The City of Steinbach will not develop a taxi bylaw. Representatives from Steinbach Taxi appeared before city council in February, asking it to create a bylaw to regulate the vehicle-for-hire business in the city. Owner Paul Jauhal noted a bylaw would regulate the industry but would also protect the value of a taxi license.
City council asked the administration to prepare a report on the matter. That report was presented at a committee meeting Tuesday. Councillor Michael Zwaagstra says it recommended against a vehicle-for-hire bylaw and he moved that council adopt that position.
"The reason for that is simple; we currently have options available for people. There are two taxi companies currently operating, there is the possibility of ride-sharing services coming and all that a bylaw would do is it would limit competition. It would limit the choices available to people. A bylaw may benefit one company by keeping out competition but it doesn't benefit the city or the people of Steinbach. That's why we don't need to regulate."
Deputy Mayor Cari Penner notes the province's new vehicle-for-hire legislation that took effect February 28th leaves the decision up to each municipality.
"All municipalities have options of whether they want to enact a vehicles-for-hire bylaw or whether they want to leave it deregulated. Council decided that the best way to have competition with rides and taxis within the city would be to have less regulation."
City council was unanimous in approving the motion.
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Mon, May 13, 5:30 PM
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