I think that if the same taxation, safety,  and license rules were applied to AirBnBs as they are to guesthouses, boutique  hotels et al, then many owners would not be so enamoured of the attraction of renting out their property.(Not to mention the greater ease of avoiding the CRA)

The City of Vancouver is proposing that Air BnB lists only units that have been licensed with the City, and in the event of strata buildings, the strata must also approve sub-letting.

The same safety standards that apply to commercial rentals regarding smoke and gas detectors, escape routes, building codes,  et al will apply.

Fair right? 

And yet, even this level playing field is being met with dismay by many who feel they should be able to  do whatever they feel.