🗣️ Have your say on #Calgary's short-term rental rules! 🏡 Your feedback matters—shape the future of housing and tourism in #Alberta.
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🔔 Have Your Say on Short-Term Rental Rules in Calgary 🔔
Calgarians, it's your time to voice your opinions! The city of Calgary is opening the floor to residents like you to help shape the future of short-term rental regulations. This initiative is crucial, and your input will directly influence how Calgary approaches the growing short-term rental market, including popular platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
🏡 What's Happening?
As of August 26, 2024, an online survey is available for you to share your thoughts on the regulations for short-term rentals in Calgary. These rentals are properties, often homes or parts of homes, that are rented out for up to 30 days. The city is keen on understanding the community's perspective on these rentals, and the survey will be open until September 30, 2024.
The city aims to gather insights into how these short-term rentals are impacting Calgary’s housing market and neighborhoods. This study isn't just a one-off; it's part of a comprehensive, multi-year research project conducted in collaboration with the University of Calgary through the Urban Alliance partnership. The ultimate goal? To refine Calgary's short-term rental regulations so they align with broader city priorities like housing, economic development, and tourism.
📊 Why This Matters
The significance of this survey cannot be overstated. The insights gathered will play a crucial role in shaping recommendations to the city council by December 2024. The city's approach is not just about setting rules; it's about striking a balance that accommodates various stakeholders, including property owners, renters, and the broader community.
Since 2017, Calgary's short-term rental market has been on the rise, with around 5,000 short-term rentals as of September 2023. While this represents a small fraction of the total rental properties in the city, the impact is concentrated in certain areas, particularly in city center communities and areas experiencing development. Interestingly, the demand for these rentals peaks during events like the Calgary Stampede, but they are also used for a variety of other purposes, such as temporary accommodation for those seeking medical treatment, new residents, and transitory workers.
📣 Your Voice, Your City
It's easy to assume that short-term rentals are just about tourism, but the city's findings reveal a much more nuanced picture. Whether you're a property owner, a long-term renter, or someone who's simply interested in how your community evolves, your perspective is invaluable. The city acknowledges that feedback from Calgarians is essential in navigating the challenges and opportunities posed by this growing market.
Antonio Faiola, the manager of business experience, emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that it’s crucial as the city evolves its regulations to stay in sync with broader priorities like downtown revitalization and economic growth. Your feedback will help shape a framework that balances the interests of homeowners, renters, businesses, and the community at large.
📝 Take Action Now
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to influence the future of your city. Whether you're for or against certain aspects of short-term rentals, now is the time to speak up. Visit the city’s website and take the survey today. Your voice matters, and together, we can help shape a vibrant, balanced, and forward-looking Calgary.
💬 Let's Talk About It
This conversation doesn’t end with the survey. What are your thoughts on short-term rentals in Calgary? Do you see them as a positive force for the economy and tourism, or are you concerned about their impact on housing availability and community dynamics? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let's keep the discussion going!