Council has opted not to review the city’s short-term rental bylaw, but that could change at a future meeting.
With one councillor absent on Tuesday night, the motion was defeated when the vote ended in a 5-5 tie.
Councillor Tanya Vrebosch then moved for a motion for reconsideration, meaning another vote will be held at a future meeting.
Put forward by Councillor Sara Inch, the motion said only eight short-term rental properties have registered with the city despite evidence additional unregistered rentals remain active.
“Whereas this creates an uneven and unfair situation for residents who are complying with the By-Law, registering their properties, and paying required fees,” stated the motion.
Enforcement capacity is one aspect of the review with the motion asking staff to report back with options to improve compliance and ensure a level playing field for all operators.
It also called for registration fees to be temporarily suspended ‘so as not to disadvantage those residents who are attempting to comply in good faith while broader compliance and enforcement issues are reviewed.’
