Regional District subdivision/RDCO

By Vernon Matters Staff

Pushing the province

Kelowna council to consider seeking exemption from provincial short-term rental rules

Jan 12, 2026 | 11:16 AM

Kelowna city council will consider today whether to apply for an exemption from the province’s Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act.

City staff say Kelowna qualifies after posting vacancy rates of 3.8 per cent in 2024 and 6.9 per cent in 2025, meeting the province’s requirement for two consecutive years above three per cent. If approved, the exemption would allow broader short-term rental use and remain in effect unless the city later opts back into the legislation.

Staff argue the exemption is important for the local economy as Kelowna prepares for several major events in 2026, including the Memorial Cup, BC Lions games, the BC Summer Games and national soccer tournaments. They are also recommending the city ask the province for an accelerated approval timeline, ideally by spring 2026.

Meanwhile, the Regional District of Central Okanagan has launched public engagements and is inviting residents to provide input through a survey and a series of community open houses.

Interested residents can register here.

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If council supports the exemption request, city staff say they are ready to fast-track the required zoning and planning changes and process new short-term rental licences right away.