Chris Glover MPP, Spadina–Fort York

Government of Ontario

Airbnb Update

Published on February 3, 2020

Recently our riding was rocked by another shooting that took three lives in a condo that was rented as an Airbnb unit. I visited the condo and spoke with police while workers were tearing out the blood-stained carpet. I got on the elevator where two floors down a father got on with his toddler in his arms. 

Having Airbnb rentals used as party spaces is more than just an annoyance, it endangers our community. The city bylaw that regulates Airbnb rentals may have prevented this shooting. While I fully support the city bylaw, I have also met with residents and will be pushing for changes at the provincial level to make our condos safer.

Such measures are important, but we must also deal with root causes of gun violence starting with the growing gap between rich and poor and the low-income, segregated communities that result. For years, I have been advocating for a public health approach to gun violence, one that focuses on prevention. It is the only way to make our communities safe in the long run.

 

Recently our riding was rocked by another shooting that took three lives in a condo that was rented as an Airbnb unit. I visited the condo and spoke with police while workers were tearing out the blood-stained carpet. I got on the elevator where two floors down a father got on with his toddler in his arms. 

Having Airbnb rentals used as party spaces is more than just an annoyance, it endangers our community. The city bylaw that regulates Airbnb rentals may have prevented this shooting. While I fully support the city bylaw, I have also met with residents and will be pushing for changes at the provincial level to make our condos safer.

Such measures are important, but we must also deal with root causes of gun violence starting with the growing gap between rich and poor and the low-income, segregated communities that result. For years, I have been advocating for a public health approach to gun violence, one that focuses on prevention. It is the only way to make our communities safe in the long run.