The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors will be contemplating updates to the Short-Term Rental (STR) Policy at its upcoming meeting.

“The Board will be asked to make a decision on density recommendations related to Short-Term Rentals with a goal of providing more policy clarity and clear guidance for applicants looking to apply for STR Temporary Use Permits,” explains RDEK Planning Manager Karen MacLeod.

As density concerns had been identified in Area F, in December 2025, the Board passed a resolution requiring all STR Temporary Use Permit applications be presented to the Board for decision rather than the delegated to staff. It was felt that by allowing the Board to review all applications in Area F, it would provide additional time to evaluate that oversight and determine whether more specific density regulations should be considered.

“Earlier this summer, we held a facilitated meeting to discuss short-term rental density in Electoral Area F. The meeting brought together organizations, operators, and community representatives to share perspectives and support a constructive discussion,” adds MacLeod. “The discussions from this meeting, combined with a review of STR density across all six RDEK electoral areas, have helped inform the Request for Decision that will be coming forward to the Board for consideration at its October meeting.”

The Request for Decision will be discussed at the Planning & Development Services Committee Meeting and RDEK Board Meetings October 8 and 9 respectively. Agendas will be posted the evening of October 2.