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As we find ourselves in the midst of summer, our industry faces a range of challenges across the province and country.
I want to express my deep appreciation for the unwavering support our industry provides during times of crisis and emergency response. Currently, there are several areas in the province where BC residents are displaced due to fires, and once again, we have stepped up to provide safe shelter.
Though the Emergency Portal project proposed to Emergency Management BC has been declined, I have no doubt that our industry will always do everything possible to ensure people are safe, warm, and cared for during such difficult times. I am encouraged to see our provincial counterparts across the country adopting our lead on the booking portal to facilitate real-time bookings during emergencies.
It is heart-wrenching to witness the impact of these fires, which are disrupting highways and displacing BC residents. I would like to commend the leadership of the Emergency Management team, Destination BC, TIABC, and BCRTS for their excellent work. Communication remains vital in keeping travelers informed and enabling them to plan their vacations effectively.
Affordability continues to be a major issue in every community throughout the province. Without accessible housing, we struggle to recruit the necessary workforce, and individuals are hindered in their career growth and development. Our latest commissioned report from the University of McGill examines the impact of short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) in BC. The BCHA will be making this public in the coming weeks, and it will shed light on the commercialization of the housing industry and how it directly affects rental rates and prices when rental housing for employees and BC residents is limited.
Addressing affordability and housing availability involves aligning community values and livability with municipal bylaws--an intricate process that requires the development of toolkits, best practices, legislation, and appropriate systems of communication and enforcement. Enforcement, in this context, refers to establishing plans for regional districts or communities and implementing them effectively. This is a critical aspect of the complex reality surrounding affordable housing, which is closely linked to our workforce crisis.
The Federal Tourism Growth strategy presents significant opportunities for us. Through this initiative, we can quantify the contribution of hotels to communities, assessing their economic, social, and community impact. It also allows us to evaluate current development bylaws and community goals.
Armed with this information, we can advocate for resort and hotel projects that align with the values of BC residents and positively contribute to community livability. We are thrilled to collaborate closely with our federal partners, Destination Vancouver, and various communities around the province to accomplish this important work. It is evident that many municipalities require more hotel rooms or renovations of existing ones, as well as the construction of new hotel and resort facilities, all of which will enhance the travel experience, whether for corporate or leisure purposes.
We look forward to sharing more with you on the work the BCHA team is leading.
Ingrid Jarrett
President and CEO
BC Hotel Association
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