laws want to stay in a motel room, they need more space and multiple beds. Attacking the tourism industry is a poor excuse of a solution to the housing shortage. But this is the solution that council has decided upon: Raise taxes, raise fees, hire more staff, blame someone else. The actual solution to the lack of housing is simple. BUILD MORE HOUSING. There are developers ready to move ahead with the construction but they have a big obstacle to overcome before they can proceed: zoning and development policies that prohibit and hamstring the development of any type of affordable housing, and a total failure of mayor and council to address the issue in any type of a reasonable manner. (except to approve a temporary illegal campground). RAISE TAXES-DO NOTHING. Tofino's new motto. Perhaps a few pink slips handed out in the office of community sustainability would "shake the tree". No one there seems to be capable of doing their job in a timely manner that serves the community. Months and months and years to approve or reject a development proposal- disgusting.
Not much chance of any forward motion on any development issues this month. Gone surfing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hola,
Thanks for your email, unfortunately I am out of the office until Monday, January 29th 2017. I will be checking the surf and not my email.
For Planning enquires please contact Dana Hawkins at dhawkins@tofino.ca or 250 725 3229 x703
For Recreation questions you can reach Jess Towers at jtowers@tofino.ca or 250 725 3229 x705
For Emergency Preparedness please try Keith Orchiston at korchiston@tofino.ca or 250 725 3229 x708
All the best,
Aaron
I met with the planner a few days ago. Any proposal can be dealt with while Mr Rodgers is away.There is potential for a subdivision between Shelter and the school.Affordability might be a stumbling block.
Mr. Rodgers is entitled to his vacation like anyone else. There is plenty of room for criticism without making it personal.
Totally agree...... There's plenty of room for criticism.
11:37, has nailed it, zoning and development policies by the District have killed any opportunities for developers to provide affordable housing. While the OCP talks about encouraging affordable housing it is only talk, in reality the District has done everything it can to discourage any housing.
Why would developers built affordable housing when they can generate more money for themselves by building and selling higher end housing and commercial operations?
Who wants to rent to seasonal workers with all the attached problems? Any volunteers?
I have an nice empty house - I am not renting it to anyone given the last set of issues I had with seasonal workers.
1:04 you are correct. The only way that will happen is if the District forces the development of affordable housing. They have it in their power to release land based on a specific development permit. If the district had the will it could be done. Problem is, they are too busy blaming airbnb and vrbo for the shortage of affordable housing. It's a ruse and they are shirking their civic duty.
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