Calgary launches Phase 2 civic engagement on short‑term rentals

The Calgary Hotel Association, along with support from its partners Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association, Hotel Association of Canada and Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA), have been on a multi-phase policy support project with the City of Calgary on further regulation, management and taxation of short-term rentals.

The City of Calgary and the University of Calgary are collaborating on a multi-year study of Calgary's short-term rental (STR) market through the Urban Alliance partnership. Its goals are to gain an in-depth understanding of Calgary’s STR market and the challenges and opportunities it presents, and to use this knowledge to recommend an updated regulatory approach for STRs that:

• is flexible, effective and transparent.
• addresses current and emerging challenges.
• aligns with City priorities related to housing, land use, economic development, downtown revitalization, equity, hospitality and tourism.

Public engagement is a key component of this research. Calgarians and interested parties have the opportunity to share experiences and provide feedback during two phases of engagement. Phase 1 (Fall 2023) was focused on understanding public attitudes about the STR market and its various impacts, pressures, and benefits. Phase 2 is now underway.

From the Short-Term Rental Study and Phase 1 engagement report, it knows the following about Calgary’s short-term rental market:

• The STR market in Calgary has been growing since 2017. The majority of STR listings and listing growth has been concentrated in Centre City communities and developing communities, however the type of listing differs by community.
• There are approximately 5,000 short-term listings in Calgary (September 2023). A short-term rental listing could be a private room, an entire apartment/home or entire suite. This represents less than 1 per cent of the approximately 540,000 residential properties in Calgary.
• There is a clear seasonal pattern to activity STR listings, spiking in July when Calgary hosts Stampede. However, Calgary is not considered a year-round ‘tourist destination’.
• From the Phase 1 engagement survey, we know that short-term rentals serve a need that is not limited to tourism. Short-term rentals are used to provide temporary accommodation for individuals travelling to Calgary for medical purposes, Calgarians transitioning in between homes, new Calgarians, and transitory workers.

Share feedback and help shape short-term rental (STR) regulations in Calgary:

engage.calgary.ca/STR