Councillor Urges Immediate Pause on Short-Term Rental Rules Ahead of World Cup

URGENT UPDATE: A View Royal councillor is calling for an immediate pause on short-term rental restrictions as the region braces for an influx of fans attending the FIFA World Cup next summer. With games scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, this move could significantly impact the local economy and tourism.

Coun. Don Brown announced today that he plans to present a notice of motion on November 18, 2023, aiming for a temporary lift of restrictions between June 1 and July 31. He believes this action will not only accommodate thousands of visitors from Vancouver and Seattle, but also provide a much-needed boost to local businesses during a crucial economic period.

“People are coming for the games, but they will also want to explore local attractions,” Brown said in an interview with the Goldstream Gazette. The World Cup will feature a total of 104 matches, with seven games hosted in Vancouver and six in Seattle. This presents a unique opportunity for View Royal to capitalize on tourism.

Brown emphasized that the pause would help local bars, restaurants, and grocery stores thrive amid the expected tourist surge. Moreover, he pointed out that it could provide financial relief for local families, especially those who could rent out their homes. “This is a chance for families to earn some extra cash during tough economic times,” he explained.

The proposed motion also serves as a test to gauge the community’s response to short-term rentals. “If we see hundreds of complaints, we’ll know the pause isn’t worth it. But if there are no issues, it might be time to rethink our rental policies,” Brown added.

Currently, View Royal is one of the few municipalities in the Greater Victoria area that prohibits short-term rentals, alongside Colwood and North Saanich. Meanwhile, communities like Highlands, Langford, and Victoria have embraced the trend, suggesting a growing divide in regional policies.

As local officials prepare for the upcoming council meeting on December 2, 2023, the community awaits the outcome of Brown’s motion. The implications of this decision could reshape short-term rental regulations and enhance the tourist experience during one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and its potential impact on the local economy and tourism landscape.