A last ditch effort to delay new regulations around Halifax’s growing AirBnB market did not go anywhere.

Council voted to bring in the new rules in February to better govern nearly 2,000 short term rentals.

A key regulation includes limiting rentals to the host’s primary residence in residential zones.

Councillor Shawn Cleary wanted to delay bringing it in until next year because he said it negatively impacts dozens of people in his district, but his request was not entertained.

City lawyer John Traves said they could not rescind the bylaw as council already voted on it and the new rules will come into effect on September 1 as planned.

Traves told council that a motion of rescission is not in order when it comes to matters involving planning documents and passing bylaws.

“It’s akin to trying to unring the bell,” he said. “The bell has rung.”