The Okanagan STR Playbook 2026
How to legally short-term rent in Kelowna again – and where the real 2026 opportunities are.
Kelowna is the first and only BC city granted an STR opt-out. In this live 90-minute investor webinar, you'll see exactly which buildings are back in play, what they can realistically earn, and how out-of-province and US buyers can navigate the new tax and lending rules.
Date
Thu, June 18, 2026
Time
7:00 PM Pacific
Format
Live Event · Q&A
Length
90 minutes
No cost. Educational only. Limited room so we can actually answer questions.
Reserve your seat
We'll email your live event details plus the Out-of-Province Buyer Tax Checklist (PDF).
Five things you'll know by 8:30 PM Pacific.
- 01
The 2026 legal map in plain English
How BC's Short-Term Rental Act works now, what Kelowna's STR Subzone changes, and why Big White + WFN land were never banned.
- 02
The confirmed building list (and a 2-step verification process)
The Kelowna and West Kelowna buildings named by the City, plus how to confirm any property against the City list and strata bylaws before you write an offer.
- 03
Real, current numbers on real properties
Walkthroughs of live MLS examples in the subzone, West Kelowna resorts, and Big White – with ADR, occupancy, expenses, financing assumptions, and cash-on-cash returns.
- 04
The 2026 tax picture for out-of-province & US buyers
How PTT, the 20% foreign PTT, SVT, and the elimination of UHT actually hit your spreadsheet – and where WFN land changes the math completely.
- 05
A framework to compare Kelowna Subzone vs Big White vs WFN
So you pick the lane that fits your risk profile and goals, not whatever a marketer is hyping.
Free · 90 minutes · June 18, 2026
The income came back. The prices haven't. Yet.
Active STR licences left
388
Down from ~2,400 in 2023
Kelowna rental vacancy
6.9%
Dec 2025 — highest large metro
BC's only STR opt-out
Jun 1
Kelowna granted, reviewed annually
Unlicensed units eligible
1,500
About to come back into play
In 2024, Kelowna's STR licences fell from ~2,400 to 388. By December 2025, vacancy hit 6.9% — the highest of any large Canadian metro. On June 1, 2026, Kelowna became the first and only BC city allowed to opt out — but only in a specific set of rezoned buildings, reviewed annually.
Roughly 1,500 units that were never licensed are about to become eligible. Condo inventory is still in buyer's-market territory. And 2026 is Kelowna's "Year of Sport" with a packed events calendar.
Get the playbook before the market reprices.
Built for serious investors, not tire-kickers.
- Current STR owners in BC hit by the 2024 principal-residence rules
- Investors considering Kelowna, Big White, or WFN land in the next 12–24 months
- Out-of-province and US buyers who want clarity on bans, PTT, SVT, and STR legality
- Anyone who wants building names, numbers, and rules – not YouTube speculation
Buy it right, run it right, or decide not to buy at all.
Jack Bouvier
Realtor & Investor, Vantage West Realty
Mechanical engineer turned builder turned full-time realtor and investor. Owns and operates his own Airbnb and works daily with STR and long-term investors across the Central Okanagan.
Derek
STR Operator, Samson Waters
Co-founder of a leading Okanagan STR management company. Brings live ADR, occupancy, and expense data from a real portfolio.
Alana
Senior Property Manager, Vantage West
Runs long-term property management. On to compare when long-term holds beat STRs.
Free · 90 minutes · June 18, 2026
What everyone gets
- Your seat at the live 90-minute webinar on June 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM Pacific
- Access to the replay for a limited time
- The Out-of-Province Buyer Tax Checklist (PDF)
Show up. Stay to the end. Walk away with these.
Kelowna STR-Eligible Buildings 2026 Guide (PDF)
Confirmed buildings plus a simple verification checklist.
3 Real-World Deal Breakdown Sheets
Downtown subzone condo, Lower Mission / West Kelowna resort, and Big White chalet — line-by-line purchase, revenue, and expense numbers.
The investor-grade spreadsheet
The same playbook Jack and Derek use with their own investor clients.
Free · 90 minutes · June 18, 2026
Save your spot for June 18, 2026.
Free · 90 minutes · Live Event with Q&A
Reserve your seat
We'll email your live event details plus the Out-of-Province Buyer Tax Checklist (PDF).
Common questions
Is this a sales pitch?
+
No. The goal is to give you an honest 2026 picture so you don't buy blind. If you want help afterward, you can book a 15-minute investor game plan session. If not, you still leave smarter.
Do I need to already own an STR?
+
No. We cover both "I own property already" and "I'm considering my first Okanagan purchase."
Will there be a replay?
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Yes. Everyone who registers gets the replay and the STR Buyer's Package by email.
Is this legal or tax advice?
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No. We outline the rules and then point you to BC lawyers and accountants for property-specific advice.
Ready to make a smart decision about Okanagan STRs in 2026?
Thursday, June 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM Pacific · Live Event
Limited room · Live Q&A