Lake Cowichan council considers new short-term rental policy

The Lake Cowichan town council is considering a new policy to streamline short-term rental approvals to address a local accommodation shortage. Mayor Tim McGonigle noted that a lack of available lodging often forces visitors, including those attending tournaments, to stay in nearby areas like Duncan or on First Nations properties rather than within the town.

Currently, the town manages approximately 38 active short-term rentals through a site-by-site authorization process. Council members have described this method as cumbersome, expensive, and unsustainable for staff. The council is exploring a blanket process to better support local businesses and prevent tourists from merely driving through the region without staying.

Officials emphasized that any new short-term rental regulations must not disrupt the long-term rental market. The town aims to maintain a three per cent vacancy rate for rental properties. Additionally, the council is monitoring a proposed 33-room project by the Elder Care Society intended to provide affordable seniors housing, which could potentially increase residential availability, though provincial funding for the project is currently on hold.