The Saskatchewan Bed and Breakfast Association gathered in Yorkton at Patrick Place to discuss issues that are relevant to their business and honor the best in the province.
Cathy Currey, chair of the Saskatchewan Bed and Breakfast Association, says that one of the big concerns in 2016 is the site AirBnB. It’s not the site itself, which Currey says can be a great tool for operators, but instead it’s people who are on the website and not meeting the regulations that members of the Saskatchewan Bed and Breakfast Association are required to meet in order to run their business.
“It’s the people who are operating on AirBnB who are not licensed, so they’re avoiding local licensing regulations and permitting processes. They have not been inspected for safety or food handling, which all of our operators proudly present to show they are operating good, clean facilities that are good experiences for travellers of any type, and we pay taxes. Our concern is those operators who are doing business underground, we don’t know if they meet health and safety requirements, fire requirements, and the other issue is that they are not remitting to the government the taxes that they are legally obligated to do.”
The issue is one of fairness, Currey argues, given that they want to have a level playing field with everyone on equal footing for regulations. But she says it’s also a matter of making sure people aren’t turned off the B&B experience thanks to people who aren’t meeting the necessary standards like they are. They also want everyone to pay PST, not merely because they do, but because the tax benefits the communities in which they operate.
“These are legitimate businesses around the province which add value to all the communities in which they operate. We also have guests who are spending money in our communities and sharing it around. We think it’s important for people to know that value is being turned around in the community and that’s good for all of us.”
The meeting was about more than discussing the things that are affecting the industry, but also promoting each other. Currey says that one of the spin-offs of the meeting for guests is they can promote other operations as people travel around the province, and it’s a benefit for people to know the next stop on their journey will be a good one.
“I don’t give referrals to places where I haven’t met the operators. I know that the operators I’ve met, I’m very proud and happy to say that you will have a good experience here, this is a place that I recommend. People are shepherded along in good hands so they have good experiences.”
Patrick Place takes second place.
The host of the event also had good news, as they had made second place in the association’s Top Ten Bed and Breakfasts for 2015. Patrick Place is no stranger to the list, making the top ten in 2012, 2013 and 2014, but this is their best placing yet.
Shirley Billay, owner of the Patrick Place, says that it’s the guests that make the award happen. The awards are based on evaluation cards sent in by guests who stay at B&Bs through the province. She says that she tries to make it the best experience possible, whether that means accommodating guests that arrive at difficult hours, making sure they always have food and water when they arrive, or highlighting local dining options for them.
“I think that’s what gets people coming back, because I am accommodating to what their needs are.
Billay has always wanted to own and operate a B&B, and says that she has had a lot of fun over the five years of operation of Patrick Place in the city.
“I love the Patrick Place... The history is here, and it should be kept in this home for Yorkton.”
