The Town of Renfrew is joining a growing group of municipalities handing the responsibility of regulating local taxi services into the hands of the businesses.
Town staff have advised council to repeal their current taxi by-law following a report from Fire, Emergency, and Protective Services Director Mike Guest, who explains that the document was meant to ensure consumer protection and fair competition in town when first drafted in 2012, but that there are other agencies that can take the burden off of local by-law officers.
While some of the council expressed concern about losing direct control over licensing requirements, fare controls, vehicle standards, and driver qualifications, Councillor Clint McWhirter was among those applauding staff for adapting to changing market conditions.
Fellow councillor Andrew Dick would add that allowing the market to function without their oversight could solve a problem that Renfrew residents have been dealing with since current operators ditched a niche but vital service at the start of the year due to staffing issues.
Council is expected to finalize their decision at their next council meeting on May 27th.
(written by Kasey Egan)