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To be, or not to Airbnb

Expanding short-term rental opportunities “could be in the cards” for Athabasca’s future. Town of Athabasca Coun.

Expanding short-term rental opportunities “could be in the cards” for Athabasca’s future.

Town of Athabasca Coun. Ida Edwards initiated a discussion on looking into the potential of developing a short-term rental market for the Athabasca region during town council’s Jan. 9 meeting.

Edwards said people travel differently these days, noting short-term rental companies such as Airbnb are expanding travel opportunities.

“People are travelling differently, and as a municipality we need to start being aware of how Airbnb is operating in out community, or the potential of them operating in our community could affect our community,” she said.

Edwards added while the effects of Airbnb can be positive, it also brings about issues around taxation, neighbourhood relationships and land use.

Coun. Mike Arychuk said he supports Edwards in investigating the subject.

“This is an area where lots of seniors go down south for the winter, as well as lots of workers come up in this neck of the woods in wintertime,” he said.

Mayor Colleen Powell said she has utilized Airbnb in big cities such as Vancouver, but she does not think Athabasca has the market here yet.

“But if it is an issue worth pursuing it should go to the Tourism and Economic Development (TED) committee,” she said.

Coun. Rob Balay, who sits on the TED committee, said the policy and bylaw aspect of the issue would be better suited to be discussed amongst council, if the policy and bylaw aspect of the market is to be considered.

Coun. Tannia Cherniwchan said council needs more information on how short-term rentals are functioning in other communities “before we jump into it.”

Arychuk suggested deferring the topic to council’s strategic planning sessions.

“We don’t want to overload administration now,” he said. “I think this is a great idea (and) I don’t want to lose track of it, it just may not be in the cards right away, but it’s a great idea.”

Arychuk made a motion to defer the short-term rental market issue to strategic planning, and it was unanimously approved.

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