Editor:
I would like to respond to the two letters regarding Airbnb in the April 4 edition of the Optimist.
Please don’t paint all owners with the same brush. I understand there are a lot of “bad actors” out there, but there are also the “good actors” who have worked hard with the neighbourhood to honour the sense of community.
Our family owns a cabin on Bowen Island and have recently completed a renovation which turned a dilapidated cabin, into a beautiful home and garden enhancing the neighbourhood. To off set costs we decided to rent it out. Our intention was never to have a full-time business. Airbnb can be done responsibly. We vet our renters. We have a one-week maximum stay and do not allow unregistered guests. There have been no complaints.
I understand the situation in Vancouver turning neighbourhoods into hotel strips. That is a problem but is not our case. Bowen Island has no hotel. In the past I have rented to trades people who come over to do a job. One week was a rental to roofers who where completing the Orchard Cabins in Snug Cove and this week the crew from Vancouver Pile Drivers are there as they repair the dock at Snug Cove. Both projects enhancing the community of Bowen Island.
I take offence to ignorant comments putting us all in the same category. I bet you may have even hypocritically stayed at an Airbnb?
Melanie Carkner
