Your rent is rising. Here's why.
Beautiful out here. Complicated in here. That's the coast. And Vancouver City Council's recent actions continue to reflect that tension, especially when it comes to housing. On April 21, 2026, during a Special Council meeting, a Business Licence Application for a Short-Term Rental at 1801-1788 Columbia Street was carried unanimously. Councillor B. Montague, Councillor L. Zhou, and Councillor S. Orr all voted in favour, according to recent council voting records. Councillor R. Bligh was absent.
This isn't a one-off. Just a week prior, on April 14, Councillor Bligh was also absent for the Public Hearing concerning a CD-1 Text Amendment for 1055-1085 Canada Place and 1001-1045 West Waterfront Road, which also passed. While short-term rentals can bring revenue, every unit used for transient stays is a unit not available for long-term residents.
* On April 21, 2026, Council approved a Short-Term Rental business license at 1801-1788 Columbia Street. * This vote was unanimous among present councillors, with Councillor R. Bligh absent. * A previous key vote on April 14 for a CD-1 Text Amendment at Canada Place also passed with Councillor R. Bligh absent.
The steady approval of these types of applications, even with absences, highlights an ongoing conversation. We're a city that often prioritizes attracting visitors and investment. The question, always, is: at what cost to the people who actually live and work here, trying to make a life between the mountains and the sea? Keep an eye on how many more of these applications surface in the coming months.
Kenji Nakashima, MiTL Sports Desk, Vancouver.
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