✍️By Debbie Balfour | WBN News | May 19, 2025 | Click HERE for your FREE Subscription to WBN News and/or to be a Contributor.

In a dramatic policy pivot, Kelowna has reversed its 2024 restrictions on short-term rentals in secondary units—just in time for the 2025 summer season. After a tough year that saw local tourism dip and businesses struggle, this change could be the spark the city needs to reignite its summer economy.

Last year, strict rules allowed short-term rentals only in primary residences, wiping out a large chunk of the city's vacation inventory. The impact was swift and sharp—tourists faced fewer options, prices surged, and many simply chose other destinations. Local restaurants, tour operators, and recreational businesses all felt the sting of fewer visitors and lighter wallets.

Now, with homeowners once again able to rent out secondary suites and accessory dwellings, the landscape is shifting fast. The return of hundreds of potential rental units promises to bring a wave of flexibility and affordability to Kelowna’s visitor market. This boost could translate into higher tourist volumes, longer stays, and more spending across the region.

It’s a calculated gamble—balancing housing concerns with economic vitality—but one the city seems ready to take. If the early bookings are any indication, Kelowna is poised for a tourism comeback that could redefine the summer of 2025.

Hooked by 2024’s missteps, Kelowna’s new stance may unlock a record-breaking summer.

Debbie Balfour | Real Estate Investing Success Coach + Podcast Host

🏠Fireside Lakeview Cottage 30 days+ rental in Peachland - Book here: www.airbnb.ca/h/firesidelakeviewcottage
📍 Website: www.DebbieBalfour.com
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TAGS: #Real Estate Investing #Kelowna Tourism #Short Term Rentals #Summer 2025 #Okanagan Travel #BC Real Estate #WBNNews Okanagan #Debbie Balfour

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