Tourist Accommodation Definition Amendments

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The District of Tofino is proposing amendments to its Zoning Bylaw and Business Licence Regulation Bylaw to align local definitions of Tourist Accommodation with the Province of British Columbia’s short-term rental regulations.

Why are these amendments being proposed?

The District’s bylaws typically define Tourist Accommodation as stays under 30 days, whereas Provincial rules consider stays of less than 90 consecutive days. This inconsistency has created an enforcement gap, with District staff finding properties advertising for 31 days or longer and claiming exemption from local business licence requirements under the current definitions.

The proposed amendments would align the relevant District definitions with the Province’s 90-day threshold, clarify when local short-term rental requirements apply, and support more consistent business licensing and enforcement.

What are the proposed changes?

The proposed amendments would update the following District bylaws:

  • Business Licence Regulation Bylaw: The definition of Tourist Accommodation Property would be updated to include properties where paying guests stay for less than 90 consecutive days, where tourist accommodation is permitted under the Zoning Bylaw.
  • Zoning Bylaw: The definition of Tourist Accommodation would be updated so that temporary overnight accommodation means a stay of less than 90 consecutive days.

The amendments would not change where tourist accommodation is permitted in Tofino. The Zoning Bylaw will continue to determine where these uses are allowed.

Council Consideration

On September 1, 2026, Council gave first, second and third readings to the proposed Business Licence Regulation Bylaw amendment.

Council also waived the requirement for a Public Hearing for the related Zoning Bylaw amendment because the proposed change is consistent with the District’s Official Community Plan.

The amendments are scheduled to return to Council on October 6, 2026. At that meeting:

  • the Zoning Amendment Bylaw is scheduled for consideration of first, second and third readings and adoption; and
  • the Business Licence Regulation Amendment Bylaw is scheduled for consideration of adoption.

Opportunities to Provide Comments

Community members may provide comments on the proposed amendments before Council considers them at the October 6, 2026, Regular Council meeting.

Email or Written Correspondence

Comments should be submitted by October 5, 2026 to:

Keegan McColl, Bylaw Services Supervisor | Planner I
Email: kmccoll@tofino.ca
Mail or deliver to: District of Tofino, 121 Third Street, Tofino, BC

Comments received will be brought forward as part of the October 6 Council meeting.

October 6 Council Meeting

Community members may also provide comments during the Comment Period at the October 6, 2026, Regular Council meeting, either in person or via Zoom at www.tofino.ca/meetings.

The District of Tofino is proposing amendments to its Zoning Bylaw and Business Licence Regulation Bylaw to align local definitions of Tourist Accommodation with the Province of British Columbia’s short-term rental regulations.

Why are these amendments being proposed?

The District’s bylaws typically define Tourist Accommodation as stays under 30 days, whereas Provincial rules consider stays of less than 90 consecutive days. This inconsistency has created an enforcement gap, with District staff finding properties advertising for 31 days or longer and claiming exemption from local business licence requirements under the current definitions.

The proposed amendments would align the relevant District definitions with the Province’s 90-day threshold, clarify when local short-term rental requirements apply, and support more consistent business licensing and enforcement.

What are the proposed changes?

The proposed amendments would update the following District bylaws:

  • Business Licence Regulation Bylaw: The definition of Tourist Accommodation Property would be updated to include properties where paying guests stay for less than 90 consecutive days, where tourist accommodation is permitted under the Zoning Bylaw.
  • Zoning Bylaw: The definition of Tourist Accommodation would be updated so that temporary overnight accommodation means a stay of less than 90 consecutive days.

The amendments would not change where tourist accommodation is permitted in Tofino. The Zoning Bylaw will continue to determine where these uses are allowed.

Council Consideration

On September 1, 2026, Council gave first, second and third readings to the proposed Business Licence Regulation Bylaw amendment.

Council also waived the requirement for a Public Hearing for the related Zoning Bylaw amendment because the proposed change is consistent with the District’s Official Community Plan.

The amendments are scheduled to return to Council on October 6, 2026. At that meeting:

  • the Zoning Amendment Bylaw is scheduled for consideration of first, second and third readings and adoption; and
  • the Business Licence Regulation Amendment Bylaw is scheduled for consideration of adoption.

Opportunities to Provide Comments

Community members may provide comments on the proposed amendments before Council considers them at the October 6, 2026, Regular Council meeting.

Email or Written Correspondence

Comments should be submitted by October 5, 2026 to:

Keegan McColl, Bylaw Services Supervisor | Planner I
Email: kmccoll@tofino.ca
Mail or deliver to: District of Tofino, 121 Third Street, Tofino, BC

Comments received will be brought forward as part of the October 6 Council meeting.

October 6 Council Meeting

Community members may also provide comments during the Comment Period at the October 6, 2026, Regular Council meeting, either in person or via Zoom at www.tofino.ca/meetings.