Kelowna council eases short term rental rules after vacancy rate rises
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Kelowna council has eased restrictions on short-term rentals after the city’s vacancy rate climbed above five per cent.
The higher vacancy rate means Kelowna now qualifies for a partial exemption under the province’s new housing rules, which were introduced earlier this year to limit short-term rentals and protect long-term housing.
The change will allow units in large developments with strata approval, including buildings such as Aqua, Brooklyn, and Movala, to apply for short-term rental status. Council has also removed the previous requirement that eligible buildings contain at least 70 units.
Mayor Tom Dyas says the move is designed to balance tourism needs with housing availability, giving visitors more options while still protecting local supply. Councillors say the added flexibility will help the city handle demand during major 2026 events like the Memorial Cup.
