Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 19th May 2023
Mark Vonesch - Regional Direct
I’m excited to let you know that the provincial government has approved Cortes Island's short-term rental tax application. Starting on July 1st, tourists will pay an extra 3% on their short-term rental bookings and the funds will be collected by the provincial government and sent to the Cortes Housing Society on a monthly basis to contribute to the development of Rainbow Ridge rental housing.
I expect this will raise up to $50,000 per year, and although this is not a huge amount, it will give the Cortes Housing Society a competitive advantage when applying for provincial and federal housing grants. Having this tax in place provides a steady source of revenue and shows that there is support from the Strathcona Regional District and our community to get community owned rental housing built.
The MRDT tax was initially set up by the provincial government for communities to raise funds for tourism advertising. This is the first time in BC history that a community is using the tax entirely for housing and the provincial government had to amend their legislation to make it possible. We are making history on Cortes!
Details about the tax can be found here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/sales-taxes/pst/publications/accommodation
For short term rental operators using AirBnB or VRBO, this tax will automatically be collected by the online platform when customers book their stay, so there is no action required from you. For those not using these online platforms, and making more then $2,500 from their short term rental, you must register to collect PST and MRDT. See the "How to Register" section in the link above.
I also answer a lot of questions about the tax in this Facebook post from November:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CortesIsland/posts/5349364578495833/
Addressing the housing challenges on Cortes was a big reason why I decided to run for the position of Regional Director. Making progress on getting Rainbow Ridge built is only part of the solution. We also need to figure out ways for the free market to offer up more rentals and support development that makes land affordable for young people and families who are currently renting and can’t afford to compete with tourist land prices. Stay tuned for more progress.
Cortes Fire Department
More good news. The Strathcona Regional District has agreed to formalize another five year contract with the Cortes Island Fire Fighting Association (CIFFA). The community support for CIFFA has been incredible over the last few months with almost 400 people now signed up as members of the association. Huge congratulations to the CIFFA Board of Directors, Eli McKenty our Interim Fire Chief, and all of the volunteers and staff that have and continue to provide excellent fire service on Cortes Island.
Read more about it here:
https://cortescurrents.ca/cortes-fire-department-meeting-with-the-srd/
Mental Health
We all struggle with mental health challenges at some point in our lives. It is one of the issues that doesn’t get talked about enough because of the shame that can be associated with it. I know there are people who are struggling and some of you may be connected to folks that could use support.
I recently found out there is a psychiatric nurse that visits Cortes regularly and can provide mental health support free of charge. The easiest and most private way to book a time is to call 250-850-2620 and say, “I would like to make a self referral to book a time with Cristine Lund, the clinician for Cortes Island.”
Please reach out if you have any questions or want to chat. I love hearing from you!
Mark Vonesch
Cortes Island Regional Director
PS: Thanks to Max Thaysen, my Alternate Director, for putting last weekends heat wave into historical context. I appreciate his leadership on the climate emergency we are all facing. Read his article here:
https://cortescurrents.ca/the-extreme-heat-in-may-2023/
I expect this will raise up to $50,000 per year, and although this is not a huge amount, it will give the Cortes Housing Society a competitive advantage when applying for provincial and federal housing grants. Having this tax in place provides a steady source of revenue and shows that there is support from the Strathcona Regional District and our community to get community owned rental housing built.
The MRDT tax was initially set up by the provincial government for communities to raise funds for tourism advertising. This is the first time in BC history that a community is using the tax entirely for housing and the provincial government had to amend their legislation to make it possible. We are making history on Cortes!
Details about the tax can be found here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/sales-taxes/pst/publications/accommodation
For short term rental operators using AirBnB or VRBO, this tax will automatically be collected by the online platform when customers book their stay, so there is no action required from you. For those not using these online platforms, and making more then $2,500 from their short term rental, you must register to collect PST and MRDT. See the "How to Register" section in the link above.
I also answer a lot of questions about the tax in this Facebook post from November:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CortesIsland/posts/5349364578495833/
Addressing the housing challenges on Cortes was a big reason why I decided to run for the position of Regional Director. Making progress on getting Rainbow Ridge built is only part of the solution. We also need to figure out ways for the free market to offer up more rentals and support development that makes land affordable for young people and families who are currently renting and can’t afford to compete with tourist land prices. Stay tuned for more progress.
Cortes Fire Department
More good news. The Strathcona Regional District has agreed to formalize another five year contract with the Cortes Island Fire Fighting Association (CIFFA). The community support for CIFFA has been incredible over the last few months with almost 400 people now signed up as members of the association. Huge congratulations to the CIFFA Board of Directors, Eli McKenty our Interim Fire Chief, and all of the volunteers and staff that have and continue to provide excellent fire service on Cortes Island.
Read more about it here:
https://cortescurrents.ca/cortes-fire-department-meeting-with-the-srd/
Mental Health
We all struggle with mental health challenges at some point in our lives. It is one of the issues that doesn’t get talked about enough because of the shame that can be associated with it. I know there are people who are struggling and some of you may be connected to folks that could use support.
I recently found out there is a psychiatric nurse that visits Cortes regularly and can provide mental health support free of charge. The easiest and most private way to book a time is to call 250-850-2620 and say, “I would like to make a self referral to book a time with Cristine Lund, the clinician for Cortes Island.”
Please reach out if you have any questions or want to chat. I love hearing from you!
Mark Vonesch
Cortes Island Regional Director
PS: Thanks to Max Thaysen, my Alternate Director, for putting last weekends heat wave into historical context. I appreciate his leadership on the climate emergency we are all facing. Read his article here:
https://cortescurrents.ca/the-extreme-heat-in-may-2023/