Beyond Airbnb: Balancing Community Interests in the Sharing Economy - Lessons Learned from regulating Short Term Accommodations in the Town of The Blue Mountains

The Town of The Blue Mountains is a four-season recreation and resort destination that attracts more than 750,000 visitors a year. As a tourist destination, there is demand for a wide range of accommodations. Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of single-detached dwellings in established residential neighbourhoods that have been converted to short-term accommodation. Using The Blue Mountain experience as a case study, this session will explore some of the causes of community conflict, the process used to resolve them, the legal framework and the current short-term accommodation regulation program and outcomes. 

 

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding how to balance interests in neighbourhood conflict.

• Understanding the changing nature of resort area economies (hotels vs. sharing economy).

• Gaining knowledge about potential implementation resources needed for licensing programs.