Banff cracking down unlicensed vacation properties

The Town of Banff issending outcease and desist letters to people who have beenrenting out theirhomes to tourists onAirbnb and VRBO.

Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen says council has received a number of complaints in the last 12 to 18 months from hotels, hostels and licensed B&B operators in town.

"I think what we need thepeople who are doing thisto understand is that offering the use of residential property as commercial accommodationto the traveling public is contrary not only to the Town of Banff land-use bylawbut more importantly,to the National Parks Act," said Sorensen.

She saysat any one time, there are about 20 illegal vacationproperties for rent online.

Tourist vs. Resident

It's not illegal to own a housein Banff and not reside in it, but you cannot rent it out to overnight tourists without a commercial development permit.

"You should be renting it on a monthly basis or an annual basis to a resident who needs it," Sorensen told the Homestretch on Wednesday.

And by resident,she means 'eligible resident' someoneworking in Banffon a full-time basis.

Every year, thousands of temporary workers flock to the mountain town to work in the service industry.

With azero-per cent vacancy rate, finding a solution to Banff's housing crunch has become a top priority for council.

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"Having appropriate and comfortable housing for all members of our community is essential. By enforcingthe current the laws, we're able to ensure that available housing stockis accessible to residents looking for a home," said Sorensen.

Anyone operatingan illegal tourist home will first be sent aletter from the town, informing them that they are in violation of Banff's land use bylaw.If there is no response within a certain period of time, the town will ask theoffender tocease and desist.

The town canalso issue a fineup to $2,500.

"We're hoping we don't have to go to the full extend of the law," said Sorensen.

"We hope by education,andmaking sure that the person who is renting the place out knows that we are aware of it, and that is it illegal, and that theycan be fined, will be enough to have them stop," she said.