Regulations on short-term rentals one step closer
Winnipeg could soon be taxing short-term rental properties and limiting how many an individual can own.
The mayor's Executive Policy Committee (EPC) voted unanimously Tuesday to put new regulations in place.
The proposed changes come following complaints some short-term rental units are connected to out of control parties and criminal activity.
The vote has led to debate among owners and those who live near the rentals.
"Short-term rentals increase the risk of parties, crime, violence and criminal activities," said Craig Penner, a condo owner in the city. "Information is not available to police and it is easy for criminals to rent multiple suites in large buildings, such as ours."
"This would shut me down because I don't live in my property," said Rosanne Kelly, who runs a short-term rental.
Two dozen people were registered to speak at the EPC, where the vote came out 6-0 in favour of new regulations.
Under the proposed rules, short-term rental operations would need a license, be subject to criminal record reviews and pay the city's five per cent accommodation tax, like hotels do.
"Over the past few years, we've seen our businesses impacted by (business) that face none of the regulatory requirements that we do," said Michael Juce, the president and CEO of the Manitoba Hotel Association.
Owners of short-term rentals were at city hall protesting some of the potential rules, such as the stipulation that one primary residence can be rented out anywhere in the city, but people can only have a second rental property in areas zoned as commercial, multi-family and downtown.
Owners with multiple locations think this could put them out of business.
"Basically, all my BNBs are going to get killed right away," said Stas Reznik, who owns five short-term rentals.
Mayor Scott Gillingham did add a grandfather amendment, which would allow current owners to have up to three additional dwellings in downtown, commercial and multi-family zones.
"We need regulations around this. It's also a matter of trying to achieve a measure of fairness," said Gillingham.
The grandfather clause would mean owners would have to have the properties by Feb. 23.
Now that the regulations have passed through EPC, they must pass through all of council. If that passes, then the city's administration would come back with bylaws for a vote.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
Manhunt underway after 5 people injured in Kentucky shooting near Interstate 75, officials say
Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Ky., according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
Three teens charged for armed robbery at Kitchener jewelry store
Three teens were arrested for an armed robbery at a Kitchener jewelry store after witnesses caught and detained the suspects until officers arrived on scene.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.