Pros, cons of Airbnb rules debated at marathon meeting

Airbnb hosts descended upon city hall Fridayto try to preventthe City of Ottawa from passing regulations they say would kill jobs and eliminate a form of rental accommodation needed by visitors.

But aftera meeting that lasted more than 10 hours, the community and protective services committee ended up endorsingplans to regulate Airbnb and other short-term rentals in Ottawa.

Ascouncillors listened to more than 60 speakers take the microphone Friday, theyseemed more sympathetic to residents who'vehad to live next to an unwanted rotation of short-term guests.

"I'm looking for more of a stick than a carrot on this [to] ensure we're keeping people safe in their neighbourhoods," Orlans councillor Matthew Luloff told Airbnb's representative.

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During the marathon meeting, whichended around 8 p.m.community and protective services committee chairJenna Sudds called the rules devised by staff"robust and focused."

Ottawa has come up with rules for short-term rentals because they currently operate illegally and are against zoning rules. Staff have proposed a permit system that wouldrestrict short-term rentals to primary homes and rural vacation properties.

The eight-membercommittee ultimately decided infavour of the short-term rental framework, with three councillors Luloff, Stephen Blais and Eli El-Chantiry voting against it.

The rules now go to city council on Nov. 27 for approval.

Airbnb representative faces questions at city hall in Ottawa

5 years ago

Duration 2:25

Coun. Keith Egli asked whether Airbnb would be willing to share data with the city. Alex Dagg, policy director for Airbnb in Canada, said the company is concerned about being singled out.

Airbnbhosts have 'skin in the game'

Airbnbsaid Friday thatOttawa's rules need a lot more work, and shouldn't leave outinvestment properties,pieds--terre, and basement apartments with separate entrances.

"We're concerned to see city staff recommend the adoption of a set of strict rules that seem to copycat large urban centres,"said Airbnbpublic policy manager Alex Dagg, referring to Toronto's rules which have been appealed.

Genevieve Walton ownsShort and Suite BnB, the largest short-rental property management company in the city. It employs30 people, she said, mostly newcomers and single moms juggling workand family.

"I'm incredibly proud of these individuals every day. I'm also concerned these are the same people I'll be letting go shortly," she told committee members.

Walton said Airbnb isthriving because it offers prompt payment and prompt recourse from renters, while solvingissues that landlordsoften have with Ontario'sLandlord and Tenant Board.

Other speakerswarned councillors their rules were even stricter than Toronto's andwouldlikely lead to both an appeal at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunaland more years of limbo.

Airbnb host Tiffany Gauthier urged councillorsto "respect the evolution that's occurring."

She said she has "so much skin in the game" she would contribute significantly to appeal the new rules, should they pass.

'Ghost hotel' horrors

For one Old Ottawa East home owner, the regulations can't come quickly enough, however.

Lenore Duff is scared delaying an appeal could make her endure another "party high season."

LastCanada Day, cars came and went all night from a party, using her driveway, she told councillors. People spilled out of the house,smoking and drinking. A cigarette butt melted her garage roof.

"I spent the whole summer panicked about who would show up next door and what havoc they would wreak,"Duff said.

Other home owners from Kanata and Nepean shared similar stories of "ghost hotels" next door, and the constant calls to the city to deal with noise and garbage.

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"Party houses have been a problem in my ward," Coun. Jeff Leiper told Airbnb, pointing to a homicide in Mechanicsvillelast year. The proposed regulations are exactly what his residents need, he said, as they see homes increasingly converted to short-term rentals.

The giant staff report dealt not only with short-term rentals, but also anotherset of new regulations to govern traditional landlords and tenants anddealwith problem properties.

Residents also spoke about poor living conditions, while landlords said they welcomed an approach thatwould crack down on the few "bad apples."