Business Licence Hearing
April 21, 2026 · 10:30 am
Summary
- The panel heard an appeal by June Park, who applied in September 2025 for a short-term rental business licence at 1801–1788 Columbia Street; the Chief Licence Inspector had declined the application in January 2026.
- The city's case rested on: high booking rates (75%+ of nights rented in most months), an inspection showing an almost empty unit with minimal clothing and an empty fridge, Park's own statement that he stays at his parents' Surrey home when the unit is rented, and his acknowledgement that the property is now owned by his parents and brother.
- Park argued his minimalist lifestyle and a carnivore/fasting diet explain the sparse unit, that he was travelling for poker tournaments during the inspection period, and that the city's residency standard is subjective rather than based on objective thresholds.
- The panel upheld the Chief Licence Inspector's decision; the motion was moved by Councillor Brian Montague, who noted concerns about the ownership transfer, the volume and consistency of short-term bookings, and the absence of evidence of principal residency, while acknowledging Park's minimalism explanation.
Motions
Uphold Chief Licence Inspector Decision
1801-1788 Columbia Street Carried Details
- Proposed that the panel uphold the Chief Licence Inspector's January 2026 decision not to support issuance of a short-term rental business licence to June Park for 1801–1788 Columbia Street.
- City's position: the principal residence requirement exists to protect long-term housing stock; the totality of evidence, including booking history, inspection photos, and the applicant's own statements, did not satisfy that requirement.
- Applicant's position: residency criteria are subjective, his minimalist lifestyle and travel for poker tournaments explain the sparse unit and his absences, and he provided billing and identification documents listing the unit as his address.
- Councillor Montague noted concerns beyond the inspection photos: the rapid transfer of property ownership to parents and a brother, the high and consistent short-term booking rates across consecutive months, and the overall lack of supporting evidence of principal residency.
Agenda documents (1)
ROLL CALL
1. Business Licence Application No. AL0188353 (Short Term Rental) 1801-1788 Columbia Street