Various sectors say the provincial rules on short term rentals threaten the local economy/ City of Kelowna

By Vernon Matters Staff

curtailing visitation

Operators/businesses say short term rental rules risk local economy

Nov 13, 2025 | 5:11 PM

Kelowna has made progress on housing but is closing the door on visitors.

That’s the upshot of a gathering of small business owners, short-term rental hosts, tourism operators, and local elected leaders this week.

They say the provincial government’s one-size-fits-all short-term rental rules are putting the city’s tourism economy at risk.

They want exemption timelines to be aligned with the tourism season by moving the effective date of the opt-out from November 1 to July 1. Also, there’s a call for changes to include allowing communities to offer more short term rentals during major events that drive temporary surges in visitor demand.

“Kelowna has done everything right. We have built more homes, met our housing targets, and raised our vacancy rate to its highest level in 20 years, yet the provincial government continues to punish success,” MLA for Kelowna Gavin Dew said.

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“Instead of trusting communities that have proven they can balance housing and tourism, Victoria’s one-size-fits-all law is hurting small businesses, workers, and families who power Kelowna’s visitor economy. We have shown we can balance housing and tourism, and now we need the flexibility to do what works for Kelowna.”