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Taxi Bylaw
BYLAW NO. 17 - 2013
This Bylaw has been consolidated under the authority of the City Clerk. It represents proof,
in absence of evidence to the contrary of:
a) the original bylaw and of all bylaws amending it; and
b) the fact of passage of the original and all amending bylaws.
Disclaimer:
This information has been provided solely for research convenience. Official bylaws are available
from the Office of the City Clerk and must be consulted for purposes of interpretation and
application of the law.
Consolidation includes the following Amendments:
Amendments
Date Passed
Bylaw No. 28 - 2014
December 8th, 2014
Bylaw No. 14 - 2023
November 13th, 2023
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 1 of 10
BYLAW NO. 17 - 2013
A BYLAW OF THE CITY OF SWIFT CURRENT, IN THE PROVINCE OF
SASKATCHEWAN TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTROL
AND REGULATIONS OF TAXIS.
WHEREAS, Section 8(1) of The Cities Act authorizes a Council to pass any bylaw that is
considered expedient for promoting the health, safety, morality and welfare of the
inhabitants; and
WHEREAS, Section 8(3) of The Cities Act authorizes a Council, by bylaw, to classify,
control, regulate and license any business carried on within the City; and
WHEREAS the Council of the City of Swift Current deems it expedient to provide for the
control and regulation of taxis and taxi drivers within the City of Swift Current.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SWIFT CURRENT, IN THE PROVINCE OF
SASKATCHEWAN IN COUNCIL ASSEMBLED ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1.0 This Bylaw shall be cited as the "Taxi Bylaw".
2.0 Principles and Purpose of Bylaw:
2. (1) This Bylaw recognizes that taxis:
(a) are an important part of the City's public transportation system;
and
(b) are relied upon by both the residents and visitors to the City.
(2) Taking the principles mentioned in subsection (1), the purposes of
this Bylaw are:
(a) to ensure that taxi services will be available, safe and economical
for the use of both citizens and visitors to the City;
(b) to establish rates that are fair and reasonable for both the
traveling public and persons involved in the taxi industry;
(c) to ensure that taxi services meet the needs of all citizens and
visitors, including those persons with mobility and physical
challenges;
(d) to ensure the taxi services operate in a manner that reflects
positively on the image of the City; and
(e) to ensure that in achieving these objectives, all persons who are
involved in the taxi industry are accountable for their part in the
provision of taxi services.
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 2 of 10
Bylaw No. 28 - 2014
December 8, 2014
3.0 Definitions:
3. (1) For the purpose of this bylaw the expression:
(a) "Bona Fide Place of Business" means a complete physical office
(not virtual office) space leased in a Commercial or Industrial
Zone District.
(b) "Bylaw Enforcement Officer" means any person appointed by
Council to represent the City, pursuant to Section 337 of The
Cities Act.
(c) "City" means the City of Swift Current.
(d) "Council" means the Council of the City of Swift Current.
(e) "Courier or Delivery Services" means incidental accessory
activities of the taxi services offered to customers.
(f) "Dispatch Service" means a person responsible for receiving and
transmitting messages.
(g) "Operator/Driver" means any person who operates/drives a taxi
and holds a Class 4 Saskatchewan Drivers License.
(h) "Owner" means any person who owns and operates, contracts or
leases a taxi.
(i) "Person" means any individual, firm, company or partnership.
(j) "Taxi" means a vehicle duly licensed as a taxi by the Province of
Saskatchewan and used for the conveyance of passengers
within the City, but shall not include:
(i) a Public Service vehicle;
(ii) a vehicle of a transportation company having a franchise
granted by the City;
(iii) any person or company which provides public transportation
service under a contract or agreement with the City; or
(iv) a limousine duly licensed by the Province.
(k) "Taxi Business" means a person who receives requests for taxi
service or who dispatches taxis on behalf of taxi owners.
Bylaw No. 28 - 2014
December 8, 2014
4.0 Taxi Business:
4. (1)
No person shall operate any taxi business within the City until the
license fee prescribed by the City Licensing Bylaw has been paid
and the license issued. The Business License once issued, is not
transferable.
(2) Every taxi business shall:
(a) maintain a bona fide place of business in a Commercial or
Industrial District with a telephone installed in that place of
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 3 of 10
business where the business license is located in a visible
location within the establishment; and
(b) provide a dispatch service of their own choice during their hours
of service; and
(c) utilize the off-street or on-street parking associated with the
location of the business.
(3)
Every taxi business shall make every reasonable effort to park off-
street where feasible. If parked on-street, vehicles shall be parked
properly. If possible, vehicles shall be located off-street on the
property of the bona fide place of business.
(4) If any licensee fails to comply with Subsection 4(2) or 4(3), the City
Director of Planning and Development shall revoke the license
forthwith.
5.0 Taximeters:
5. (1) Every taxi shall be equipped with a taxi meter calibrated to register
and visually display fees or charges in accordance with the rates set
out in Schedule "A" attached to a forming part of this Bylaw, and
each taxi meter shall be installed and calibrated so as to operate
automatically while the taxi is providing services to passengers
whether or not the taxi is in motion.
(2) Every taxi meter shall be so installed within the taxi as to be plainly
visible at all times to passengers in the taxi.
(3) Every taxi meter shall be inspected and tested for accuracy by a
Bylaw Enforcement Officer, prior to being used for the purpose of
computing and displaying fares payable to by passengers.
(4) After conducting an inspection of a taxi meter, and upon being
satisfied that the taxi meter is functioning properly, the Bylaw
Enforcement Officer shall place a seal upon the taxi meter in such
manner that the working mechanism of the taxi meter cannot be
reached or tampered with unless the seal is broken.
(5) No taxi meter shall be used by any person for the purpose of
computing and displaying fares payable by passengers in the taxi if
there is not an intact and unbroken seal upon the taxi meter, placed
in such manner as to prevent the working mechanism of the taxi
meter from being reached or tampered with unless the seal is
broken.
(6) If an operator of a taxi or holder of a taxi license has reason to
believe that the taxi meter in the taxi may not be functioning properly,
the operator or license holder shall forthwith inform the License
Inspector and shall make the taxi available at the direction of the
License Inspector for taxi meter inspection and testing.
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 4 of 10
(7) When a taxi meter has been repaired or replaced, the holder of the
taxi license for the taxi in which the taxi meter is installed shall
forthwith inform the License Inspector of the repair or replacement of
the taxi meter and shall make the taxi available to the License
Inspector for inspection of the taxi meter.
(8) If information comes to the attention of a Bylaw Enforcement Officer
which causes the Bylaw Enforcement Officer on reasonable and
probable grounds to believe that a taxi meter may not be functioning
properly, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer may require the holder of
the taxi license for the taxi in which that taxi meter is installed to
make the taxi available for inspection of the taxi meter at a time and
place directed by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
(9) There shall be a fee payable by the holder of a taxi license for each
inspection of a taxi meter installed in the taxi.
6.0 Taxi Owners:
6. (1) Every taxi owner shall:
(a) annually provide the City Bylaw Enforcement Officer a certificate
of inspection from a licensed mechanic certifying that each
vehicle is mechanically safe, free of body damage that might be
harmful to passengers or impact the road worthy condition of the
vehicle; This certificate is required for the initial business license
and be updated annually in order to obtain a license renewal.
(b) ensure that each vehicle is equipped with an approved operating
meter equipped with an electric light of sufficient candle power
and so focused that during hours of darkness the dial of the taxi-
meter will be illuminated adequately at all times when the taxi is
under hire; and be utilized for all routine passenger trips other
than special trips arranged by separate fee;
(c) ensure that each vehicle used as a taxi is clearly identified as a
taxi through proper body markings including the name of the
company, and provide a telephone number on the body of the
vehicle in at least two (2) locations, along with lighted signage
attached to the roof of the vehicle. The lighted roof sign shall
carry the phone number or name of the taxicab company;
(d) only allow their vehicles to be driven by operators who are
licensed by the City;
(e) maintain accurate records of the maintenance on each taxi and
make the records available to the City Bylaw Enforcement Officer
upon request;
(f) maintain all taxis in good repair and general appearance; and
(g) taxi rates shall be provided on the passenger windows and/or
body of each taxicab visible to all passengers.
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 5 of 10
7.0 Taxi Driver/Operator:
7. (1) No taxi driver shall operate any taxi within the City until a photo
identification card is obtained from the City Bylaw Enforcement
Officer and the appropriate fee has been paid.
(2) Prior to obtaining a photo identification card (initial application and
renewals), the driver shall provide the City with:
(a) proof of a class 4 Saskatchewan Driver's License;
(b) an RCMP criminal check;
(c) an RCMP vulnerable sector check for aberrant personal behavior
to be sure that the individual is a fit person to operate a public
conveyance;
(d) any other information which concerns the character or conduct of
that individual; and
(e) the individual's driving record for the past five years from
Saskatchewan Government Insurance.
(3) Each taxi driver shall display their photo identification in a location
within the vehicle that is visible to passengers at all times during the
operation of the taxi.
(4) Each taxi driver shall maintain their personal hygene, decorum and
appearance at all times.
(5) Each taxi driver shall maintain the interior and exterior of the taxi in a
clean and tidy manner on a regular basis.
Bylaw No. 28 - 2014
December 8, 2014
8.0 Taxi Supply and General Regulations:
8. (1) A taxi shall proceed by the most direct route to the point of
destination
unless
otherwise
requested
by
the
passenger.
Alternative routes may be necessary due to road or weather
conditions which should be discussed with the passenger(s)
beforehand. Taxi Supply is identified in Schedule "B".
(2) An operator of a taxi shall not:
(a) while carrying a passenger display the roof signage on the taxi lit
as to indicate that such taxi is not engaged;
(b) fail to light the roof signage at the termination of the engagement.
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 6 of 10
(3) Every taxi operated within the City shall keep the tariff of fees posted
in at least one conspicuous place in each taxi that would be visible to
the passenger(s).
(4) All personal luggage and hand baggage shall be carried free of
charge. Transport or courier service for non-personal items may be
charged a separate fee per the tariff of fees.
(5) All taxi businesses, owners and driver/operators shall comply with all
applicable Provincial Acts and City bylaws at all times.
(6) All taxis shall be issued a decal from the City which indicates their
license number and date of issuance. These decals shall be affixed
to the vehicle on the rear passenger window of the taxicab.
(7) All taxis may provide courier and/or delivery service as an accessory
use.
Bylaw No. 28 - 2014
December 8, 2014
9.0 Voluntary Penalty:
9. (1) Where a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Special
Constable or Bylaw Enforcement Officer believes that a person has
contravened any provision of this bylaw, the member of the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police, Special Constable or Bylaw Enforcement
Officer may issue a Bylaw Violation Tag for not less than $100.00 for
the first offense in any 30 day period. A second or subsequent
violation in the same 30 day period requires an increase in the fine of
$100.00 for each subsequent offense, with the total in any 30 day
period not exceeding nor more than $500.00 per offense.
(2) Service of a Bylaw Violation Tag shall be by personal service, regular
mail or by leaving at the person's last known address and such
service shall be adequate for the purpose of this bylaw.
(3) A Bylaw Violation Tag shall be in such form as determined by the
City and shall state the section and the amount which will be
accepted by the City in lieu of prosecution.
(4) Upon payment of a Bylaw Violation Tag within fifteen (15) days from
the date of issue, the person to whom the tag was issued shall not be
liable for prosecution for the contravention in respect to which the tag
was issued.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a person to whom a
Bylaw Violation Tag has been issued pursuant to this section may
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 7 of 10
exercise their right to defend any charge of committing a
contravention of any provisions of this bylaw.
9.0 Schedule "A" Tariff of Fees:
8.(1) The City may create a taxi advisory committee to advise and make
recommendations on issues brought to their attention by the City
Council related to taxi bylaw provisions, quotas on taxis, and rates for
services offered.
(2) The tariff of fees initiated by the City Council are to be updated as
needed by separate action from this Bylaw.
10.0 Offences and Penalties:
10.(1) A person who violates any provision of this bylaw or fails to comply
therewith is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary
conviction to a penalty not exceeding $2,000.00 for individuals:
$5,000.00 for corporations.
(2) The imposition of such penalty for failure to comply with any of the
provisions of this bylaw shall not relieve the person in default from
carrying out the work therein mentioned, but the said person shall be
liable on summary conviction of a further penalty of not less than
$10.00 nor more than $50.00 for each day after the first penalty is
imposed until they have complied with the provisions of this bylaw.
11.0 Severability:
If a court of competent jurisdiction should declare any section or subsection of
this Bylaw to be invalid, such section or subsection shall not be construed as
having persuaded the Council to pass the remainder of the Bylaw, and it is
hereby declared that the remainder of this Bylaw shall be valid and remain in
force.
12.0 Repeal of Former Bylaw:
Bylaw No. 22 - 1981 and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed.
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 8 of 10
13. Effective Date:
This Bylaw shall come into force and have effect from and after the date of the
final reading.
______________________ MAYOR ____________________ CITY CLERK
INTRODUCED AND READ a first time this
12th day of November, 2013
READ a second time this 12th day of November, 2013
READ a third time and finally passed this 12th day of November, 2013
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 9 of 10
SCHEDULE "A"
City of Swift Current
Charges for Taxi Services
Bylaw No. 28 - 2014
December 8, 2014
(1)
For carriage occurring entirely within the City there shall be a minimum
charge of $4.00 each time a taxi is hired, to which shall be added:
Bylaw No. 14 - 2023
November 13, 2023
(a)
a charge of $0.30 for every 100 metres, or portion thereof, that a taxi
travels, effective December 1st, 2023;
(b)
a charge of $0.35 for every 100 metres, or portion thereof, that a taxi
travels, effective January 1st, 2025; and
(b)
where applicable, a charge of $1.00 for each minute, or portion
thereof, of waiting time;
Bylaw No. 28 - 2014
December 8, 2014
(2)
Where all or any portion of the carriage occurs outside the City, the fee for
the taxi services may be whatever the passenger and the owner or operator
of the taxi may mutually agree upon.
(3)
Section (2) of this Schedule shall not be read or construed as purporting to
affect in any manner whatsoever the right of any municipality other than the
City to establish fees or charges for taxi services within its own geographic
boundaries.
(4)
All fees and charges for taxi services set forth in this Schedule shall be
inclusive of Goods and Services Tax established pursuant to Bill C-62 of the
Parliament of Canada.
(5)
Identified special groups of individuals, such as but not limited to senior
citizens, students and/or the disabled, may be offered reduced rates for
regular travel arrangements based on their status or frequency of use to
adjust downward or eliminate the additional rate charge for each 100
metres of travel and/or the waiting time charge.
Bylaw No. 17 - 2013
Page 10 of 10
Schedule "B"
City of Swift Current
Taxi Supply
The number of licensed regular and temporary taxicabs allowed by the City shall
be based on a formula associated with the population of the City (official census
data). The maximum allowed number of such taxicabs will be 2.6 taxicabs per
1,500 population (17,000 city population as of this date) or 30 taxicabs. Each
registered licensed taxicab company would be part of the lottery for allocation of
available taxicab licenses.
Eight (8) Seasonal or Special Events are available for issuance annually at the
discretion of the City.
The City Council reserves the right to amend the licensed taxi supply for regular
and temporary taxicabs on an annual basis as necessary based on population
changes, specialized demands for services and any other reasonable factors that
might arise to warrant reconsideration of the total allocation of available licensed
taxicabs in service.
Additional taxicab licenses may be allowed on a seasonal basis by the City
Council through a lottery allocation overseen by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
The seasonal taxicab licenses when issued will be for a maximum of five years
(not renewable) on an annual basis per registered taxi company. There will be a
rotation basis for these seasonal taxicab licenses based on availability and the
number of registered taxi companies in the city.
If there is a population increase, any additional regular or temporary taxicab
licenses able to be determined by the City Council and will be subject to issuance
on a lottery basis to the firms registered to provide taxi service in the community.