Whereas the explosive growth in short-term accommodation rentals in BC communities facilitated by online booking platforms such as airbnb, VRBO, etc. impacts the availability and price of housing for long-term rentals and purchasers; And whereas the majority of short-term accommodation rentals offered by online booking platforms do not collect or remit provincial sales tax PST and Municipal and Regional District Tax MRDT where applicable, and thereby enjoy a further tax advantage over traditional short-term accommodation providers hotels and motels; Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the provincial government to ensure tax fairness and a level playing field by collecting all applicable taxes PST and where applicable MRDT on short-term accommodation rentals offered by online booking platforms and other means.
