Controversial taxi bylaw to be reviewed

By Nicolle Million Midland Mirror February 17 2011

MIDLAND – A review of Midland’s taxi bylaw will proceed, kicked off by a public meeting scheduled for March 23.

A report by clerk Andrea Fay stated staff is awaiting direction from council regarding the key topics it wants to receive feedback on during the meeting. In January, council voted 5-4 in favour of directing staff to bring the bylaw back to the table for an official review.

During the Feb. 14 general committee meeting, Mayor Gord McKay said if council is going to make any changes to the existing bylaw – which was passed by the previous council in August to license, regulate and govern taxi brokers and owners – it would need a good basis of policy and research to do so.

The bylaw included provisions that taxis have a maximum age of five model years, and be equipped with a meter as of April 1.

Coun. Jack Charlebois, who has repeatedly spoken out against changing the bylaw, said he is willing to keep an open mind during the process.

“I’m looking forward to a public meeting (to see if) it will convince me otherwise.”

McKay noted councillors need to come up with ideas to answer the question of what it is they are trying to fix.

“(In terms of) the metered style versus the flat fare, what are the benefits and drawbacks of each style?” he asked. “Given the size of the town, what type of system works best?”

Coun. Pat File said she would be interested in seeing more information from local taxi companies as to where the majority of their fares take place.

“That would give us more information on what the projected fees would be for these trips,” she said. “I think it would be helpful.”

Coun. Zena Pendlebury disagreed, however, pointing out staff had provided such information during a previous round of discussions.

“The majority of rides were short ones, which would benefit from the meter system. I remember seeing the report,” she said.