Dear members,

In September, the BMCA conducted a survey to determine how residents felt about Short Term Rentals (STR) on Bear Mountain. STR in this case is defined as renting for a period less than 30 days at a time, ie. Airbnb or VRBO.

Thank you for participating in the survey. The response rate of over 50% was tremendous!

The survey revealed the following;

  • # of respondents who;
  • offer their residence for rent (3%)
  • use STR while travelling (47%)
  • have experienced negative impact (54%) specifically;

o    parking (39%);

o    noise and disruptions (40%);

o    property damage (19%);

o    security (21%);

o    garbage (22%);

o    erosion of neighborhood feel (38%);

o    devaluation of property (25%).

  • have experienced positive impact (8%)
  • believe that STR activity should be controlled through specific STR bylaws (80%)

Due to the overwhelming number (80%) who believe that the City of Langford should create bylaws to control STR, the BMCA will share the results with the City and discuss the concerns of our residents. We will update you on the results.

In the meantime, there are existing Bylaws to deal with most of the STR issues.

We will shortly be sending you an email summarizing these Bylaws and including links to further information.

Regards,

BMCA
Directors