Currently, Vehicle for Hire regulations are built into the Business Licensing Bylaw, which is now being reviewed and revised by City Council. Hibbert says this is an opportunity to separate the two, and create a stand-alone Vehicle for Hire bylaw.
At this point of time, ride sharing services do currently operate in Grande Prairie. However, they are not regulated by the City like taxis are, and are instead under just provincial regulations. Hibbert says if they can create a bylaw that encompasses them all, they can put some more regulations in to bring them onto a level playing field and create a more competitive sector.
“To get them on the same level we’re looking at criminal record checks, vulnerable sector check if that’s necessary. Looking at licensing requirements, so what class of drivers license they need to have in order to operate. Issuing chauffeur permits, similar to how we do with our current chauffeurs who operate taxis and limousines and shuttle buses,” says Hibbert.
“So, just looking at leveling the playing field so that the City has a level of involvement with who can operate these services within the city, and that speaks to the public safety and consumer protection. If we have a hand in how these services are licensed, and how their operators are licensed, then we can as an organization better serve the public interest.”
Taxis in Grande Prairie require a broker license to operate, and since the transportation services aren’t defined in the current bylaw, if amended, they will require a broker license as well.
The proposed separation from the Business License Bylaw and subsequent creation of the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw was first discussed in September 2019, but was put on hold until City Council had a chance to reform the Business License Bylaw.
The public is encouraged to participate in the survey, which is open until December 1. The data will be collected and compiled into a report, which is expected to be presented to City Committee and Council in the late spring of 2021.
