If you operate a short-term rental, there are some important updates to keep in mind! The District of Sicamous is updating its business licence fees, and the Province of British Columbia has launched a new short-term rental registry.

Proposed Increase to Short-Term Rental Business Licence Fees

At the January 22, 2025 regular council meeting, council voted to increase short-term rental business licence fees to $500 annually. The change aligns the District of Sicamous’ fees with those in neighboring municipalities and ensures that fees better reflect administrative costs.

The adjustment is part of the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1102, 2025, which is expected to be adopted at the February 12, 2025 regular council meeting, starting at 5 p.m. in Council Chambers (446 Main Street).

Note: Business licence invoices were delayed due to the Canada Post strike at the end of 2024, so please stay tuned for updates.

Resources:

• Watch the Council Meeting
• Read the Staff Report

Provincial Short-Term Rental Registry

The Province of British Columbia recently launched a short-term rental registry. If you’re hosting a short-term rental on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, you must register by May 1, 2025.

Early registration discounts are available as follows:

• 50 per cent discount if you register by February 28, 2025; or
• 25 per cent discount if you register by March 31, 2025.

The registration fees depend on the type of rental:

• $100 per year for a short-term rental in which the host lives (i.e., a whole home the host rents out while away or a bedroom within their home);
• $450 per year if the host does not live in the short-term rental (i.e., secondary suite, cottage or laneway home); and
• $600 per year for an entire strata hotel.

The registry applies to all short-term rental operators in B.C., including those outside areas with a principal-residence requirement. Short-term rental platforms, which facilitate the promotion of and reservations for short-term rentals, are also required to register.

Resources:

• Read the Media Release
• Register Your Short-Term Rental
• Register as a Platform
• Short-Term Rentals in BC