While Kelowna council wrestles with licencing and regulation of short term rentals like airbnb, they aren't a concern for West Kelowna council.
Mayor Gord Milsom says, "I don't believe it's making a major impact as far as availability of long term rental units. In my mind, short term rentals are an importnat option for accomodations along with hotels and Bed and Breakfasts."
Milsom does not expect short term rentals to become an issue on the Westside for a year or even two.
On the question of retail marijuana stores in West Kelowna, Milsom says they've had some very good applications, "The applications are being reviewed by our staff. The top four to six will be advanced to council for consideration and approval."
Milsom says that should happen within the next couple of months.
And there's a construction boom about to happen in West Kelowna.
Milsom says, "From what I understand, there's applications in process for approximately one thousand new units in Westbank center, which is huge. Mainly condos, meaning a big increase in population."
Milsom sasy new places to live mean new retail, restaurants and services.