A couple years ago there was a public meeting at the community center regarding the affordable housing proposal coming before council at the time. I believe the tally of public input was 53 against and two non committed. Letters to council were about the same ratio. Council then proceeded to pass the proposal in total disregard to what the electorate asked for. Both Mc Master and Anderson were a part of this.
Soon after that happened, the taxpayers of Tofino were once again screwed over on the funding proposal for the free bus. This wasn't even debated or allowed to be influenced by public input. Instead, despite public disapproval including a petition,it was adopted through the alternate approval process. Both McMaster and Anderson were a part of this also.
On Tuesday, the electorate were once again ignored, despite much input against opting into the province's legislation, and five people, again including McMaster and Anderson, again defied the stated wishes of the electorate and passed the resolution.
Who appointed these guys God? How can two stupid men possibly obtain such power over the lives of others? How can five unqualified people be permitted to ignore the input of the entire electorate and make such decisions? Why do we, as citizens, bother to write to mayor and council with our ideas and opinions, when all of our input is simply ignored? Why do we taxpayers pay for something called "Talk Tofino", when the input gained there is only ignored? Why do we pay huge salaries to educated and experienced district staff for their work, if they're only going to be over-ruled and their advice ignored?
They said that they weren't sure this was a good idea, but it seemed like the best option available at this time....... WTF!! Passing this bill did great harm to a lot of people!
Both McMaster and Anderson have a long history of ignoring the people who elected them and acting instead on their own personal feelings. With age comes wisdom. Not in Tofino.
Those five people (mayor and council).....were elected to represent the wishes of their constituents.
"...the district received 117 letters about the issue with about 54 per cent opposed to opting in, 34 per cent in favour of opting in and the remaining 12 per cent not stating a clear preference.
A similar breakdown was seen in the feedback provided to the district’s TalkTofino online portal where 58 per cent of respondents were against opting in and 33 per cent were in favour."
Instead of listening to the people who elected them, those five people took it upon themselves to presume that they are far more wise and skilled and experienced than the majority of the electorate, smarter than the professionals that have been hired to guide us through these complicated processes and simply voted to go ahead with something they "felt" might possibly be the best idea available to them at this time.
Those five people, on Tuesday, did a lot of damage to a lot of people in our community.
Ego. Run amok!
Those five people.......We will not forget what you have done.
Diversity is our strength. This presents a great opportunity for some of these houses to be converted to safe injection sites and warming shelters. Also, there is a need for accommodations for Hamas terrorists and Haitian gang members. This would create some good union jobs and people would move here.
Interesting how McMaster profited from tourists over the years. McMaster bought the old Gull Cottage BNB on Lynn Rd and when competition increased he sold for a tidy profit. Now that his ‘investment’ days have passed he can sit high & mighty dictating to others how business is to be carried out in the same town that attracted his investment dollars. Many of us were here long before he arrived. Rather than clean up & shut down the illegal STR’s they take the cheap shot approach & go after properties that were specifically zoned from the get go. This isn’t a South Chesterman example? I do believe it is about ‘feelings’ - a personal vendetta from people that ‘missed out’ on investing into ‘safe’ STR’s? One has to wonder? The onus of housing should not be on existing home owners but govt itself. I hope all of Fred Tibbs & Eik can sit empty. Slap in the face to these ego driven councillors. Tofino councils have always had these ‘players’ We vote them in & they screw us over for their own self interests. Such a joke !
There are more van and trailer dwellers than millionaire realtors and rich kid investors. Everybody gets one vote. Duncan volunteers at the food bank . What do you do for the community ? Have you ever run for office ? Many people here are self-centered .
Gonna get rid of those nasty short term rentals and gonna get rid of their nasty side effects too, things like jobs, paycheques, self employed taxable incomes.
Duncan and Al and mayor Dan gonna fix Tofino's broken society. Just ask 'em.
I am thrilled at Mayor and (5) Councillors taking a stand against the dark hole that the no holds barred, short-term rental situation in Tofino has created. And I want to applaud Kat Thomas for these words: "I’m not worried about having staff in agreement with me because we’re not taking direction from staff. We’re not taking biassed reports. We are here to make tough decisions."
I did not write in to Talk Tofino, nor did I write a letter that was seen by staff. I did speak to Councillors privately and I know others who did so as well. So for those of you who want to cite the 55% against opting in, you know sh**.
The wah, wah, wah cries are tiresome. Welcome to the real world where investments go up and down, sometimes based on government decisions. Or are you worried that your precious wine gatherings and rich lifestyles are threatened.
And as for jobs being lost. I seem to recall businesses complaining that they couldn't get/find enough staff to work and businesses shut down because they had no employees. Because there was no place for them to live.
Are the same crying voices the ones that were asking for government support last summer when the road was closed and they didn't make enough money as during COVID. When Tofino saw a massive spike in visitation.
This decision gives me hope that maybe Tofino will survive as a community, and maybe, once again thrive as a COMMUNITY.
Thanks to Council for doing your job. Council makes decisions. No one voted for anyone currently on staff.
Council, you have made the right decision. Other aspects of the bylaws can be updated going forward.
It is hard for a lot of people to want to get involved when the proponents of "no change" are as loud and demanding and as. well.... intimidating as they have been. It reminds me of the radicals in the seventies who doubted the notion of the silent majority. A majority who were hesitant to enter the fray when it was so vitriolic.....but they came out to vote at election time.
BC Assessment tells me my property values have gone up, (skyrocketed) tripled in the last five years, because my property has several of the "attributes" desirable by the VR market . I don't do VR, I am not struggling to buy into Tofino but everyone is paying for this "wild west VR housing market as my Property Taxes have followed suit. I am trying to rationalize staying in Tofino.
Your recent display of spine gives me hope that there are still a few reasons to want to live in "tough".
So let me see if I understand the complaints of people who didn't want to opt in. You own a property at Eik or Fred Tibbs but you vacation rental that property. Where do you live? If you live in Tofino, you own more than one property. If you don't live in Tofino, you really shouldn't get a say in what the town decides. In either scenario, you are doing short term rental, why? Out of the goodness of your heart to provide tourists with a place to stay while they are in Tofino? How magnanimous of you. Although I suspect it's so that you can make money. Nothing wrong with making money. I like money. I think everybody should make money. I myself didn't invest in real estate in Tofino. I couldn't afford to. But now you complain even though are the lucky ones who already have a place to live.
the taxpayers who don't complain may agree with councils decision but don't stand up and yell about it. council is doing its job of straightening out a long neglected mess of abuses of the residential Community. those who just want to carry on living here unabused by over zealous use of houses for vr purposes owned strictly for investment income. using 3 times as much water as a normal residence for one thing...owner operator is tolerable. paying residential taxes on a commercial use for another...driving property values sky high based on sales of vrs..... Using the required caretaker suite as an extra VR.. Using many motorhomes and trailers for VR purposes.etc.etc. It's gotten so that no one likes anything that the council decides so for years it's tres laissez-faire in terms of By-law enforcement, approval of residential subdivisions or housing... A permanent long-term solution to a water source to alleviate annual water jitters, an intelligent affordable housing program on District land that didn't result in a slave quarters....cutting a tree down........
117 letters of which 54% were against opting in is about 63 letters against opting in.
Tofino's population is 2516 residents. 63 of 2516 is 2.5% of the population.
39% in favour is about 45 letters or 1.7% of the population. I am assuming that those who didn't want Tofino to opt in were the most vocal interested in having their voice heard.
How much influence are you going to have come election time? Remember, you only get one vote.
Since when did every single situation of someone who chooses to short term rental, become a millionaire investor?
Let me break the math down for you. We’re a 5th generation family living on the same property since the early 1900’s. We have a mortgage. That mortgage is only for $700k, yet it’s $4000/m. News flash! These family properties are still usually bought by the younger generations so the previous owners can have some semblance of retirement. Our property tax is $12,000/year, home insurance $6000/ year. Those of you who aren’t very good at math, that’s $5500/month, before any bills. We have a young child, and with no daycare available at this age, only one parent works, and makes a whole $90,000/ year. After tax, you guessed it, around $50,000 net.
Oh, but that’s not enough to pay even pay the mortgage/insurance and property tax. Never mind eat, keep the lights on and look after a small child.
So yes, we choose to STR our suite as it brings in a whopping $25,000/year, after tax and expenses, that’s about $15,000. We could long term rent it, and give up all of our rights as a landlord. Then it takes ONE tenant, who does not pay rent, and is protected by the BS tenancy laws, and we can’t pay our mortgage.
I’m sorry for the people who invested in properties to vacation rent out, however you speculated that it would always be ok, and now it’s not. Sell or rent long term to locals desperate for housing.
700k left on a mortgage from 2 decades ago? 15k /12 months would be $1250 monthly rent for a long term tenant to pay you to match the 'income' Your math isn't mathing
3:12PM. Yes, family properties are typically sold to family, not gifted. Then the seller can actually ‘cash out’ and retire elsewhere. Albeit, typically at a lower price.
The monthly rent isn’t the issue; it’s the lack of rights a landlord holds is the issue.
I have no skin in the game yet both sides of this argument have merit. The only falsehood i see is that this will in ANY way fix this housing situation. The math does not woek. The couuncil and staff have never been financial gurus going back to 2000. I'm not sure why council seems to think they are so wise and thoughtfull. I watched the meeting and there was alot of talk from council while saying nothing of value. Community input be dammed. Time for a change people. They changed the rules for rule following law abiding people to crush retirment funds and future rights...What comes next from this very left leaning crew? be careful who you vote for. Council are not bad people but are they wise and intelligent enough to deal with this situation.
It was time the town did something about the out of control VR's. Thank you mayor and council. While I say thank you to the current Mayor and Council's decision, if previous mayors and councils had thought more about some of the decisions they were making in the past, we would perhaps be collectively way better off. We lost a huge number of contributing community members over this fiasco of vacation rentals.
Because of the lack of housing our prized Sobo Restaurant had to close because they could not find enough staff.
There is a lot of negativity being directed at certain councilors. All those who make personal attacks on certain councilors are really showing their gutless, stupid, naked self interest. Where were you when the last election was open to your running for council. You were hiding in the weeds. No need for public service if someone else was offering up their time and commitment. Mayor by acclimation.......seven candidates for six Council positions. Where was your "robust" sense of civic duty. It was nowhere to be found. Where is your robust engagement on so many issues. You don't care unless it affected you directly. There is only one issue that interests you.......your pocket full of money.....Let someone else waste their time in public service, eh Just show me the money. I have agreed and disagreed over the years with everyone of this Mayor and Council, on a wide variety of subjects, but always about policy differences, They are willing to serve. and every one of them is doing their best for this town. They should be respected for that.at least.
You who criticize them not for their work or dedication or even their position, but launch personal attacks, threatening attacks, you are scum. We will see who runs next time. Go ahead throw you hat in the ring but be prepared to have your ass handed to you and have people call you out. Your interest in the town is so shallow....You are only interested in your self interest.
If SOBO couldn't find/keep staff it wasn't the fault of STR's.
As a landlord, I can assure you that restaurant staff are low on the list of people we want as tenants. Most are here for 6-8 months, then they're gone. The rent might be paid, maybe. Then we get to clean the place, repair the damages, (the security deposit never covers the expenses) then find and screen new tenants. Likewise staff at the resorts and hotels. They're temporary seasonal workers, not members of the community. To be fair, this is not true of all of them, some staff members are excellent tenants, nice people, and good neighbours.
But I'll estimate that 70-80% are potential problem tenants. Just one bad one can wreck your entire year, and cost you thousands in losses, and the residential tenancy act then protects them, and they know this. The reason they can't find a place to live is because no one wants to rent to them, they're savages!, not because of STR's.
Short term rental guests, on the other hand, are financially secure, guaranteed by VISA, and if they cause a problem at least you know they'll be gone usually within a week with any cleaning and damage costs easily resolved. The vast majority, probably 90-98%, are nice people, respectful, and behave themselves because they're aware that they don't have the protection of the residential tenancy act, and their VISA is going to be called to account for any foolishness.
This urban legend that former STR's can simply be turned over into long term rentals is a lie, a farce, a dream that someone in politics wants you to believe. It's not going to happen. Those suites will remain vacant, there will be very little addition to the housing stock in Tofino.
6:18 I don't know how SOBO could have been mismanaged as the business survived 20 years under the same management and only closed when the staffing issues made serving dinners impossible and it unprofitable.
9:45 I totally agree. I there was any bad business decision it was in supporting every Community ask and to provide a quality meal at a price many locals could afford. I applaud them for that and wish Lisa all the best for the future.
10:10 the only thing missing from your statements is the VR guest impact on the neighbouring properties that just happen to be residential occupied by working couples with children. Some, not all, VR guests are loud, noisy, boisterous, party late in the hot tub, add alcohol, and a multitude of occupants. Granted they're predominantly well behaved however the unequal impact upon the municipal systems is unmentioned. water consumption records show that many VR's use three times as much daily water as a normal household uses. that translates into three times a normal property waste water production. in view of the tax base being used to pay for a new sewer system the VR properties do not pay anything more than normal residential taxes. This seems to be swept under the carpet or nobody notices. It doesn't seem to be brought up by anybody on council altho many residents not doing VR's see this happening.
10:41. There are 26 units at Tibbs. They are all serviced through one water meter. There are 16 units at Eik. They are all serviced through one water meter.
Please explain the formulae that you use to determine that these units use "three times as much" water as normal households. Perhaps Trudeau is helping you with your math? or Josie? Or perhaps you're just making up bullsh*t "alternate facts" to support your obviously false narrative?
that was not about Fred Tibbs or elk landing......it was about some, not all, random vrs in some neighborhoods. look at the water meter readings if you think that's a false fact......go into the village office and ask to see meter readings for a few select addresses of busy vrs...then a strictly residentia family home. then post your findings. the only thing that's obvious is that no wants to believe some vrs consume more than their fair share of municipal services.
These extreme VR proponents are getting more desperate by the day...Soon they will be baying at the moon. Claiming VR's make the world go round. Claiming absentee owned VR's have saved Tofino. Claiming it's ordinary home owners and tenants that caused the sun not to shine and the rain not to fall. Every thing in Tofino only exists because of VR's Get over it. The town is moving on. I suggest you do the same. If you don't like it here in Tofino sell out and turn your place over to someone who wants to live here. There I've done it. Just explained how you can salvage your legacy. Society has no duty to your enterprise. Move to Ukee and see what they can do for you. Better yet move to Haiti for a form of government that mirrors your philosophy.
Now tell me I am a communist dirt bag resident owner. Bring it on. I love it when you hit me hard.
The justice is that people have become accustomed to abusing the privilege of having a modest vacation rental complying with common sense and decency. The district has for years ignored the folks with three separate VR units in their house or more. Within the last decade it seems to of gotten out of hand with some folks having 4,5,6 or 7 units all catering to short term rental trade. still no bylaw enforcement.....so the vr supporters want every property to be out of control like this? something had to be done before vrs wrecked the place. so stop the music. reset. breathe, relax. we all live here.
Remember this...when the woketatorship takes over real soon hate speech online will become a cause for life imprisonment. based upon anonymous complaints taken to liberal appointees to adjudicate...
Flash NEWS RELEASE!! Tofino harbour waterfront to be zoned residential!! Following council's decision to eliminate vacation rentals at Tibbs and Eik it has been decided to declare the entire harbour waterfront area as residential property. Along with Tibbs and Eik, Whaler's HI hostel, Cermac, Shelter, Tofino resort Marina, Harbour Air, Jamies Whaling Center, Tofino Sea Kayaking, Crazy Ron's, and all other formerly commercial enterprises operating in this area will be required to cease operations, and convert their premises to residential housing. "We could have delayed this", said Mayor Dan, "but people need a place to live right now, so although it's not the best solution, it's something we can do right now, so we're going to adopt it" "We're also looking at solutions including the fourth street dock", added Councillors McMaster and Anderson "People could be living on those boats that are only taking up space which might be better used as long term housing"
Hats off to mayor and council for making the tough choices on behalf of the community!
When the next Tofino election rolls around just ask the candidates these two questions: Do you support the carbon tax ? Did you vote NDP ? If the answer to either is yes, support another candidate.
Tibbs and Eik Landing could apply for commercial zoning and continue nightly rentals if successful . Taxes would triple but at least would still be in business .
10:34 : Tibbs is zoned commercial for the retail units with residential above . It used to have an obsolete “ auto court “ zoning when Al Johnson had the property . It was developed and it didn’t really fit any zone but was designated C2 when bylaws were updated . Much later the C2 zoning had an addition given , allowing for rental when not used for residential . It was a vague addition that didn’t specifically allow short term rentals . I suspect it may take a court ruling to determine allowable use.
a referendum on this issue? with over 260 shot term rental licenses out there, with allegedly onsite caretakers, it doesn't take a mathematician to figure out the pre-ordained results. a real referendum is the next municipal election. pro unlimited vr advocates are welcome to run for council seats and mayor.
1. more affordability and availablitiy of both rental housing and ownership. 2. a lowered property value leading to a lowered property tax.
On the first point, who here thinks that this legisaltion will lower the value of houses, or raw land for that matter. As McMaster said, no more than 10% and it will quickly bounce back. Again, who here things rental rates will go down or that there will be a glut of rental pour onto the market. Prices ease when supply is greater than demand.
On the second, the rate of taxation, the "mill rate", is set by the cash required to "run" the town. Who here believes that the mill rate will go down? If house values were to drop by 15% the fixed costs of operating in the town would need to come down by an equal percentage.
So all you have to believe is- there will be a substantial increase in the number of units available for rent, at a lower rate, that units coming on the market will be affordable to those hoping to purchase, and that decrease in the value of the housing market in Tofino will result in a decreased District budget resulting in lower property taxes. Then you can be sure the decision was one that will prove useful.
Has someone ever calculated the number of units that the private sector was refused zoning for by the Council and District of Tofino. It's been 18 years since a subdivision of any substance was approved. I wonder if that ol supply and demand trick has something more to do with the current situation we find ourselves in that STR.
From the files of ‘shit or get off the pot’ this represents excellent progress. How many municipal governments also have similar issues that have been debated and tabled annually for 10+ years! Congrats for securing a decision! And the correct decision!
Undoubtedly the fact of the Tibbs building being power washed last summer during the extreme water shortage played into the decision made by council. The owners certainly showed no respect to the town.
Ignoring any remedy to the constant extreme water shortage year after year after year undoubtedly shows that council has no respect for the businesses and residents of the town. Don't flush it, instead live in the stench of your own urine, in the heat of summer. Nice.
Aside from pesky provincial woke anti-VR legislation, consider that with the anticipated increase in carbon tax affecting the cost of everything by around a 25% increase, many people might reconsider visiting Tofino and staying here. add an imminent water shortage in the peak of summer, forest fires, and possible road closures all contribute to a perfect storm for a feeble tourist season in the worst case scenario. The increase in carbon tax alone could cause an almost immediate recession affecting all of us. If last year was any indicator of tourism income shortfalls it's time to really pay attention to the things that matter most. Tofino has always been creative and resilient when one industry dies, folks quickly invent another activity to take its place. If tourism is the god that failed it's maybe time to look at other things to do collectively and individually...
Good thinking 11:39. Finding an industry alternative to tourism is a good idea, the golden goose is nearly dead, carbon tax should finally finish her off. (or should that be him...or they... sorry). I've got an idea. Let's combine our reaction to the chaos on the USA southern border with our local Canadian tuna fishing fleet, and go into business with the Mexican cartels. The cartels would probably love to have access to an alternative access to the USA's border, their product could be exempted from restrictions by labelling it "safe supply", and there would be plenty of profits for everyone. Even after carbon tax.
In conjunction with possible water woes, the elephant in the room is the new sewage treatment plant. its supposed to work perfectly with recycled water. If it doesn't and the district has to supply more drinking water to make the thing work right it's something to think about. Let's all assume it's going to work fine and our tax dollars were sort of well spent...
If anyone really wants to know or cares about the impact of VR properties, ask the district to publish the spreadsheet for water consumption per house so we can all see how much water we need dedicate to VR use.
54 comments:
A couple years ago there was a public meeting at the community center regarding the affordable housing proposal coming before council at the time. I believe the tally of public input was 53 against and two non committed. Letters to council were about the same ratio.
Council then proceeded to pass the proposal in total disregard to what the electorate asked for. Both Mc Master and Anderson were a part of this.
Soon after that happened, the taxpayers of Tofino were once again screwed over on the funding proposal for the free bus. This wasn't even debated or allowed to be influenced by public input. Instead, despite public disapproval including a petition,it was adopted through the alternate approval process. Both McMaster and Anderson were a part of this also.
On Tuesday, the electorate were once again ignored, despite much input against opting into the province's legislation, and five people, again including McMaster and Anderson, again defied the stated wishes of the electorate and passed the resolution.
Who appointed these guys God?
How can two stupid men possibly obtain such power over the lives of others?
How can five unqualified people be permitted to ignore the input of the entire electorate and make such decisions?
Why do we, as citizens, bother to write to mayor and council with our ideas and opinions, when all of our input is simply ignored?
Why do we taxpayers pay for something called "Talk Tofino", when the input gained there is only ignored?
Why do we pay huge salaries to educated and experienced district staff for their work, if they're only going to be over-ruled and their advice ignored?
They said that they weren't sure this was a good idea, but it seemed like the best option available at this time....... WTF!! Passing this bill did great harm to a lot of people!
Both McMaster and Anderson have a long history of ignoring the people who elected them and acting instead on their own personal feelings. With age comes wisdom. Not in Tofino.
Those five people (mayor and council).....were elected to represent the wishes of their constituents.
"...the district received 117 letters about the issue with about 54 per cent opposed to opting in, 34 per cent in favour of opting in and the remaining 12 per cent not stating a clear preference.
A similar breakdown was seen in the feedback provided to the district’s TalkTofino online portal where 58 per cent of respondents were against opting in and 33 per cent were in favour."
Instead of listening to the people who elected them, those five people took it upon themselves to presume that they are far more wise and skilled and experienced than the majority of the electorate, smarter than the professionals that have been hired to guide us through these complicated processes and simply voted to go ahead with something they "felt" might possibly be the best idea available to them at this time.
Those five people, on Tuesday, did a lot of damage to a lot of people in our community.
Ego. Run amok!
Those five people.......We will not forget what you have done.
Diversity is our strength. This presents a great opportunity for some of these houses to be converted to safe injection sites and warming shelters. Also, there is a need for accommodations for Hamas terrorists and Haitian gang members. This would create some good union jobs and people would move here.
Interesting how McMaster profited from tourists over the years. McMaster bought the old Gull Cottage BNB on Lynn Rd and when competition increased he sold for a tidy profit. Now that his ‘investment’ days have passed he can sit high & mighty dictating to others how business is to be carried out in the same town that attracted his investment dollars. Many of us were here long before he arrived. Rather than clean up & shut down the illegal STR’s they take the cheap shot approach & go after properties that were specifically zoned from the get go. This isn’t a South Chesterman example? I do believe it is about ‘feelings’ - a personal vendetta from people that ‘missed out’ on investing into ‘safe’ STR’s? One has to wonder? The onus of housing should not be on existing home owners but govt itself. I hope all of Fred Tibbs & Eik can sit empty. Slap in the face to these ego driven councillors. Tofino councils have always had these ‘players’
We vote them in & they screw us over for their own self interests.
Such a joke !
There are more van and trailer dwellers than millionaire realtors and rich kid investors. Everybody gets one vote. Duncan volunteers at the food bank . What do you do for the community ? Have you ever run for office ? Many people here are self-centered .
Gonna get rid of those nasty short term rentals and gonna get rid of their nasty side effects too, things like jobs, paycheques, self employed taxable incomes.
Duncan and Al and mayor Dan gonna fix Tofino's broken society. Just ask 'em.
I am thrilled at Mayor and (5) Councillors taking a stand against the dark hole that the no holds barred, short-term rental situation in Tofino has created. And I want to applaud Kat Thomas for these words: "I’m not worried about having staff in agreement with me because we’re not taking direction from staff. We’re not taking biassed reports. We are here to make tough decisions."
I did not write in to Talk Tofino, nor did I write a letter that was seen by staff. I did speak to Councillors privately and I know others who did so as well. So for those of you who want to cite the 55% against opting in, you know sh**.
The wah, wah, wah cries are tiresome. Welcome to the real world where investments go up and down, sometimes based on government decisions. Or are you worried that your precious wine gatherings and rich lifestyles are threatened.
And as for jobs being lost. I seem to recall businesses complaining that they couldn't get/find enough staff to work and businesses shut down because they had no employees. Because there was no place for them to live.
Are the same crying voices the ones that were asking for government support last summer when the road was closed and they didn't make enough money as during COVID. When Tofino saw a massive spike in visitation.
This decision gives me hope that maybe Tofino will survive as a community, and maybe, once again thrive as a COMMUNITY.
Thanks to Council for doing your job. Council makes decisions. No one voted for anyone currently on staff.
Council, you have made the right decision. Other aspects of the bylaws can be updated going forward.
It is hard for a lot of people to want to get involved when the proponents of "no change" are as loud and demanding and as. well.... intimidating as they have been. It reminds me of the radicals in the seventies who doubted the notion of the silent majority. A majority who were hesitant to enter the fray when it was so vitriolic.....but they came out to vote at election time.
BC Assessment tells me my property values have gone up, (skyrocketed) tripled in the last five years, because my property has several of the "attributes" desirable by the VR market
.
I don't do VR, I am not struggling to buy into Tofino but everyone is paying for this "wild west VR housing market as my Property Taxes have followed suit. I am trying to rationalize staying in Tofino.
Your recent display of spine gives me hope that there are still a few reasons to want to live in "tough".
So let me see if I understand the complaints of people who didn't want to opt in. You own a property at Eik or Fred Tibbs but you vacation rental that property. Where do you live? If you live in Tofino, you own more than one property. If you don't live in Tofino, you really shouldn't get a say in what the town decides. In either scenario, you are doing short term rental, why? Out of the goodness of your heart to provide tourists with a place to stay while they are in Tofino? How magnanimous of you. Although I suspect it's so that you can make money. Nothing wrong with making money. I like money. I think everybody should make money. I myself didn't invest in real estate in Tofino. I couldn't afford to. But now you complain even though are the lucky ones who already have a place to live.
the taxpayers who don't complain may agree with councils decision but don't stand up and yell about it.
council is doing its job of straightening out a long neglected mess of abuses of the residential Community. those who just want to carry on living here unabused by over zealous use of houses for vr purposes owned strictly for investment income. using 3 times as much water as a normal residence for one thing...owner operator is tolerable. paying residential taxes on a commercial use for another...driving property values sky high based on sales of vrs..... Using the required caretaker suite as an extra VR.. Using many motorhomes and trailers for VR purposes.etc.etc.
It's gotten so that no one likes anything that the council decides so for years it's tres laissez-faire in terms of By-law enforcement, approval of residential subdivisions or housing... A permanent long-term solution to a water source to alleviate annual water jitters, an intelligent affordable housing program on District land that didn't result in a slave quarters....cutting a tree down........
re: 11:01 and your math
117 letters of which 54% were against opting in is about 63 letters against opting in.
Tofino's population is 2516 residents. 63 of 2516 is 2.5% of the population.
39% in favour is about 45 letters or 1.7% of the population. I am assuming that those who didn't want Tofino to opt in were the most vocal interested in having their voice heard.
How much influence are you going to have come election time? Remember, you only get one vote.
Since when did every single situation of someone who chooses to short term rental, become a millionaire investor?
Let me break the math down for you. We’re a 5th generation family living on the same property since the early 1900’s. We have a mortgage. That mortgage is only for $700k, yet it’s $4000/m. News flash! These family properties are still usually bought by the younger generations so the previous owners can have some semblance of retirement. Our property tax is $12,000/year, home insurance $6000/ year. Those of you who aren’t very good at math, that’s $5500/month, before any bills. We have a young child, and with no daycare available at this age, only one parent works, and makes a whole $90,000/ year. After tax, you guessed it, around $50,000 net.
Oh, but that’s not enough to pay even pay the mortgage/insurance and property tax. Never mind eat, keep the lights on and look after a small child.
So yes, we choose to STR our suite as it brings in a whopping $25,000/year, after tax and expenses, that’s about $15,000. We could long term rent it, and give up all of our rights as a landlord. Then it takes ONE tenant, who does not pay rent, and is protected by the BS tenancy laws, and we can’t pay our mortgage.
Ah. But I’m a millionaire investor.
I’m sorry for the people who invested in properties to vacation rent out, however you speculated that it would always be ok, and now it’s not. Sell or rent long term to locals desperate for housing.
12:48 you aren't the problem.
700k left on a mortgage from 2 decades ago?
15k /12 months would be $1250 monthly rent for a long term tenant to pay you to match the 'income'
Your math isn't mathing
3:12PM. Yes, family properties are typically sold to family, not gifted. Then the seller can actually ‘cash out’ and retire elsewhere. Albeit, typically at a lower price.
The monthly rent isn’t the issue; it’s the lack of rights a landlord holds is the issue.
I have no skin in the game yet both sides of this argument have merit. The only falsehood i see is that this will in ANY way fix this housing situation. The math does not woek. The couuncil and staff have never been financial gurus going back to 2000. I'm not sure why council seems to think they are so wise and thoughtfull. I watched the meeting and there was alot of talk from council while saying nothing of value. Community input be dammed. Time for a change people. They changed the rules for rule following law abiding people to crush retirment funds and future rights...What comes next from this very left leaning crew? be careful who you vote for. Council are not bad people but are they wise and intelligent enough to deal with this situation.
It was time the town did something about the out of control VR's. Thank you mayor and council. While I say thank you to the current Mayor and Council's decision, if previous mayors and councils had thought more about some of the decisions they were making in the past, we would perhaps be collectively way better off. We lost a huge number of contributing community members over this fiasco of vacation rentals.
Because of the lack of housing our prized Sobo Restaurant had to close because they could not find enough staff.
There is a lot of negativity being directed at certain councilors. All those who make personal attacks on certain councilors are really showing their gutless, stupid, naked self interest. Where were you when the last election was open to your running for council. You were hiding in the weeds. No need for public service if someone else was offering up their time and commitment. Mayor by acclimation.......seven candidates for six Council positions. Where was your "robust" sense of civic duty. It was nowhere to be found. Where is your robust engagement on so many issues. You don't care unless it affected you directly. There is only one issue that interests you.......your pocket full of money.....Let someone else waste their time in public service, eh Just show me the money.
I have agreed and disagreed over the years with everyone of this Mayor and Council, on a wide variety of subjects, but always about policy differences, They are willing to serve. and every one of them is doing their best for this town. They should be respected for that.at least.
You who criticize them not for their work or dedication or even their position, but launch personal attacks, threatening attacks, you are scum. We will see who runs next time. Go ahead throw you hat in the ring but be prepared to have your ass handed to you and have people call you out. Your interest in the town is so shallow....You are only interested in your self interest.
4:42 Sobo is gone because of mismanagement pure and simple. I liked the food too and Lisa was great but not everyone has the skills to run a biz.
5:53 you need a vacation.
If SOBO couldn't find/keep staff it wasn't the fault of STR's.
As a landlord, I can assure you that restaurant staff are low on the list of people we want as tenants. Most are here for 6-8 months, then they're gone. The rent might be paid, maybe. Then we get to clean the place, repair the damages, (the security deposit never covers the expenses) then find and screen new tenants. Likewise staff at the resorts and hotels. They're temporary seasonal workers, not members of the community.
To be fair, this is not true of all of them, some staff members are excellent tenants, nice people, and good neighbours.
But I'll estimate that 70-80% are potential problem tenants. Just one bad one can wreck your entire year, and cost you thousands in losses, and the residential tenancy act then protects them, and they know this. The reason they can't find a place to live is because no one wants to rent to them, they're savages!, not because of STR's.
Short term rental guests, on the other hand, are financially secure, guaranteed by VISA, and if they cause a problem at least you know they'll be gone usually within a week with any cleaning and damage costs easily resolved. The vast majority, probably 90-98%, are nice people, respectful, and behave themselves because they're aware that they don't have the protection of the residential tenancy act, and their VISA is going to be called to account for any foolishness.
This urban legend that former STR's can simply be turned over into long term rentals is a lie, a farce, a dream that someone in politics wants you to believe. It's not going to happen. Those suites will remain vacant, there will be very little addition to the housing stock in Tofino.
6:18 I don't know how SOBO could have been mismanaged as the business survived 20 years under the same management and only closed when the staffing issues made serving dinners impossible and it unprofitable.
9:45 I totally agree. I there was any bad business decision it was in supporting every Community ask and to provide a quality meal at a price many locals could afford. I applaud them for that and wish Lisa all the best for the future.
10:10 the only thing missing from your statements is the VR guest impact on the neighbouring properties that just happen to be residential occupied by working couples with children. Some, not all, VR guests are loud, noisy, boisterous, party late in the hot tub, add alcohol, and a multitude of occupants.
Granted they're predominantly well behaved however the unequal impact upon the municipal systems is unmentioned. water consumption records show that many VR's use three times as much daily water as a normal household uses. that translates into three times a normal property waste water production. in view of the tax base being used to pay for a new sewer system the VR properties do not pay anything more than normal residential taxes. This seems to be swept under the carpet or nobody notices. It doesn't seem to be brought up by anybody on council altho many residents not doing VR's see this happening.
Where’s PizzaMoto ? Where’s Sea Shanty ? Where’s Chirpz ? Where’s Pi ?
Boycott any business owned by a Tofino councillor. Let the law of unintended consequences start here.
10:41 Please tell me more about the hot tubs and residents with children next door at Tibbs and Eik.
10:41. There are 26 units at Tibbs. They are all serviced through one water meter. There are 16 units at Eik. They are all serviced through one water meter.
Please explain the formulae that you use to determine that these units use "three times as much" water as normal households. Perhaps Trudeau is helping you with your math? or Josie? Or perhaps you're just making up bullsh*t "alternate facts" to support your obviously false narrative?
4 or 5 visitors flushing toilets and showering vs 1 or 2 who would be living there. The math isn't that hard
that was not about Fred Tibbs or elk landing......it was about some, not all, random vrs in some neighborhoods. look at the water meter readings if you think that's a false fact......go into the village office and ask to see meter readings for a few select addresses of busy vrs...then a strictly residentia family home. then post your findings. the only thing that's obvious is that no wants to believe some vrs consume more than their fair share of municipal services.
3:36. Oh, it's NOT about Tibbs or Eik.
So they get attacked anyway, closed down, put out of business, people's livelihoods destroyed.
Where's the justice in that solution?
These extreme VR proponents are getting more desperate by the day...Soon they will be baying at the moon. Claiming VR's make the world go round. Claiming absentee owned VR's have saved Tofino. Claiming it's ordinary home owners and tenants that caused the sun not to shine and the rain not to fall. Every thing in Tofino only exists because of VR's Get over it. The town is moving on. I suggest you do the same. If you don't like it here in Tofino sell out and turn your place over to someone who wants to live here. There I've done it. Just explained how you can salvage your legacy.
Society has no duty to your enterprise. Move to Ukee and see what they can do for you. Better yet move to Haiti for a form of government that mirrors your philosophy.
Now tell me I am a communist dirt bag resident owner. Bring it on. I love it when you hit me hard.
The justice is that people have become accustomed to abusing the privilege of having a modest vacation rental complying with common sense and decency. The district has for years ignored the folks with three separate VR units in their house or more. Within the last decade it seems to of gotten out of hand with some folks having 4,5,6 or 7 units all catering to short term rental trade. still no bylaw enforcement.....so the vr supporters want every property to be out of control like this? something had to be done before vrs wrecked the place. so stop the music. reset. breathe, relax. we all live here.
I love hate
Remember this...when the woketatorship takes over real soon hate speech online will become a cause for life imprisonment. based upon anonymous complaints taken to liberal appointees to adjudicate...
Flash NEWS RELEASE!!
Tofino harbour waterfront to be zoned residential!!
Following council's decision to eliminate vacation rentals at Tibbs and Eik it has been decided to declare the entire harbour waterfront area as residential property.
Along with Tibbs and Eik, Whaler's HI hostel, Cermac, Shelter, Tofino resort Marina, Harbour Air, Jamies Whaling Center, Tofino Sea Kayaking, Crazy Ron's, and all other formerly commercial enterprises operating in this area will be required to cease operations, and convert their premises to residential housing.
"We could have delayed this", said Mayor Dan, "but people need a place to live right now, so although it's not the best solution, it's something we can do right now, so we're going to adopt it"
"We're also looking at solutions including the fourth street dock", added Councillors McMaster and Anderson "People could be living on those boats that are only taking up space which might be better used as long term housing"
Hats off to mayor and council for making the tough choices on behalf of the community!
When the next Tofino election rolls around just ask the candidates these two questions:
Do you support the carbon tax ?
Did you vote NDP ?
If the answer to either is yes, support another candidate.
Tibbs and Eik Landing could apply for commercial zoning and continue nightly rentals if successful . Taxes would triple but at least would still be in business .
Tibbs already is zoned commercial, it must be, there"s a bakery and coffe shop operating in units #1 and #2.
10:08, That's a perfectly reasonable suggestion, however the province's legislation overides any local zoning.
10:34 : Tibbs is zoned commercial for the retail units with residential above . It used to have an obsolete “ auto court “ zoning when Al Johnson had the property . It was developed and it didn’t really fit any zone but was designated C2 when bylaws were updated . Much later the C2 zoning had an addition given , allowing for rental when not used for residential . It was a vague addition that didn’t specifically allow short term rentals .
I suspect it may take a court ruling to determine allowable use.
Check the November 29,2023 post for the actual text of the Tibbs zoning.
a referendum on this issue? with over 260 shot term rental licenses out there, with allegedly onsite caretakers, it doesn't take a mathematician to figure out the pre-ordained results. a real referendum is the next municipal election. pro unlimited vr advocates are welcome to run for council seats and mayor.
The arguement for opting in is, as I see it.
1. more affordability and availablitiy of both rental housing and ownership.
2. a lowered property value leading to a lowered property tax.
On the first point, who here thinks that this legisaltion will lower the value of houses, or raw land for that matter. As McMaster said, no more than 10% and it will quickly bounce back. Again, who here things rental rates will go down or that there will be a glut of rental pour onto the market. Prices ease when supply is greater than demand.
On the second, the rate of taxation, the "mill rate", is set by the cash required to "run" the town. Who here believes that the mill rate will go down? If house values were to drop by 15% the fixed costs of operating in the town would need to come down by an equal percentage.
So all you have to believe is- there will be a substantial increase in the number of units available for rent, at a lower rate, that units coming on the market will be affordable to those hoping to purchase, and that decrease in the value of the housing market in Tofino will result in a decreased District budget resulting in lower property taxes. Then you can be sure the decision was one that will prove useful.
Has someone ever calculated the number of units that the private sector was refused zoning for by the Council and District of Tofino. It's been 18 years since a subdivision of any substance was approved. I wonder if that ol supply and demand trick has something more to do with the current situation we find ourselves in that STR.
From the files of ‘shit or get off the pot’ this represents excellent progress. How many municipal governments also have similar issues that have been debated and tabled annually for 10+ years! Congrats for securing a decision! And the correct decision!
Only one doing well by the local political mayhem is Tofino News.... Look at all those hits.
That's one(or many) for the "Big Guy"
Undoubtedly the fact of the Tibbs building being power washed last summer during the extreme water shortage played into the decision made by council. The owners certainly showed no respect to the town.
Ignoring any remedy to the constant extreme water shortage year after year after year undoubtedly shows that council has no respect for the businesses and residents of the town.
Don't flush it, instead live in the stench of your own urine, in the heat of summer. Nice.
"If it's yellow, let it mellow" ---Josie Osborne
Aside from pesky provincial woke anti-VR legislation, consider that with the anticipated increase in carbon tax affecting the cost of everything by around a 25% increase, many people might reconsider visiting Tofino and staying here. add an imminent water shortage in the peak of summer, forest fires, and possible road closures all contribute to a perfect storm for a feeble tourist season in the worst case scenario. The increase in carbon tax alone could cause an almost immediate recession affecting all of us. If last year was any indicator of tourism income shortfalls it's time to really pay attention to the things that matter most. Tofino has always been creative and resilient when one industry dies, folks quickly invent another activity to take its place. If tourism is the god that failed it's maybe time to look at other things to do collectively and individually...
Good thinking 11:39. Finding an industry alternative to tourism is a good idea, the golden goose is nearly dead, carbon tax should finally finish her off. (or should that be him...or they... sorry).
I've got an idea. Let's combine our reaction to the chaos on the USA southern border with our local Canadian tuna fishing fleet, and go into business with the Mexican cartels. The cartels would probably love to have access to an alternative access to the USA's border, their product could be exempted from restrictions by labelling it "safe supply", and there would be plenty of profits for everyone. Even after carbon tax.
In conjunction with possible water woes, the elephant in the room is the new sewage treatment plant. its supposed to work perfectly with recycled water. If it doesn't and the district has to supply more drinking water to make the thing work right it's something to think about. Let's all assume it's going to work fine and our tax dollars were sort of well spent...
https://apple.news/A6NT5-D6JRYCivhB6MhonTg
If anyone really wants to know or cares about the impact of VR properties, ask the district to publish the spreadsheet for water consumption per house so we can all see how much water we need dedicate to VR use.
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