Local taxi service shuts down illegal operations

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Nearly two months after the deadline passed for taxi services to receive their chauffeur permits and comply to newly implemented Taxi Bylaw changes, Strathmore is officially finding itself without cabs on its streets.
Owner of Economic Taxi and Strathmore Taxi, Martin DePeuter, who was operating his business illegally since February, publicly announced the termination of his taxi service at midnight on April 15.
The decision followed an ongoing legal battle between the Town of Strathmore and the local taxi company, numerous fines, the lack of a necessary chauffeur permit – or driver’s permit – and the refusal to abide by municipal and provincial regulations.
“We had hoped the taxi company would have complied, but we have heard they’re ceasing operations,” said Mayor Pat Fule. “We have been contacted by another potential company, and another opportunity is also being discussed. We realize this is an inconvenience to Strathmore’s residents, but over the years complaints about the taxis came forward and council felt we had to act.”
According to the Town of Strathmore, local residents made a request in 2015, which led to a review of the Taxi Bylaw. Local taxi companies, which at the time included Strathmore Hotshot/ Shuttle Service Shuttle, were involved in discussions to address community safety concerns.
As a result, the town proposed the bylaw include the following requirements: criminal record checks, routine vehicle inspections, and obtaining a basic fist aid certificate.
Yet, Strathmore’s taxi companies refused to adhere to the amendments – specifically the first aid components noting that the drivers were against it – that prompted the shutdown of the Strathmore Hotshot/ Shuttle Service on Jan. 31. Economy Taxi and Strathmore Taxi, however, continued their operations. DePeuter said he is not commenting on the issue at the moment and continues taking legal actions.
A statement released by the Town of Strathmore states the town feels citizens deserve safe, smoke free, clean, and mechanically sound taxis in the community and that all businesses operating in the town must abide by provincial laws such as non-smoking laws. Furthermore, the town emphasized that first aid component was just one requirement that the local taxi companies refused to abide by and that taxi companies in Strathmore operating without the required permits were ticketed multiple times. The statement also noted that local taxi companies continued to ignore the Taxi Bylaw displaying illegal decals and operating in non-compliance with vehicle safety regulations, driver regulations and business licensing obligations. In turn, the town took formal legal action against the companies.
Council had also waived the yearly driver fee of $50, and charged $50 for the taxi first aid certificate. Additionally a onetime extension on the Chauffeur permits was offered from Jan. 31 to Feb. 23 to allow for taxi companies to receive their first aid certificate – that was apart from the one-year notice period.
The Town of Strathmore has met with potential services over the past few weeks, but were unable to provide further information. Strathmore will be experiencing interruption of services until a new service is offered in the town.