What Communities May Not Know about the Economics of Short-Term Rentals 

Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 10:40am
Room: Main Ballroom

Speakers:
Alex Howell – Policy Lead, Canada, Airbnb

Description: Short-term rentals (STRs) sit at the complex intersection of housing policy, municipal planning, and tourism development. For Economic Development Officers (EDOs), navigating conversations between local councils, planning departments, and industry operators requires grounded data and an operational understanding of how the short-term rental ecosystem actually functions. 

This practical breakout session peels back the curtain on short-term rental operations to examine the full economic picture for both individual hosts and host communities. Participants will explore the realities of host requirements, operational overhead, platforms, and municipal fee structures alongside the broader community impacts—from Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) / hotel room tax generation and visitor spending to local business spillover. Equipped with clear data and operational context, EDOs will leave better prepared to serve as informed liaisons between planning staff, elected officials, and local operators.