The City of Quebec wishes to review its regulations regarding commercial tourist accommodation in order to prevent the conversion of rental accommodation into hotel establishments. In a press release published on June 6, the municipality announced a “review of the framework concerning commercial tourist accommodation on its territory”.
The head of tourism and town planning, Mélissa Coulombe-Leduc, indicated that the upcoming changes are part of an exceptional context of housing crisis.
“Starting next fall, new regulatory measures will ensure the protection of existing housing in inhabited areas, such as commercial streets. On the other hand, we will ensure that the development of the offer is possible, in particular by offering more flexibility regarding the number of units permitted and by targeting commercial centers with high potential to concentrate the development of the offer there. she explains in the press release.
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These centers are, for example, the airport sector, the bridge sector and Lebourgneuf.
Vast regulatory project
The desired changes will extend to the entire municipality and require the adoption of new urban planning regulations. “Proper consultations will take place as we progress in the regulatory process,” Mélissa Coulombe-Leduc told Radio-Canada.
Furthermore, efforts will continue to better regulate collaborative tourist accommodation such as Airbnb. Please note that since April, citizens who wish to rent their main residence to tourists must obtain a certificate of authorization renewable annually at a cost of $250. These measures aim, in the same way, to reduce pressure on the rental market by ensuring that housing remains a priority for residential use.
They also make it possible to prevent unfair competition from operators of illegal rental accommodation in line with Law 25, adopted in June 2023, which aims to fight against illegal tourist accommodation. According to the City, additional inspectors have been specifically assigned to tourist accommodation.
The regulatory changes resulting from these new measures will be presented during public consultation sessions starting in fall 2024. The consultation schedule will be revealed by the beginning of fall, assures the City.
Read also : Tourist accommodation: 90% of Airbnb ads are now compliant
Keywords:Quebec (province)
Laws, regulations and permits
Hotel
