Councillors Hill, Block, and Jeffries left the Chamber and excused themselves from the remainder of the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
The following documents were provided:
- Proposed Bylaws No. 9683 and No. 9684;
- Report of the General Manager, Community Services Department, dated January 28, 2020;
- Letter from the Municipal Planning Commission, dated February 3, 2020; and
- Notice that appeared in the local press on February 8 and 10, 2020.
The following letters were provided:
Requesting to Speak:
- Nathan Rotman, Airbnb Canada, dated February 7, 2020;
- Lloyd Beazley, Wee Vend Inc., dated February 19, 2020;
- Norm Osback (comments attached), dated February 19, 2020;
- Keith Pearson, dated February 21, 2020; and
- Jeff Jackson, dated February 24, 2020
Submitting Comments:
- Lloyd Beazley and Norm Osback, joint comments received February 19, 2020 (including speaking notes to MPC dated January 28, 2020);
- Sheila Liota, dated February 20, 2020;
- Elizabeth McCann, dated February 20, 2020; and
- Ruth Engele, Renters of Saskatoon and Area, dated February 24, 2020
Mayor Clark introduced the matter and a motion to consider first reading of Bylaw Nos. 9683 and 9684 was passed.
Mark Wilson, Licensing and Permitting Manager, Community Standards Division, presented the report and provided a PowerPoint presentation, noting Administration is recommending Option 3. He answered questions of Council.
Diane Bentley, Chair, Municipal Planning Commission, overviewed the Commission's concerns and answered questions of Council.
Nathan Rotman, Airbnb Canada, spoke in support of the Administration's recommendation and answered questions of Council with respect to licenses, enforcement, parking, condo boards, and other municipalities' regulations.
Lloyd Beazley, Wee Vend Inc., requested the proposed bylaws not be passed and the matter referred back to the Administration. He expressed concerns about the open house, increase in discretionary use application fees, definition of short-term, and answered questions of Council regarding his reasons for opposition and submitted a copy of his speaking notes.
The meeting recessed at 8:16 p.m. and reconvened at 8:31 p.m.
Norm Osback spoke against the proposed regulations and submitted a copy of his presentation.
Keith Pearson spoke against the proposed regulations, expressed his concerns, and noted there are many factors for Council to consider.
Jeff Jackson expressed his concern for the Administration's report, public consultation, fees and incorrect website content. He answered questions of Council and requested defeat of the options as presented and investigation of other options such as a licensing system.
Michelle Pexa shared with Council her positive experience of being an Airbnb host and user, noting not only are the hosts rated, but so are the guests. She spoke in support of standardizing the requirements.
Curtis Dyck, a local builder, architect and host expressed concerns with definition of short-term being less than 30 days - would like to see it be longer.
Ruth Engele, volunteer with Renters of Saskatoon and Area, read a submission from Chandra Behrenz regarding rentals rates in Saskatoon and requesting Council also keep the affects on long-term accommodations in mind.
Eric Lau, spoke to the benefits and his positive experience as an Airbnb super host. He expressed opposition to a discretionary use fee - would be a barrier to hosting.
Jim Bence, President and CEO, The Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association, raised with Council many factors to consider such as fairness in taxation, protecting affordable housing stock, the rise in human trafficking and drug activity, and the large undertaking to run a regulation program. He answered questions of Council and advised Option 1 would be the preference of his association.
Veronica Kilpatrick noted long and short term accommodations are subject to the same issues and a license may be the best way to regulate.
Spencer Olynchuk, Airbnb host, requested Council tread carefully, expressing his feeling the matter has been rushed and the discretionary use fee would be a huge barrier.
Rene Rego, an Airbnb super host, spoke in support of Airbnb's and their importance to his family but in opposition to the discretionary use proposal.
Mayor Clark ascertained that there was no one else present in the gallery who wished to address Council on this matter.
The Administration answered further questions of Council.
The meeting recessed at 10:25 and reconvened at 10:36 p.m.