North Saanich and the Short-Term Rental Question
Across British Columbia, municipalities are grappling with the tension between property rights, tourism revenue, and long-term housing supply. North Saanich is no exception. In 2025–2026, the District of North Saanich conducted a community survey on short-term rentals (STRs) — and the results are now actively shaping local policy in ways that every property owner should understand.
What the Survey Found
The North Saanich STR survey revealed a community divided along predictable lines. Property owners expressed strong support for the ability to list on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Neighbourhood associations raised concerns about:
- Increased traffic and parking pressure in residential areas
- Noise complaints and loss of neighbourhood character
- Removal of long-term rental units from an already tight housing market
- Enforcement challenges given the rural nature of the municipality
The survey also captured strong interest in agritourism-adjacent STR uses — farm stays, equestrian retreats, and nature-based experiences — that are seen as more compatible with North Saanich's rural character.
The Provincial Framework
BC's Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (Bill 35) requires STR operators to hold a valid provincial registration number, comply with local government bylaws, and operate only in their principal residence in most municipalities. North Saanich's population sits below the threshold that triggers the most restrictive requirements, giving the municipality additional flexibility.
What This Means for Property Owners
- Secondary suite or carriage house owners: You are in a regulatory grey zone. Watch for new bylaw amendments expected in late 2026.
- Waterfront or rural estate owners: The most contentious use case. Agritourism-type permits are emerging as a possible path forward.
- Currently operating an unlicensed STR: Compliance enforcement is increasing. The District is cross-referencing STR platform listings against municipal addresses.
- Considering purchasing with STR income in mind: Do not underwrite a purchase based on historical STR revenue without current legal advice.
The Investment Angle
The STR regulatory environment has two effects on North Saanich values: short-term dampening of properties marketed with STR income projections, and long-term stabilization as STR restrictions effectively remove units from the rental pool — putting upward pressure on long-term rental rates.
Stay Informed
North Saanich's STR policy will evolve throughout 2026. If you're a property owner with questions about how current or proposed regulations affect your specific property, I'm happy to walk through the implications with you.
Dan Juricic | RE/MAX Camosun | Victoria, BC
