Category Archives: Housing

Housing

Short Term Rentals must be registered by May 1, 2025

There are approximately 100 short term rentals, collectively earning between $1 million and $1.5 million* a year, on Cortes Island. At of the end of 2021, there were 177 on Quadra.  As of May 1st, all  Airbnbs and short-term rentals in BC have to register with the provincial government.

 “It’s a process where the provincial government is asking short term rental operators and short term rental platform operators to register. Then they’re going to cross reference  and use that as a way to regulate Airbnbs,” explained Mark Vonesch, Regional Director for Cortes Island (Area B).

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Housing

The Cortes Housing Society looks back to things accomplished in 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025

The Cortes Community Housing Society will soon break ground on Rainbow Ridge. They are also renting out two houses, are about to explore the possibility of a tiny house village, and hope to launch a homeshare program this summer. There is also news about the aquifer study, more online housing forums, the Cortes Island Trade Directory and Cortes Island’s vacant homes.

“2024 was a banner year for us in many ways,” exclaimed Executive Director Sadhu Johnston.

Bruin Black, the Society’s new Project Manager, added,  “This year is going to be a big year in terms of things happening. I’m just excited to see how things unfold.”

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Housing

Residential Upzone Proposal for Cortes Island

By Carrie Saxifrage

We are lucky to have impressive work toward affordable housing by our  Regional Director Mark Vonesch, Cortes Island Housing Society Executive Director Sadhu Johnston, Cortes Foundation  Executive Director Manda Aufochs Gillespie, Cortes Community Economic Development Association ​​Economic Development Officer Kate Maddigan, donors who make all this possible and everyone else helping the community as a whole. Also, the 2002 bylaws have worked really well for us, especially the foresight regarding forest zones. Thanks to those who engaged in that process. I hope, if you have thoughts about the proposed revision, you will let the SRD know. 

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Housing

Tofino Harbour Authority shuts office due to standoff with long-standing float home residents

By Nora O’Malley, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tofino, BC – Locked security gates are coming to some of Tofino’s docks, according to the harbour authority’s manager, an inconvenient safety measure that has resulted from liability concerns over float homes at the harbour.

The Fourth Street Dock will remain “fully accessible”, according to the District of Tofino, but a different situation is expected at the Crab Dock, where a dispute has been brewing over people living on a floating home.

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Housing, Poverty

After 13 Fatalities: Victoria housing advocates and residents pull no punches with City council

By Sidney Coles, Capital Daily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Things got heated between community housing advocates, unhoused residents, and Victoria City Council last Thursday night. For members of the public who presented at the Dec. 12 meeting, it was an opportunity to express their anger, frustration, and deep sorrow in the face of the deaths of several of their friends and chosen family in recent weeks. Their grief and anger were palpable. And they were righteous.

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