Residents to be Asked About Short-Term Rentals in 2026 Election
September 2, 2026
At the September 1, 2026, Council meeting, View Royal Council directed staff to add a non-binding plebiscite question to the ballot for the 2026 General Local Election.
Voters will be asked to answer the following “yes” or “no” question:
The Town of View Royal Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, currently permits registered bed and breakfasts but does not permit other forms of short-term rentals. Bed and breakfasts must be operated by the resident who resides in the detached dwelling and are limited to two sleeping units and a maximum stay of sixty (60) days per calendar year. Under Provincial legislation, short-term rentals are accommodations provided to the public for payment for periods of less than ninety (90) consecutive days.
The Town is seeking the electors feedback on whether short-term rentals, in addition to bed and breakfasts, should be permitted within View Royal, subject to applicable requirements. Therefore:
- Are you in favour of allowing short-term rentals in the Town of View Royal, if they are conducted in alignment with Provincial legislation?
- YES, I am in favour.
- NO, I am opposed.
What does a non-binding plebiscite question on the ballot mean?
The question is intended to provide the Council elected in 2026 with information about residents’ views on short-term rentals in View Royal.
The question is non-binding and does not create any legal obligations. A vote in favour or against the question will not, by itself, change the Town’s bylaws or permit short-term rentals in View Royal. The results will be provided to the incoming Council to help inform future discussions and decisions about short-term rentals in the Town of View Royal.
What voters need to know
Most View Royal electors will receive two ballots:
- One ballot for Mayor, six Councillors, and the Area 3 School Trustee for School District No. 61*; and
- One ballot for the non-binding plebiscite question.
*Note: A small number of properties in the McKenzie Lake area, west of Pike Lake, fall within the School District No. 62 catchment. These properties are located on Bate, Barker, Herbate, Thanet, and Westoby Roads. Electors in this area will receive three ballots. In addition to the ballot for Mayor and Councillors and the plebiscite question, they will receive a ballot to elect School Trustees for School District No. 62. They will not vote for an Area 3 School Trustee for School District No. 61.
How can I learn more about provincial rules for short-term rentals?
BC’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act establishes provincial rules for short-term rentals, including a principal residence requirement in communities where it applies.
The provincial requirement generally limits short-term rentals to a host’s principal residence, plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property.
Hosts must also register with the Provincial Government, and must comply with applicable local zoning, bylaws and business licence requirements.
For information about provincial short-term rental requirements, visit the Province of BC’s short-term rental webpage.
View Royal Votes 2026
Residents can learn more about the 2026 General Local Election, including voting dates, locations, candidates and voter information, at www.viewroyal.ca/elections
Contact
250-479-6800
elections@viewroyal.ca
