Cortes Islanders are considering making the island more tourist-friendly, by allowing short-term vacation rentals.
The plan, which outlines how development on the Island should be done, is currently up for revision. Allowing short-term rentals so more tourists can visit is one of the top proposed changes. More than two-thirds of residents who responded to a regional district survey say they are in favour.
The main concern people raised is that short-term vacation rentals should not impact the island’s limited supply of long-term rental housing.
The new plan also includes updates related to cannabis products and usage, housing and density, agriculture, and aquaculture.
The Island’s Official Community Plan hasn’t been updated for a decade, and zoning bylaws haven’t been updated for more than 20 years. The new draft plan incorporates years of community feedback and directs where and how development should be done on Cortes.
“We are very excited to resume this process and present a document that reflects the vision of the residents of Cortes Island as identified within the OCP and a level of regulation that is acceptable for the uniqueness of the area,” says Aniko Nelson, SRD Senior Manager, Community Services. “We acknowledge that there has been a shift in priorities for many areas since the draft document was initially provided in 2018 and are keen to adopt a document that will provide the most appropriate regulation for today.”
The Strathcona Regional District is holding an open house on December 11 about proposed community plan changes. Residents are encouraged to drop in at Manson’s Hall between 1-4 pm to provide feedback.
