Councillors here have approved, in principle, Wellington County’s draft bylaw to provide for licencing, regulating, and governing owners and drivers of taxis, and limousines.
Further discussion of the item came about following a public meeting held earlier this month. At that time, Wellington County Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj said holding a public meeting in Minto to consider the proposed County of Wellington Taxi bylaw signified the importance of addressing the safety of the residents throughout the county.
At that time, council also considered correspondence from Scott Dirstein, owner of Listowel Harriston-Minto Taxi who had concerns with the increased fees for licences. He also thought there is nothing wrong with Minto’s current bylaw.
As councillors considered the draft bylaw in principal, some noted the comments from the public meeting earlier this month would be sent to taxi and limousine bylaw working group. Further, the resolution asks that the finalized county bylaw be presented to Minto council for consideration.
Anderson said representation at the public meeting included Inspector Steve Walsh of the Wellington County OPP detachment and the county warden. He said they had a lot of points, rationale, and reasons for such a bylaw.
He said it sounds like their current policies are under review and that they are looking into meters as a requirement for taxis. Anderson cited letter of concern from a local taxi operator who questions the fees.
The Mayor believes the county proposal would give more clout and teeth to the bylaw, so it can be enforced.
He said Minto’s endorsement of the bylaw allows operators to travel within Wellington County under one licence. He considers that it opens the entire county to local taxi businesses.
Deputy-Mayor Dirksen offered the alternate scenario in which Wellington County taxi companies from outside Minto would be able to come in.
Anderson agreed.
Dirksen asked that that particular motion by council, “does not put us at the point of no return.”
She asked if it meant that for right now council is willing to further investigate.
Clerk Barb Wilson believes that was correct.
Councillor Rick Hembly said the county is going to send Minto its final draft for comment.
Councillor Barb Burrows asked for clarification if police would regulate the costs of the metered fares.
Anderson said people could set their own rates. The regulation would be for the safety of the vehicles, insurance, and making certain the drivers had proper abstracts.
Burrows said there could be quite a difference in rates between northern and southern municipalities.
Anderson said one of his additional comments, which came because of the letter received was “in our rural community, our taxis are not as busy as those in the larger centres.” He questioned if the meters need to be put in for rural areas, and if a flat rate would suffice. Anderson said since it involves time, the operator could set his own fees – and could charge less depending on the time of day, or year.
But if the rates are metered, they could not change, he said.,
Anderson was curious about the rationale of having meters in taxicabs.
Council later approved the county draft in principal.
