Canmore introduces new taxes for tourist homes [Video]

The Town of Canmore is moving forward with its plans to phase out “tourist homes” by implementing a new set of rules for short-term rental properties.

The new rules will require current owners offering short-term vacation rentals to acquire a business licence, increase the fee for the licence and introduce fines for violators of the bylaw.

The change follows the introduction of a vacancy tax approved by council over the summer and stems from recommendations of a Livability Taskforce, which was tasked with tackling the housing crisis in town and increasing vacancy for permanent or long-term residents.

“The message is we need to take bold action to save our community as we know it,” said Mayor Sean Krausert.

“If we continue on the way we have been going or the way most mountain towns have gone, and that’s not doing anything bold or different to address the situation, we will …