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Home My WebLink AboutBYL 02-25Report to Council Report Number: BYL 02-25 Date: November 24, 2025 From: Paul Bigioni Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor Subject: Amendment to Vehicle for Hire By-law and Repeal of Accessible Service Supplement Fees File: L-2200-002-25 Recommendation: 1.That Report BYL 02-25 regarding amendments to the Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 be received; 2.That the attached amendment to the Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 (Attachment 1) be enacted to increase access to accessible taxicab services; 3.That the draft amendments to the Fees and Charges By-law (Attachment 2) be enacted to repeal the Accessible Service Supplement; and 4.That appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report. Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to request that Council amend the Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 to allow individuals better access to accessible taxicab services. Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 prohibits taxicabs that are not licensed in Pickering from picking up fares in Pickering. The attached amendments will, if enacted, remove that prohibition as it applies to accessible taxicab services. This will increase the availability of accessible taxicab services in Pickering. Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 also contains an Accessible Service Supplement, which is a fee payable by all vehicle for hire license holders who do not provide accessible transportation services. The attached amendments will, if enacted, repeal the Accessible Service Supplement. This will permanently remove a financial burden from the already struggling taxicab industry. The Accessible Service Supplement was originally intended as an incentive to licencees to provide accessible service. It is no longer necessary, given the proposed amendments to Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20. In early 2024, the Region of Durham and the Durham lower-tier municipalities created an Accessible Taxicab Working Group (Working Group). The Working Group was tasked with finding ways to increase accessible taxicab services across the entire Region. The Working Group conducted a Region-wide public consultation (Attachment 3). The Working Group identified a shortage of accessible taxicabs throughout the Region. To address this problem, the Working Group proposed that all Durham municipalities amend their existing by-laws to BYL 02-25 November 24, 2025 Page 2 allow accessible service providers licensed in any Durham municipality to provide passenger service in all Durham municipalities. The solution proposed by the Working Group was supported by Pickering’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. The attached amendments to Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 will, if enacted, implement the proposal of the Working Group within Pickering. It is intended that all the other Durham municipalities will enact similar by-law amendments so that the availability of accessible taxicabs is increased across all of Durham Region. Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community. Financial Implications: The Accessible Service Supplement has never been included in the City’s Budget, so its repeal will have no budgetary impact. Repealing the Accessible Service Supplement and enabling accessible taxicabs to operate Region-wide may modestly increase City revenue by making accessible taxicab service more commercially viable for Pickering licensees. Discussion: The purpose of this report is to request that Council amend the Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 to allow individuals better access to accessible taxicab services.Specifically, staff recommend an amendment to Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 to allow accessible taxicabs licensed in any Durham municipality to pick up fares in Pickering. Staff also recommend the repeal of the Accessible Service Supplement. The Accessible Service Supplement is a fee payable by all vehicle for hire license holders who do not provide accessible transportation services. Repealing the Accessible Service Supplement will permanently remove a financial burden from the already struggling taxicab industry. The Accessible Service Supplement was originally intended as an incentive to licencees to provide accessible service. It is no longer necessary, given that the proposed amendments to Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 should increase the availability of accessible taxicab services in Pickering. Regional Accessible Taxicab Working Group In early 2024, the Region of Durham and the Durham lower-tier municipalities created an Accessible Taxicab Working Group. The Working Group was tasked with finding ways to increase accessible taxicab services across the entire Region. The Working Group conducted a Region-wide public consultation (Attachment 3) which was funded by the Region. The Working Group identified a shortage of accessible taxicabs throughout the Region. To address this problem, the Working Group proposed that all Durham municipalities amend their existing by-laws to allow accessible service providers licensed in any Durham municipality to provide passenger service in all Durham municipalities. BYL 02-25 November 24, 2025 Page 3 Accessibility Advisory Committee Consultation Under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation O.Reg. 191/11, Section 79, municipalities have a duty to consult with their Accessibility Advisory Committee to determine the needs related to on-demand accessible taxicab service. Consistent with this regulatory requirement, the City’s Accessibility Coordinator and the Division Head, Municipal Law Enforcement Services were both involved in discussions related to the proposal of the Regional Accessible Taxicab Working Group and the amendment of Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20. Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 Staff propose the following amendment to Section 92 of the Vehicle for Hire By-law by adding: No provision in this By-law shall restrict, limit, or prevent the owners and drivers of any lower-tier licensed accessible taxicab from engaging in conveyances within any of the eight (8) Durham Region municipalities when the purpose of the conveyance is to transport persons with a disability as defined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 S.O. 2005, Chapter 11. Staff further propose the repeal of the Accessible Service Supplement from By-law 7739/20. This will be accomplished by repealing the following: 1)Definition of “accessible service supplement”; 2)Section 47; 3)Section 93 a) and b); 4)Section 96 (j); 5)Section 138 (2); 6)The following fees in Schedule 1 of By-law 7739/20 and Schedule “I” of Fees and Charges By-law 6191/03, as amended: Accessible Service Supplement: Taxicab Plate License (annually) $75.00 Brokerage (annually) $2,500.00 PTC (payable quarterly, per transportation service) 7 cents. The attached amendments to By-law 7739/20 are recommended by staff to permit cross- jurisdictional transportation specifically for licensed accessible vehicles. This to better serve individuals with both disabilities and diverse abilities, regardless of the trip’s starting location within Durham Region. Currently, Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 does not permit licensed accessible taxicabs to cross municipal boundaries to pick up a fare. This creates limiting barriers for people with disabilities - especially those who require cross-boundary transportation originating in a municipality with limited or no access to physically accessible taxicabs. The proposed amendment seeks to address this limitation by allowing licensed accessible taxicabs to operate within the boundaries of all eight municipalities in Durham Region. This will only be allowed when the purpose of the conveyance is to transport people with disabilities who require a physically assistive and accessible vehicle. This provision will ensure continuity across the Region and barrier-free transportation options for all persons with disabilities. BYL 02-25 November 24, 2025 Page 4 By allowing licensees to pick up fares across Durham Region, the proposed amendments may make it more financially viable for taxi companies to operate one or more licensed accessible vehicle(s). Additionally, individual taxicab plate licensees may be more willing to invest in an accessible vehicle if they can use it to provide service outside of the limits of the City of Pickering. This potential for increased service availability benefits both operators and users. Consultation and Input A Region-wide Accessible Taxi Survey was launched by the Regional Accessible Taxicab Working Group in Fall 2024. The survey received 148 responses. The results are summarized in Attachment 3 to this report. Notable highlights include: •58% of respondents do or would use accessible taxi service, if available. •79% of respondents indicated that they were not able to access or book an accessible vehicle when needed. •The majority of respondents indicated that accessible taxi service was primarily required to access health and medical appointments, employment/volunteer opportunities, or personal errands (e.g. groceries, prescription pick-up). •The top challenge identified with accessible taxis was that a physically accessible vehicle was not available at the time pick up was requested/too few accessible taxis were on the road. Effective communication will be essential to ensure that residents and taxicab operators are aware of the proposed amendments, should they be adopted. This includes how they will impact private transportation services in the City and across the Region. A communication plan will be developed collaboratively by the lower-tier municipalities for educating taxicab operators and customers about the availability of new cross-boundary accessible taxicab service. Conclusion Amending the Vehicle for Hire By-law to permit licensed accessible taxicabs to provide service across Durham Region is an important step towards improving transportation accessibility for people with disabilities. This action supports accessible and inclusive mobility for all residents. It will assist in ensuring that all residents, regardless of their physical, emotional, or mental abilities, have equitable access to transportation options within the Durham Region. By fostering greater accessibility and removing barriers to cross-municipal transportation, the City is supporting its commitment to social inclusion and quality of life for its residents in accordance with its Corporate Priorities. This change will provide residents with greater flexibility to travel independently within the Region, ensuring more equitable access to essential services. Since the enactment of Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20, Council has deferred implementation of the Accessible Service Supplement year over year. The permanent removal of the Accessible Service Supplement will eliminate one financial burden from taxicab licencees at a time when their industry continues to suffer. The Accessible Service Supplement is no longer required as a means of supporting accessible taxicab service, and its repeal will have no budgetary impact. BYL 02-25 November 24, 2025 Page 5 For all of these reasons, staff recommend that Council adopt the recommendation in this report. Attachments: 1.Vehicle for Hire By-law Amendments 2.Fees & Charges By-law Amendments 3.Public Engagement Information Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: Jason Litoborski Tim Higgins Division Head, Municipal Law Enforcement Accessibility Coordinator Services Paul Bigioni Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor JL:ks Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer Original Signed By:Original Signed By: Original Signed By: Original Signed By: The Corporation of the City of Pickering By-law No. XXXX/25 Being a by-law to amend By-law 7739/20, a by-law to regulate and govern vehicles for hire within the City of Pickering. Whereas By-law 7739/20, provides for the licensing, regulation and governance of vehicle for hire businesses within the City of Pickering; And Whereas, it is deemed necessary to amend By-law 7739/20 to allow accessible taxicab service to be expanded across the Region of Durham; Now therefore the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering hereby enacts as follows: 1)That the definition of “accessible service supplement” in Part 1 is repealed; 2)That Section 47 is repealed in its entirety and the remaining sections renumbered accordingly; 3)That Section 92 be amended by adding a new subsection (c) as follows: c)No provision in this By-law shall restrict, limit, or prevent the owners and drivers of any lower-tier licenced accessible taxicab from engaging in conveyances within any of the eight (8) Durham Region Municipalities when the purpose of the conveyance is to transport persons with a disability as defined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 S.O. 2005, Chapter 11. 4)That Sub-section 93 a) and b) are hereby repealed in their entirety and the remaining sections of Section 93 renumbered accordingly; 5)That Sub-section 96(j) are hereby repealed in their entirety and the remaining sections renumbered accordingly; 6)That Section 138(2) is hereby repealed in its entirety and the remaining sections renumbered accordingly; 7)That the following fees set out in Schedule 1 be repealed: Accessible Service Supplement: Taxicab Plate Licence (annually) $75.00 Brokerage (annually) $2,500.00 PTC (payable quarterly, per transportation service) 7 cents Attachment 1 to Report BYL 02-25 By-law No. XXXX/25 Page 2 By-law passed this XXX day of XXXX, 2025. ________________________________ Kevin Ashe, Mayor ________________________________ Susan Cassel, City Clerk The Corporation of the City of Pickering By-law No. XXXX/25 Being a by-law to amend By-law 6191/03 to confirm General Municipal Fees Whereas the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering enacted By-law 6191/03, as amended, on October 14, 2003 to confirm general municipal fees. Whereas Schedule “I” to By-law 6191/03 was updated and replaced under By-law, 6338/04, By-law 6519/05, By-law 6652/06, By-law 6677/06, By-law 6748/07, By-law 6819/07, By-law 6857/08, By-law 6951/09, By-law 7032/10, By-law 7119/11, By-law 7194/12, By-law 7268/13, By-law 7339/14, By-law 7411/15, By-law 7478/16, By-law 7542/17, By-law 7605/18, By-law 7679/19, By-law 7740/20, By-law 7823/21, By-law 7890/21, By-law 7918/22, By-law 7983/23, By-law 8005/23, By-law 8008/23, By-law 8017/23, By-law 8022/23, By-law 8065/23, By-law 7982/23, By-law 8074/24, By-law 8119/24, By-law 8140/24; By-law 8148/24, By-law 8157/25, By-law 8158/25, and By-law 8191/25. Now therefore the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering hereby enacts as follows: Schedule “I” to By-law 6191/03, as amended, is hereby revised by repealing the Accessible Service Supplement as set out in Schedule “I” attached hereto. By-law passed this XX day of XXXX, 2025. ________________________________ Kevin Ashe, Mayor ________________________________ Susan Cassel, City Clerk Attachment 2 to Report BYL 02-25 Draft By-law to amend Schedule “I” to the General Municipal Fees and Charges By-law 6191/03, as amended By-Law & Animal Services User Fee or Charge Accessible Service Supplement 2025 Fee 2026 Fee HST Taxicab Plate Licence (annually) Deferred ($75.00) Repealed N Brokerage (annually) Deferred ($2500.00) Repealed N PTC (payable quarterly, per transportation service) Deferred (7 cents) Repealed N Responses Overview Active Responses 148 Average Time 03:31 Duration 202 Days ~ ♦ J 1. Please indicate which city, town or township you reside in. • Ajax 40 • Brock 23 • Clarington 11 • Oshawa 29 • Pickering • Scugog 6 • Whitby 30 • Uxbridge 6 ---0 10 20 30 40 2. Please indicate your postal code. 148 Responses Latest Responses "L1R 3R2" "I1n 4n6" "L1 P 1A6" 11 respondents (7%) answered L 1 N for this question. L1n GjS L1S 6Y9 L1N9P6L1G L1S L 1 N LOk L1H LOK 1LO L1N 6P7 L1Z L1J L1N 8k8L9P 1X9 L1S 3L1 L1T L1N 2b5 L1N 2B6L1r2j4 L1Z 2E3 3. Do you currently use accessible taxis? • Yes, for myself 23 • Yes, as a caregiver 28 • I would if it were available in my area 35 • No, I do not use accessible taxis 61 • Other I~ 41 % ),~ ~ 24% Attachment 3 to Report BYL 02-25 4. How often do you use accessible taxis? • Daily 11 • Weekly 17 • Monthly 27 • Seasonally 13 • Annually 4 • Never 12 - 0 10 20 30 5. In the last 24 months have you needed an accessible taxi and were not able to book one? • Yes 65 e No 17 6. If an accessible taxi were available how often do you think you would use it? • Daily 16 • Weekly 41 • Monthly 21 • Seasonal 6 • Annually • Never 0 -I I 0 10 20 30 40 so 7. What is your primary destination when using accessible taxi services? Check all that apply . • Employment/volunteering 23 • Health/medical appointment 68 • Leisure (casino, restaurant, movie theatre, community program) 29 • Personal errands (groceries, banking, etc.) 47 • Other 11 8. Which other types of transportation do you use? Select all that apply. • Private transportation companies {e.g. Uber/Lyft) 43 • Durham Region Transit 43 • Durham Region Transit Specialized Service 25 • Personal Vehicle 76 • Vehicles belonging to friends or family 65 17% 2r ~ J,,· \__~ 9. What challenges have you encountered when using accessible taxi services? Select all that apply. • No challenges -Accessible Taxi Services in my municipality work well 6 • I had a need in the past but was not aware this service was available/did not know where to call for... 38 • Too costly 43 • Accessible taxi was not available for my pick-up time I too few accessible taxis available . 79 • Other 37 ,..~ 21% L )3 10. Which municipality are you likely to start your travel from? • Ajax 38 • Brock 24 • Clarington 6 • Oshawa 34 • Pickering 3 • Scugog 6 • Whitby 29 • Uxbridge 6 --- 0 10 20 30 40- 11 . Which municipality are you likely to travel to? • Ajax 22 • Brock 10 • Clarington 2 • Oshawa 65 • Pickering 20 • Scugog 3 • Whitby 16 • Uxbridge 6 -I •--0 20 40 60 80 12. Condition of vehicle: • Exceptional • Good 33 • Fair 35 • Poor 7 13. Cleanliness of vehicle: • Exceptional 3 • Good 40 • Fair 31 • Poor 6 14. Driver professionalism: • Exceptional 12 • Good 37 • Fair 27 • Poor 4 34% 15. Timeliness of pickup • Exceptional 9 • Good 21 • Fair 31 • Poor 21 11% 38% 16. Overall service with an accessible taxi in Durham Region • Exceptional 2 • Good 24 • Fa ir 33 • Poor 25 -r ·) ~ '--,I 39%