The Town of Drumheller is currently exploring various options to regulate Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in the Drumheller Valley through the implementation of a new Business License Bylaw. In order to capture resident feedback, an Open House and Public Hearing are scheduled for August 23, 2023, and September 5, 2023, respectively. These public engagement sessions aim to provide information, gather feedback and address questions or concerns from the public. 

On July 10, 2023, Council gave first reading to a new Business License Bylaw, which contains provisions for the regulation of STRs. An STR is defined as any dwelling, such as a house, room, or secondary suite that is rented out for a period of 28 days or less. Currently, there are more than 100 STRs in the Drumheller Valley. The following suggested provisions aim to increase safety, promote fair competiion in the hospitality industry and protect residential neighbourhoods. 

Provisions for Short-Term Rentals (STRs):

• Obtain a valid STR Business License;
• Provide a floor plan with photos of all bedrooms and facilities intended to be used by the guest(s) to the Town of Drumheller;
• Post the following in a conspicuous location within the STR:
  • A map detailing emergency evacuation routes in case of an emergency;
  • The occupancy limit, in accordance with the National Fire Code;
  • The name, phone number and email address of an emergency contact person who can be reached 24 hours per day during the rental period; and
• Include a valid Business License number in all advertisements for the STR.

The new Business License Bylaw will contain other changes to how Business Licenses are administered. The following suggested changes aim to reduce red tape and streamline our administrative process.

Other Providions for the Business License Bylaw:

• Mobile Vendors will no longer be required to be approved by the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) prior to being issued a Business License. Instead, the Development Officer will provide a list of Designated Mobile Vendor locations that any Mobile Vendor will be allowed to operate in upon approval of their Business License Application;
• Increased options for the length of a temporary Business License; and
• Increased clarity of regulations in regard to charitable organizations, buskers, markets, special events, contracts and other businesses in the Town of Drumheller.

The Open House will have two sessions, the first being held August 23, 2023, between 10:00am and 2:00pm, and the second between 4:00pm and 7:00pm in the McDougald Room at the Badlands Community Facility. During this time, our Economic Development team will be open to receiving feedback and answering any questions you may have about our Business License Bylaw and provisions for Short-Term Rentals. 

The Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, starting at 5:30pm in Council Chambers and/or by using a visual platform at the Town of Drumheller office. Any person affected by this Proposed Bylaw or otherwise wishing to address Town of Drumheller Council about this Bylaw must make arrangements to participate in the Public Hearing by emailing legislativeservices@drumheller.ca or calling 403-823-1347. All presenters are required to register prior to the Public Hearing. 

Written submissions will be received up to Thursday, August 30, 2023, at 4:00pm. 

For more information about the Proposed Business License Bylaw or the provisions for Short-Term, please contact our Economic Development team by emailing economicdevelopment@drumheller.ca.