Regina mayor says council will tackle short-term rental rules early next year

The questions surrounding short-termrentals have become a hot topic again atRegina city council.

A couple who wantto operate a short-term rental in the city had their initial application denied by the city's planning commission.

Thomas and Theadoshia Carefootpurchased the home called the Mason Manorlocated at 3118Albert Street.The couple are now restoring the neglected home back to its former glory and hope that once it's complete they can run the property as a legal "residential homestay" business.

The Carefootscurrently offer short-term stays in the home's basement suite while they complete the renovations in therest of the house.

City council heard from the homeowners on Monday night and discussed the ongoing issue ofhow to regulate Airbnb- and VRBO-style homes in the city.

MayorMichael Fougere told CBC the city needs to come up with a plan and soon.

"There's over 300 properties out there on Airbnbsacross the city, and council feels the pressure, the need, to actually have some form of regulation in place, licensing perhaps."

Only one home in Regina holdscity approval to operate as a " residential homestay" business.

The question about who can holdthese types of licences have intensified. AnAirbnb report saysRegina has seen a 328-per-cent increase in bookings since last year.Airbnbcredits the increase to the uptick of big-name events coming to the citysuch as the Garth Brooks concert, the 2019 Heritage Classic and next year's Grey Cup.

Fougeresays council will tackle the issue in the first quarter of 2020.

As for Mason Manor, the owners say they will continue to work on the renovations and wait for the city's decision.