Hornby trustees advance proposed cap on vacation-rental permits
The Hornby Island Local Trust Committee asked staff to draft a maximum of 65 permits, with principal-residence and alternative water provisions.
The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2026-09-18 · Hornby Island
The Hornby Island Local Trust Committee asked staff to bring forward draft amendments to proposed Bylaw No. 177 that would cap Temporary Use Permits at 65, require operators to operate from their principal residence, and address alternative water provisions and composting toilets. The motion carried at the committee’s March 3 special meeting. [1]
Staff are to return draft amendment language for discussion at the March 20, 2026 meeting. The minutes say second reading as amended could then be given and a public hearing scheduled. [1]
The planner said the proposed changes would not be in effect for the 2026 season and that applicants would be expected to have at least one year of notice to prepare. Applicants would also need to understand the application deadline for consideration in the following cycle of seasonal operations. [1]
During discussion, trustees noted tourism is a major economy and said balance was needed while maintaining the residential character of neighbourhoods. The minutes also record comments about overcrowding, ferry and road traffic, parking, noise, congestion, safety, water shortages and pollution. [1]
The minutes record that 48 known short-term vacation rentals were not currently in compliance. They also say the proposed cap of 65 Temporary Use Permits was being considered subject to principal residency. [1]
Public comments included requests for clear Temporary Use Permit requirements, provisions for non-standard water and septic systems, permission for composting toilets, and a cap that would not be set too low. [1]
Sources
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Hornby LTC Special Meeting Minutes — March 3, 2026
that the Hornby Island Local Trust Committee request staff to bring forward draft amendment language for proposed Bylaw No. 177 (Land Use Bylaw) to include a cap of a maximum of 65 Temporary Use Permits at any given time, a requirement for operators to operate from their principal residence, and draft language regarding alternative water provisions and permitting composting toilets.
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