# Local government short-term rental regulation efforts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/local-government-short-term-rental-regulation-efforts > Updated: 2026-09-21T12:30:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Local governments in Australia and Canada are actively developing and reviewing policies to regulate short-term rentals (STR) to balance tourism needs with residential housing stability. In Cairns, Australia, the Regional Council has rejected recent Airbnb applications in residential areas while working to finalize a new planning policy. Councillor Matthew Tickner noted that the industry has operated with “limited oversight for 14 years” and expects a new strategy to establish clearer benchmarks. In Canada, regulatory approaches vary by municipality. In Whitehorse, the city council postponed a vote on a bylaw that would restrict short-term rentals to an operator’s primary residence, citing concerns over administrative readiness and potential tax compliance issues. Meanwhile, the Lake Cowichan town council is considering a policy to streamline STR approvals to combat a local accommodation shortage. Mayor Tim McGonigle indicated that current site-by-site authorization is “cumbersome, expensive, and unsustainable for staff.” The town aims to expand lodging options to support local businesses while ensuring regulations do not disrupt the long-term rental market or vacancy rates. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Lake Cowichan council considers new short-term rental policy Lake Cowichan council is seeking a streamlined process for short-term rentals to address accommodation shortages for tourists while protecting the long-term rental market. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-cowichan-council-considers-new-short-term-rental-policy ### 2026-09-18: Local councils implement new short-term rental regulations Local councils in Cairns, Australia, and Whitehorse, Canada, are facing challenges while implementing new regulations for short-term rental properties and Airbnb operators. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/local-councils-implement-new-short-term-rental-regulations --- Cite as: Local government short-term rental regulation efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/local-government-short-term-rental-regulation-efforts