Second reading for new taxi bylaw

Melissa Strle
Times Reporter

 

Strathmore Town council approved first and second reading of a new taxi bylaw at the Sept. 21 council meeting.
The bylaw addresses some of the issues not resolved under the last proposed and defeated taxi bylaw. The new bylaw also stipulates a grace period to Jan. 31, 2017, to allow brokers to make required changes that comply with conditions set forth.
Specifically, the new bylaw defines whom it applies to and exempts non-profit organizations such as the KARE Volunteer Driver Program. Namely, the new bylaw will apply to “for hire” companies, or taxi and limousine businesses only.
Martin DePeuter, owner of Strathmore Taxi, Economy Taxi Strathmore and Economy Taxi Chestermere, has been a vocal opponent of the KARE Volunteer Driver Program.
During the council meeting, DePeuter said he is very concerned about the proposed taxi bylaw. He also stated his concerns regarding the KARE Volunteer Driver Program and questioned whether or not the program has proper requirements in place to protect passengers and the general public.
In particular, DePeuter wanted council to understand the importance of requiring drivers to have the right driver’s license, registration and insurance within the industry.
“We need a taxi bylaw that’s fair to everybody, including the KARE program,” DePeuter said. “We as a town have to make sure that we’re not liable for something that happens to these drivers and the people that are in those cars.”
Coun. Pat Fule asked DePeuter whether or not he thought the new taxi bylaw is good for Strathmore residents and DePeuter responded, “Yes. I just want the non-profit (KARE) out of it.”
For his part, Coun. Fule is in favour of the new bylaw.
“If we’re talking about what’s best for Strathmore residents and the safety and health of Strathmore residents, this bylaw is important,” he said. “We’ve already established that KARE is not a for-profit organization and that they and groups like the youth club do screen their drivers, do check for all the proper records and licenses and insurance.”
Jennifer Sawatzky, municipal clerk for the Town of Strathmore also responded to DePeuter’s claims, stating the KARE Volunteer Driver Program did not constitute a for-profit service since the drivers under that program receive fees for mileage only and no fees for profit.
Dahrylne Knaus, Family and Community Support Services programmer, has been involved with the KARE Volunteer Driver Program.
“We are confident that the concerns brought forward by the public and local enforcement are legitimate and that those concerns have been addressed within this drafted bylaw,” Knaus said. “We are also confident that the concerns brought forward by the taxi industry have been investigated and addressed appropriately.”
“I think the key here is the definition of ‘for hire,’” Sawatzky said. “The information brought forward by the KARE program tonight indicated examples where those people are not for hire. The volunteers are not for hire. For hire applies to taxi companies and limousines where it is their business to transport people for a fee to make a profit. The definition for hire would not apply to the KARE program.”
The new bylaw also sets forth taxi broker and chauffeur responsibilities, and sets mechanical and physical standards for vehicles used in taxi or limousine businesses.
“The greatest single complaint that I’ve received regarding Strathmore public conveyances is related to smoking in the vehicles,” said Coun. Denise Peterson.
Legislative services maintain that on multiple occasions, law enforcement has expressed concern with the state of some of the vehicles being used by taxi companies. In addition, law enforcement has expressed a concern for the lack of tools they have available to address the state of these vehicles.
The new proposed taxi bylaw has guidelines set out to address these law enforcement concerns and also to more easily allow law enforcement officials to conduct their duties.
“I just think this new bylaw is going to give us more tools that we can effectively do our jobs, for the safety of the public and the community and the taxis,” said Teresa Fuchs, Town of Strathmore peace officer.
“This bylaw will ensure that all those who use taxi and limousine services in Strathmore can be confident that they are getting into a safe, clean vehicle with a driver who is trustworthy and responsible,” said Knaus.
The new bylaw also proposes the creation of a chief license inspector position. This person will be licensed to ensure that all brokers, chauffeurs and vehicles operating within a taxi or limousine business are meeting the standards set within the bylaw.
Coun. Rocky Blokland also had concerns about the new taxi bylaw at the meeting and was the sole councillor who did not give consent to the third reading.
“I’m not against a taxi bylaw but we have to have the right one in place here,” he said. “My concern is this bylaw is not creating a level playing field.”
In response, Coun. Fule again stated the importance of this proposed new bylaw.
“If we’re trying to look at what’s best for our Strathmore residents, this bylaw needs to happen,” said Fule. “It has been told to us by the people who have the most involvement in protecting and looking after our citizens.”
Fule added that the town must make decisions “based on what’s for the good of the general community. What’s best for most of Strathmore.”