Understanding BC's New Short-Term Rental Bylaws: A Simplified Guide In a move that’s garnered both applause and apprehension, British Columbia is rolling out new bylaws aimed at regulating short-term rentals. If you’ve ever booked a getaway on Airbnb or VRBO, or if you’re a homeowner who’s dipped into the short-term rental market, these changes might affect you. Specifically here in Tofino, where a lot of home owners supplement their income with their air bnb suites. Noe for those who call Tofino home (ie their primary residence) this may not really impact you very much. This actually may even be a positive for you. As other air bnb's are forced to shut down, yours may become more valuable. Now please keep in mind that Tofino is a resort municipality and we do not have to opt in on the new bylaws. The video above is a town hall where the City Council address local concerns. It is very evident that those who came to voice their opinions, were mostly against the proposed adoption of these new rules. Here’s a breakdown of what these bylaws mean, boiled down to the basics, along with the pros and cons to help you navigate the changes. What’s Happening? BC is introducing new rules for short-term rentals, the kind you’d list or book for a few nights or weeks. These rules include:Licensing: Homeowners need a license to rent out their places.Primary Residence Only: Rentals are mainly allowed in your primary home—where you live most of the year.Rental Caps: There’s a limit on how many days per year you can rent out your place.Fees: Homeowners might pay extra fees for the right to host short-term rentals. The Pros: Why These Bylaws? 1. More Homes for Locals: With rules like renting only your primary residence, there’ll be fewer houses used just for short-term tourists. This means more homes on the market for people looking to rent or buy long-term. 2. Keeping Neighborhoods Neighborly: Limiting short-term rentals helps maintain the community feel. Fewer temporary guests can mean quieter streets and a safer, more cohesive neighborhood vibe. 3. Steady Rental Prices: More long-term rentals can lead to more stable and affordable rental prices, helping residents find housing without competing with tourist dollars. 4. Fair Play in Tourism: These bylaws aim to balance tourism with local living. Tourists can still enjoy BC’s beauty, but not at the cost of the locals’ day-to-day life and housing options. The Cons: The Other Side of the Coin 1. Less Income for Homeowners: For those relying on the extra income from renting out their space, these restrictions might tighten the purse strings. The cap on rental days and the need to live in the home you’re renting out could mean less flexibility and fewer guests. 2. Fewer Choices for Tourists: With fewer homes available for short-term stays, tourists might find it harder to snag that perfect spot for their vacation, potentially leading to higher prices or less ideal accommodations. 3. The Hassle of Regulation: For homeowners, navigating the new rules—getting licensed, paying fees, and keeping track of rental days—adds extra layers of bureaucracy to what might have started as a simple way to earn a bit of extra money. 4. Potential Economic Shift: Particularly in tourist-heavy areas, these bylaws might shift the local economy. Businesses that thrived on short-term rental guests may need to adapt to a different clientele. Navigating the Change For homeowners, it’s about adapting—making sure you’re licensed, understanding the rules, and perhaps finding new ways to make your rental appealing within the confines of the law. For tourists, it might mean planning ahead or looking at different types of accommodations. For communities, these changes could mean a return to more stable, long-term neighborhood dynamics, with all the benefits and challenges that come with balancing the needs of residents and visitors. Wrapping Up BC’s new short-term rental bylaws are a bold step toward reining in the booming vacation rental market to protect long-term housing availability and preserve community integrity. While there are clear benefits to these regulations, the transition might not be smooth for everyone involved. As with any change, there will be a period of adjustment. Yet, the hope is that these bylaws will lead to more sustainable tourism and a better balance between welcoming visitors and nurturing vibrant, stable communities across British Columbia.As things progress I will keep you informed and up to date. 

hi my name is Bryan and  this is my Tofino top 10   Tofino is a really special place for me. I recently just moved here with my family and my son Koa and here's a list of all the things that I think you should check out. So obviously when you come to tofino you got to eat. So one of the best places togo, and one of my favorite spots is Shelter Restaurant. They just rebuilt andreopened in the TRM, Tofino Resort and Marina. It has the best patio in town and my favorite thing on the menu is the surf bowl.   Another spot to eat in tofino is Lil' Ronnie's. Best place in town, actually the only place in town, that does barbecue. I recommend the smoked Margarita and the brisket. They do live music every night starting around 6p.m.   Next on the list is... I'm not going to say my favorite coffee shop, cuz thereare a few in town, but one of my most visited coffee shops is Rhino. And if you're going to go check it out I recommend the bad boy Bagel. It's my favorite I basically get it every single time.   Obviously toino is a surf town, so any trip here is not complete without avisit to your local Surf Shop. Storm surf shop is my favorite. it's also owned by acouple friends of ours. They have a great selection of boards and they're beside Rhino coffee. So get your coffee, pop into the shop, check out their greatselection.   There's a number of hotels in town, just off Cox Beach, though one of my favorites is called Long Beach Lodge. The reason it's one of my favorites is cuz they have the best patio on the beach. I love going there after surfs when I'm waiting for my wife to get out of the water. Which is most of the time while I'm looking after my son Koa. We sit down around the fire pits have a margarita have a beer. It's great people watching and some of the best views in town.   Next on our list, and I'm sure you've heard of this, no conversation about Tofino iscomplete, without mentioning Tacofino. Now Tacofino is one of the most popularspots here. However I still recommend it because they do an amazing taco and burrito.   So you come to town and you don't to eat out every night you got tocheck out Gaia. It's the locally owned organic grocery store it's one of myfavorites. I get all my produce and meats from there. So if you have one of thehotels with the kitchen, check them out. Tofino Brewery is an awesome stop on your trip. It's the best brewery, also theonly Brewery in town. But definitely worth the visit. They've got an amazingfood truck out front called Toki Doki and it's has amazing merch to pick up toremember your trip by.   After you're full, from all the visits to the restaurants and coffee shops, you got to get dessert. My recommendation to you is Tofino Chocolate, they do amazing ice cream and have some nice treats there as well. Before I bought a house here, my favorite spot to stay was the Shoreline Hotel. Now granted I'm a bit biased, cuz my wife owns the place. It's a collection ofthree A-frame cabins, with six suites. They also have a big house that you can rentout if you got larger parties. The house has a hot tub, and then the whole property's got a sauna and an outdoor shower and a surf shed if you come withyour surf boards.   So that's my top 10. Now obviously I couldn't mention everything that I do like and appreciate about Tofino. So after this video there's going to be a quick honorable mentions list. Make sure you check those out too.   I'm also a real estate agent here in Tofino  and Ucluelet. So if you're looking to buy or sell any property here please give me a shout. All my information will bebelow

    Life can get busy sometimes and it's easy to get lost in The Daily Grind. In today's video I'm going to share with you one of the best ways to relax and what I think is tofino's best kept secrets. My name is Brian pudney and I'm a local realtor here in Ucluelet and Tofino, where I live with my family. And on this channel I'll share with you some of my favorite things to do in what I consider the most beautiful places on Earth.    Today that is a floating sauna at the Pino Resort Marina commonly referred to as the TRM. Well this is a custombuilt wood fire sauna floating in one of the most secluded inlets in the area. There's no self service, so leave your work behind and let yourself relax and get your Wim Hoff on. To get to the sauna it's a 30-minute boat ride, and it's not uncommon to see Eagles, bears and even a whale.  I have to mention that the sauna comes with the use of paddle boards and kayaks that allow you to explore the area and then when you get back you can enjoy the outdoor fire pit.   If you are someone who en enjoys Wellness activities and the idea of stepping away for a little bit, this is the ultimate thing to do. I've personally done this experience multiple times and it's a great place to bring your friends and family. I know a lot of people come here for the surfing, me personally that's why I'm here, but if the waves are flat we got to do something, and this is a great way to relax and recover for the next swell.   I'd love to know if any of you are going to check it out so do subscribe leave a like and I'll see you in the sauna (in a very non-weird way) also if you see my truck around town come grab some free wax!    

  Below are the sales for October 2023 in Ucluelet. With only 5 sales this past month 2 were rental share units at the Black Rock, 1 was a short term rental condo, 1 was a mobile home and the most notable was a beautifil home on 400 Marine Dr.    

Below are the sales for October 2023 in Tofino. The most notable is that the corner lot near Storm Surf shop finally sold. This lots is seet for development and will hopefully bring in some much needed retail space and condos. The other sales were a STR condo on Main st and a family home on Leighton way which sold way under asking.               

HOUSING AND B&B'S   Current Action On May 31st, Council gave 1st and 2nd reading to Ucluelet Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1310. This bylaw was the subject of a Public Hearing held on June 28, 2022. At a Special Council Meeting on June 29th, 2022 Council voted to refer the proposed bylaw back to staff and return it to a Committee of the Whole meeting for further discussion. The CoW meeting took place on July 19th, with further instruction to staff to amend Bylaw No.1310 based on Council's discussion. Council considered first and second reading of amended proposed Bylaw No. 1310 at a special meeting of Council on August 2nd, 2022. Council also gave first, second and third reading to Business Regulation and Licensing Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1313, 2022. A Public Hearing on Bylaw No. 1310 took place on August 23rd, at 5:30 pm. Bylaw No. 1310 and 1313 were adopted by Council on September 6th at the Regular Meeting of Council.  The purpose of this proposed bylaw is to make changes to the definition and regulations for Bed & Breakfast uses on lands in single-family residential zones. In broad terms the bylaw clarifies the definition for Bed and Breakfast uses and add Accessory Residential Dwelling Units as a permitted accessory use in most single-family residential zones. If you are planning a build or application containing a B&B use, please consult the updated bylaws to determine whether your plans may be impacted.  Read Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1310, 2022 Read Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1313, 2022 Watch Special Council Meeting from September 6th, 2022 B&B’s (a.k.a. Short-Term Vacation Rentals in residential homes within Ucluelet neighbourhoods) The proposed changes that Council is considering are to clarify the definition of Bed and Breakfast or “B&B” which is a permitted secondary use in most single-family residential zones.  Council is considering differentiating between Traditional B&B’s where guests were welcomed into an owner’s home through the main entrance of the house and the Recent B&B’s where guests access a suite through an exterior door and may or may not interact with the proprietor. If approved the bylaw will continue to permit Traditional B&B’s in residential zones, while the Recent B&B’s with exterior entrances will no longer be a permitted use. The proposed bylaw amendments would still allow the B&B use but would clarify that new B&B operations are intended to match the scale, character and neighbourhood impact that traditional B&B’s had on Ucluelet neighbourhoods. Frequently Asked Questions: Existing B&B's: I have a business licence for a B&B in my existing home, and my B&B rooms have exterior entrances with no internal connection to the main house – if the new regulations in Bylaw No. 1310 are adopted, would I have to renovate my home in order to keep operating my B&B? No. Because the business was licenced prior to the bylaw change you would not need to change anything in your home to continue operating your B&B. At the time a new land use regulation bylaw is adopted, if an existing use of land or a building is lawfully used and does not conform to the bylaw, then it may be continued as a lawful non-conforming use. *Please also see the note on the Business Regulation and Licensing Bylaw No. 1313, below. New Buildings: I have a building permit and my house is under construction. My approved house plans include extra bedrooms with exterior entrances that I am planning on using to operate a B&B.  Construction won’t be complete until some time next year - so I am not ready to apply for a business licence yet.  If the new regulations in Bylaw No. 1310 are adopted, will I be unable to get a business licence – and do I have to change how I am building my home in order to be eligible to run a B&B? No. Because you have obtained a building permit and are already underway, you will be able to complete the process of construction, occupancy and business licensing as long as you comply with the “old” zoning regulations which were in effect back when you submitted your building permit application. Building Permits In Process: I applied for a building permit prior to August 2nd, 2022, and my house plans include extra bedrooms with exterior entrances that I am planning on using to operate a B&B.  The review of my building permit application is not yet complete – will it be rejected because of the changes in Bylaw No. 1310? No. Applications for building permits prior to August 2nd can carry on. Review of the building permit would be against the zoning regulations that were in place prior to August 2nd. Permitting, construction, occupancy and business licensing can all be completed as long as you comply with the “old” zoning regulations which were in effect back when you submitted your building permit application. Future Buildings: I have been thinking about submitting a building permit application to build a house including extra bedrooms with separate entrances which I would like to use to operate a B&B. Would the proposed new regulations in Bylaw No. 1310 affect my application? Yes. Applicants for building permits after August 2nd should be aware of the new regulations which Bylaw No. 1310 would bring into effect.  When new zoning regulations are being considered, Council has the authority to withhold building permits for up to 90 days while the process of updating the bylaw runs its course.  At this point in time it is advisable to understand the changes in the regulations being considered with Bylaw No. 1310, and adjust your plans accordingly. Affordable Housing: How do the bylaw amendments address long-term housing? These bylaw amendments are not intended to be the ONE solution to address long-term housing issues in Ucluelet.  The addition of ADU’s will permit more detached suites to be developed in the future although this could see limited uptake and have only a small impact on the development of new long-term accommodation in Ucluelet.  The bylaw will help decrease the loss of existing long-term suites being converted into short-term rentals, but is not specifically aimed at adding new ones to the market pool.  Addressing affordable housing and the availability of long-term housing in Ucluelet is an issue that needs to be addressed on many fronts; the District is working on addressing community housing needs through a variety of means. On August 2nd, 2022, Council also gave first three readings to Business Regulation and Licensing Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1313.  If adopted, the new regulations would apply to all applications for business licences.  This would affect both new businesses and the renewal of existing business licences. Changes to the regulation of Bed & Breakfast accommodation include the following: The B&B licence must only be for the principal residence of the B&B licence holder. New requirements for online advertising of B&B’s to show the business licence number, maximum occupancy and number of parking spaces available. New requirement for B&B’s to post the business licence number, maximum occupancy, maximum number of guest vehicles and owner contact on an approved sign at the property line visible from the public road. The new advertising requirements would take effect on May 1st, 2023. Background: What is this all about? Ucluelet is at a crossroads. Like many communities across the country, housing affordability has become an issue at the forefront of concerns for most households. This is an issue for both community members and business owners; increasingly, housing issues are translating into staffing issues. Housing is also a health issue; the availability of secure and affordable housing (or the lack) affects the health of individuals and families. The character of Ucluelet and the fabric of the community depends on people being able to see a long-term path to stable housing that will meet their family’s needs.  Households make long-term decisions on where they will invest their time and money, where they will raise kids, volunteer and put down roots. These individual decisions affect how a community functions and how it defines itself. If it wishes to keep its values then Ucluelet, like many communities, will need to take an active role in addressing local housing issues on many fronts. The Ucluelet Housing Needs Assessment identifies in detail the challenges being faced by Ucluelet residents. Limiting the proliferation of B&B’s in residential neighbourhoods is one step that Ucluelet can take to improve housing access and affordability. Ucluelet has been experiencing a dramatic shift of value within the housing market.  This is partly brought about by external forces (increased demand for rural properties brought by a global pandemic, a culture shift to working remotely, historically low interest rates, etc.), and is also affected by local forces (existing zoning regulations, destination tourism marketing, labour availability, etc.). For years, within the Ucluelet zoning bylaw the Bed and Breakfast (“B&B”) use has been a permitted    secondary use. This accessory use was intended to be a “mortgage helper” and first arose in the zoning regulations as the local economy saw shifts in the forestry and fishing sectors, and the community began to turn to tourism for additional economic opportunities. Over time, there has been rising popularity and demand for short term rentals (“STR’s”; this term is often used interchangeably with B&B in the discussion of short-term tourist accommodation within single-family residential properties). In 2008 AirBnB was founded. Online bookings for independent STR accommodation began to grow in popularity. The B&B accessory use within the residential zones in Ucluelet perhaps started as an innocuous side gig, but the rise of AirBnB and other online booking platforms led to that being discovered and promoted to the point where the B&B use is now effectively a loophole into the commercial vacation accommodation market.