Letter to the Editor

The Fairmont and Windermere Community Associations’ STR Committee has always supported a balanced approach that recognizes the important contribution short-term rentals (STRs) make to the local tourism economy while protecting housing availability and residential character.

Since 2022, the Committee has undertaken extensive research and provided evidence-based recommendations to the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) on STR policy, enforcement, and the need for clear, measurable rules governing where and how many STRs should be allowed in residential neighbourhoods.

Following the Committee’s presentation in November 2025, the RDEK Board agreed such rules were needed and directed staff to retain a consultant. When the RDEK later deferred retaining the consultant, the Committee developed proposed rules for managing STR density in Area F, including neighbourhood caps, street caps, and separation distances.

On May 7, 2026, the Committee presented its proposed rules for managing STR density to the RDEK and asked that they be used as a pilot project until a consultant could review them and recommend any changes. Instead, the RDEK held a stakeholder meeting in July 2026.

The facilitator’s report is expected in September.

Since 2023, the RDEK has approved 297 STR Temporary Use Permit applications and refused only four. Approximately 40 more applications remain under consideration.

If the RDEK agrees that clear rules are needed to govern where and how many STRs should be allowed in residential neighbourhoods, why are more STR applications continuing to be approved before those rules are in place?

Colleen Roberts,

FCA/WCA STR Committee

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