Montreal's Airbnb Debate: Tourism vs Housing

0:00Montreal's city hall is buzzing over Airbnb regulations, as opposition leader Erica Auneas calls out, Mayor Saraya Martinez-Ferrata for not being clear on her plans. Auneas points out that more than 7,000 short-term rental units could go back to the long-term rental market if changes happen. Airbnb has been pushing hard for the city to drop the seasonal ban set by the previous administration under Valerie Plont. Right now, short-term rentals are only allowed during the summer tourism months and less is the owner's main home. Auneas and others worry about the housing crunch, saying bringing those units back could help ease the pressure on renters in a tight market. The mayor aims to stop all commercial Airbnb operations but let homeowners rent their primary residence for up to 90 days a year whenever they want. Talks continue as both sides weigh the balance between tourism needs and local housing shortages. Local news, powered by AI. This is Canada News today.