The housing crisis is over – if you want it. There’s no dearth of housing stock here – on the contrary we’re stocked up with creek-side modern suites and ski-side heritage cottages; each and every one quaint, quiet, charming, and chic.
Only they’re all for tourists.
As the sharing economy explodes, Airbnbs are spreading across the North Shore.
The District of North Vancouver had 666 short-term rental listings last summer. Short-term rentals are also readily available in the City of North Vancouver and West Vancouver – despite the latter’s effort to bar both Airbnbs and B&Bs.
Earlier this year, the District of North Vancouver shut down a Norgate rooming house where residents were paying rents that ranged from $460 to $650.
While we believe it was the wrong decision, evicting six long-term tenants in the name of safety was nonetheless a bold move. But when it comes to short-term tenants the district has been decidedly tentative, investigating illegal arrangements only when a neighbour complains about noise or traffic.
The number of complaints has been miniscule, likely because the people with real cause to complain are the ones who can’t find a place to live here.
Even a cheap Airbnb occupied half the time can net its owner about $900 a month. The money is easy and the tenants are usually gone before squatter’s rights and damage deposits come up for discussion.
It seems harmless until we consider the selfishness inherent in the sharing economy. Airbnbs function as representation without taxation as proprietors profit from the desirability of the North Shore and B.C. while often not paying a dime to either level of government – all amid a housing crisis.
We call on the District and City of North Vancouver and West Vancouver to let the Air out of the housing market. The North Shore isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a place to live.
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
