Âé¶čAV Councillor Ron Cannan has made a push for the city to buy Canadian.
After reviewing the cityâs procurement policy, Cannan said, at councilâs Monday (Mar. 17) meeting, that he plans to bring forward a notice of motion to amend the policy.
âIt doesnât specifically address councilâs wish to, in this case, exclude the U.S. when weâre purchasing,â Cannan added.
The proposed amendment would have staff prioritize Canadian and non-U.S. suppliers when possible and support more diverse and local businesses. Cannan will bring forward the motion at councilâs March 31 meeting.
Cannan also asked that the city reach out to the province regarding lifting the ban on short-term rental properties in Âé¶čAV. He pointed to the call from Premier David Eby for British Columbians to cancel their U.S. trips and travel within the province.
âConsidering the climate weâre in with the tariffs and promoting tourism in B.C., having that lifted this year so we can stimulate the tourism market and provide some accommodation options, especially for families,â Cannan noted.
On March 5, council approved new short-term rental rules to match provincial regulations, which require licensing, registration, and that rentals be operated by a principal resident.
Under the updated city rules, short-term rentals can be used as a secondary accommodation within a primary home or in a secondary suite or carriage house. However, the operator must live on the property for at least 240 days per year.
Mayor Tom Dyas pointed out that the province has been unwavering in its decision to lift short-term rental bans.
âThat does not mean that we cannot communicate another letter to them,â Dyas added. âBut Iâm not certain that theyâre going to look at changing their position at this point in time until we get above three per cent (vacancy rate).
Communities with a population over 10,000 (2021 Census) and a rental vacancy rate of three per cent or more for each of the two previous years can opt out of the provincial short-term rental legislation. Âé¶čAV does not currently meet those regulations.
Âé¶čAVâs new rules will be in place by April. The city currently has 415 licensed short-term rentals.
