Downtown Kelowna/ City of Kelowna

By Vernon Matters Staff

opting out

Kelowna set to request exemption from provincial short term rental rules

Jan 8, 2026 | 4:52 PM

The City of Kelowna has formally signalled its move to apply for an exemption from the Provincial Government’s Short Term Rental Accommodation Act.

That’s because the vacancy rate has swelled beyond the 3% level for two consecutive years and Kelowna is set to face a surge in visitor accommodation demand with big events in the spring and summer.

At next week’s council meeting, local lawmakers will decide to apply for an accelerated timeline to the exemption approval, otherwise the opt-out would not happen until November.

The city stresses the importance of tourism-related business and short term accommodations will be needed within six months for events like the Memorial Cup, Touchdown Kelowna BC Lions games, and BC Summer Games.

In a report to councillors, staff said Kelowna had a vacancy rate of 3.8% in 2024, and of 6.9% in 2025 as reported by CMHC, thereby meeting the Provincial requirements to apply for an exemption request. The local tourism sector is important to Kelowna’s economy and aligned with Council’s economy priority including sport tourism opportunities.

Fire spreads to house

Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire

1h ago

Youth Health Services

Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon

6h ago

Displaced For A Week

Some residents still displaced from fatal apartment fire

Apr 01, 2026