As of May 1, in communities with a population over ten thousand, short term rentals will only be allowed in an owner’s principal residence, or in a secondary suite or accessory dwelling on the same property. A number of less populated communities, including Gabriola Island and Tofino have opted in to the regulations. In those areas the rules will take effect on November first. According to data obtained from the website Air DNA earlier this week, there are 999 short term rental listings in Nanaimo. The city requires short term rental operators to have a licence which costs $165 per year. A March staff report found that there were fewer than 300 licences for short term rentals in the community. Midcoast Morning explores the impact of the potential impact of the new rules in our area, and speaks with B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon