Would collecting sales and hotel tax from services like Airbnb help cool Vancouver’s housing market?

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A plan to free up more housing in Vancouver by slapping new taxes on short-term rental services like Airbnb will be presented to council today.

Some platforms like Expedia, as well as and regular bed and breakfasts have to collect provincial sales tax, in addition to a hotel tax.

Vancouver City Councillor Geoff Meggs believes Airbnb and similar operations should have to do the same.

“Our hope is that if it was applied, it would have the effect of freeing up some of the short-term bookings that would properly be long-term accommodation — renters, tenants,” he tells us.

“It would just level the playing field and perhaps ensure that some of that room inventory — which is currently being provided short term but really should be long term — stays long term,” he adds.

Meggs hopes council will take the motion to the Union of BC Municipalities Conference in September.

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