The Fairmont Hot Springs and Windermere Community associations will present the report Managing STR Density in RDEK Electoral Area F, at the upcoming Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Planning and Development Services Committee (PDSC) meeting on May 7.

The report focuses on the growing concentration of STRs within single-family residential areas in Electoral Area F and the impacts on neighbourhood livability, housing availability, and local infrastructure.

While STRs contribute to the local tourism economy, their increasing density in single-family residential areas is creating measurable impacts. In some neighbourhoods, STR densities range from approximately seven per cent to 42%, with the highest concentrations occurring at the street level.

These conditions have developed over time through incremental approvals without clear limits or a framework to assess cumulative impacts.

In Fairmont Hot Springs, concerns are heightened by pressure on infrastructure. The local water system has experienced significant failures over the past year, resulting in water restrictions due to over consumption and boil water advisories.

The report notes that the province, through the Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 25), has provided local governments with both the authority and expectation to use density management tools to protect housing availability and manage STR growth.

Based on observed conditions in Area F, the report recommends three key measures:

• Limit of three STRs per street or 15% of dwellings, whichever is lower;
• Minimum separation distance of 60 metres (197 ft) between STRs;
• Neighbourhood-level cap of up to 10% of dwellings.

These tools are intended to work together to manage both the number and distribution of STRs. They provide clear, measurable thresholds to guide decision-making.

The Fairmont Hot Springs and Windermere Community Associations state that these tools can be implemented immediately within the existing STR Temporary Use Permit (TUP) framework and will support the transition to business licensing.

The goal is to provide a consistent, practical approach to managing STR density that achieves a balance between the local tourism economy and housing availability and livability in single-family residential areas.

The presentation will be made to the RDEK Planning and Development Services Committee (PDSC) on May 7 at 1 p.m.

The meeting can be watched via a Zoom link to be released on Tuesday, May 5.

Fairmont Hot Springs Community Association and Windermere Community Association

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