In light of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD)’s decision to opt Electoral Area B into the provincial Short-Term Rental (STR) regulations under Bill 35, the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce is urging all affected businesses and aspiring businesses operating in CSRD Electoral Area B to come forward and share their concerns and experiences.

The decision, made on March 22, 2024 by Area B Director David Brooks-Hill, adopts the Principal Resident requirement, a policy which restricts short-term rentals to operators who reside full-time on the rental property. The Chamber recognizes the significant impact this legislation will have on the business community, particularly those operating accommodation, tourism, and seasonal housing assets in this part of our community.

Following numerous complaints to the Chamber from Area B business owners about the lack of consultation, limited communication, and unanswered inquiries, the Chamber requested and held a formal meeting with Director Brooks-Hill on July 22, 2025. The meeting revealed that:

• The decision was made without quantitative community data.
• Many operators are unclear about their zoning designations.
• Enforcement under the provincial STR registry is already underway.
• There is no unified STR strategy between the CSRD Area B and the City of Revelstoke.
• These new rules will come into effect Nov 2025 and will be permanent for a 12 month duration at minimum.

“The Chamber has done some digging on the Bill 35 STR legislation through the provided information on the provincial website and found some potential work arounds for operators to utilize with regards to the principal resident portion of the legislation. For example, the entirety of the Shelter Bay area is zoned STR friendly. We have business owners who rely on the tourism economy to sustain their local businesses who employ locals through this sector of the visitor economy. We are inviting CSRD area B businesses and aspiring businesses to join us on August 19th at 5pm at our Chamber office for an in-person and virtual conversation with the Chamber on this subject.” -Caroline Lachapelle, CEO Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce

Give the Chamber your feedback on this subject here: 

STR Legislation for CSRD Area B - Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce 

Register for the in-person conversation on Tuesday, August 19 at 5pm PST here:

Chamber Discussion with CSRD Area B Businesses on STRs — Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce

Other Important Links:

• CivicSend STR Announcement
• CSRD STR Presentation – October 2024
• CSRD Board Report – March 21, 2024