Report to: General Committee Report Date: 2007-02-28

SUBJECT: Limousine By-Law

PREPARED BY: Sheila Birrell, Town Clerk, Extension 4729

RECOMMENDATION:

That a public consultation meeting be held on May 1, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. and residents and both the limousine and taxi industries be invited to attend and provide input into possible revisions to the current by-law to allow owners of limousines the ability to plate limousines they do not own, and for two-way radios in the vehicles;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Not applicable

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

To facilitate the receipt of stakeholder input into a potential revision of the Limousine By-Law to allow:

• Owners of limousine to plate vehicles owned by the drivers; and
• The use of two-way radios in the vehicles.

BACKGROUND:

The Town of Markham has been licensing limousine owners and drivers since 1986. The by-law prohibits owners to plate vehicles not personally owned by them. When the by-law was first enacted in 1986, it was basically designed to regulate the type of limousine used primarily for special events, such as weddings and parties. Since that time, there have been significant changes in the nature of Markham’s limousine industry and usage has dramatically changed.

Airways livery is a Markham based company that has been operating a limousine company since 1995 and currently holds eleven plates. They are requesting the Town grant relief from the by-law to permit them to plate vehicles owned by the drivers. In addition to this request, they are requesting further relief from the by-law to permit the use of two-way radios.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

It is a well known fact that owner driven vehicles tend to be better maintained. The drivers also tend to convey a pride of ownership and provide better customer service. Since the enactment of the Limousine By-Law in 1986, the demand for well maintained limousines and well dressed, courteous drivers, for more than special events has increased dramatically.

Input from both residents and the industry is necessary to ensure a sound decision-making process before any changes to the Limousine By-Law can be made with respect to allowing owners the ability to plate limousines they do not own.

With respect to the request for two-way radios in the vehicles, input from stakeholders is necessary. The by-law currently stipulates that limousines may pick up only pre-arranged passengers. Up until 2002, there was no provision for communications inside the vehicle whatsoever. In 2002 the by-law was amended to permit the use of cell phones and the owner of Airways Livery has since suggested such use is not safe.

The limousine industry in the Town of Markham does have a significant impact on the taxi industry and that is always a challenge. Input from members of both industries will be sought. Staff is recommending a public meeting to which members of both the limousine and taxi industry will be invited.

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE: (external link)

Not applicable.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Not applicable

RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________ ________________________

Sheila Birrell Andy Taylor, Commissioner

Town Clerk Corporate Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Not applicable.