August 11, 2025: Principal Residence Requirement comes into effect in the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Area in November, 2025

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
August 11, 2025 – for immediate release 2025-11-IT 
 
Principal Residence Requirement Comes into effect in the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Area in 
November, 2025 
Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – The Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee’s (LTC) request to opt in 
to the Province of British Columbia’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (STRAA) principal residence 
requirement was approved through a BC Order in Council. The principal residence requirement will take 
effect across the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Area on November 1, 2025. 
This move reflects the LTC’s commitment to protecting long-term housing, preserving community 
character, and ensuring fair enforcement of short-term rental (STR) regulations. Under the STRAA, only 
individuals who permanently reside at a property will be permitted to offer short-term rental 
accommodations. Opting into the STRAA will also streamline enforcement efforts by making it easier to 
identify unlawful STRs, reduce pressure on local housing and infrastructure, and ensure a level playing 
field for legal accommodation providers. 
“Our decision to opt in to the principal residence requirement is about balancing the need for visitor 
accommodations with the urgent need for housing in the Salt Spring community,” said Tim Peterson, 
Chair of the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee. “This is a step toward protecting the residential 
character of Salt Spring while supporting local families and businesses.” 
For residents and property owners, this means that only principal residences and eligible dwelling units 
may be used for short-term rentals in permitted zones. All short-term rental operators will be required to 
register with the Province and must include a valid registration number on all listings. Listings that do not 
comply with these requirements may face enforcement action, including fines and removal from the 
booking platform. 
The LTC’s decision supports existing land use regulations, which only permit STRs in the form of home-
based Bed and Breakfasts operated by permanent residents, and only in zones where Bed and Breakfasts 
are permitted as a home based business. It also aligns with the Official Community Plan’s goal to 
maintain Salt Spring Island as a liveable, resident-focused community. 
The Salt Spring Island LTC is also beginning an active phase of the Official Community Plan and Land Use 
Bylaw Review Project, targeting housing challenges on Salt Spring Island,  strengthening relationships with 
First Nations through frequent and open dialogue, and ensuring policies and bylaws support ecosystem 
integrity while responding to climate change impacts. Learn more about this project here. 
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News Release 
200 - 1627 Fort Street Victoria B.C. | V8R 1H8 
Telephone 250.405.5151 | FAX: 250.405.5155 
Toll Free via Service BC in Vancouver 604.6

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