For the second time in as many weeks, town council deferred a new taxi bylaw, citing concerns that the county-led initiative could adversely affect town residents.
“I cannot see implementing it now,” councillor John Brennan said on May 5. “I just don’t think it works here, in our unique situation.”
Brennan estimated it could cost companies upwards of $4,500 per year for 10 drivers and 10 vehicles – which would likely eliminate Erin pick-ups by companies in Orangeville and Georgetown. The town cannot afford to lose that service, he said.
Councillor Ken Chapman said cab companies already have to meet “vigorous” requirements for vehicles and drivers, and the county bylaw will just make things more difficult.
“I have a major problem, in that the system isn’t broken at the moment,” Chapman said.
Centre-Wellington Chief Administrative Officer Michael Wood, chairman of the bylaw working group, implored council to pass the bylaw to address liability issues that could result from unlicenced cab companies operating in Erin.
“There’s a risk if that continues in the town,” Wood told council.
But councillor Barb Tocher said the municipality could be named in a lawsuit with or without a bylaw. She also objected to the fees included in the bylaw, which she said “put a wall up” for cab companies wanting to work in Erin.
Tocher asked if the town could waive the fees in the bylaw, but Wood said that would be problematic because companies in other municipalities would want the same treatment.
Mayor Rod Finnie suggested deferring a decision to give the bylaw committee an opportunity to address the town’s concerns. Council agreed.
