Vancouver Rundown Friday April 19, 2024
Summary
B.C. is continuing with its war on Airbnb and other short-term rentals. As of May 1, short-term rentals can only be offered in the host’s home plus one additional unit. Those rules will apply to communities with more than 10,000 people but local municipalities are still able to bring in even tougher rules. Fines could range from $500 to $5000. A Provincial Short-Term Rental Compliance Enforcement Unit is being set up for enforcement.
Other news…
The Mounties aren’t saying much about an apparent homicide investigation that’s had a command centre set up at a home in Port Coquitlam. The Mounties say a ‘suspicious death’ has occurred which prompted the closure of Burns Road near Dominion Avenue for several hours on Tuesday. IHIT has been notified but has not yet been called in.
People living in Vancouver are being warned a high-risk sex offender has now moved in to the city. Scott Mackay has served time for killing a University of Victoria student in 1987. In addition to his second degree murder conviction for killing jogger Marguerite Telesford, Mackay has been convicted of assaults on sex workers.
Vancouver’s pro-cannabis 4/20 event will once again go ahead on Saturday - but city facilities including the Vancouver Aquatic Centre and nearby washrooms will be closed. Once again, organizers don’t have any permits for the celebration-demonstration-protest-smokeup. Additional VPD officers will be near the crowds on Sunset Beach.
Friday will again be sunny and warmer than usual for April. Saturday will have showers. Sunday will be a mix of sun and clouds. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.
Top five stories to know
Global News: B.C. announces new rules around short-term rentals to take effect May 1
CityNews: ‘Suspicious death’ reported in Port Coquitlam prompts days-long response
CBC: Police warn of high-risk sex offender now living in Vancouver
Business stories to know
Business In Vancouver: Southwest B.C. delivered record housing starts in 2023, says report
Vancouver Sun: Owner of Burnaby's Metrotown mall wants to build 15 highrises on its site
Opinion
Business In Vancouver: Opinion: B.C.'s debt burden will mean service cuts and tax hikes
Journalism matters
That’s cool
CTV: Stolen snake named Milkshake returned to Kelowna pet store
Bonus
Globe & Mail: Dominic LeBlanc wants his close friend Justin Trudeau’s job