Yellowknife (Dec 05/03) - Cabbies hoping for a break on the city's six-month residence requirement for a chauffeur's licence left City Hall disappointed.

Fadil Memedi, a representative of City Cabs, opposes removing the six-month waiting period for cabbies. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

The city committee voted to keep the residence rule and will also ask cabbies to pass a practical geography test to obtain a chauffeur's permit.

The committee is also recommending that the cost of the chauffeur's permit be raised to $150 - an increase of $50. The renewal rate was set at $100 a year.

City Council will vote on the proposed changes Dec. 8.

Some in favour of rule

City Cab representative Fadil Memedi spoke in favour of retaining the six-month residency rule.

"By taking this away, newcomers could come and work the most profitable months," he said.

"Six months gives us the comfort in knowing that the driver is familiar with the town and the consumer is satisfied."

Sherry Graham, office manager for Diamond Cabs, also spoke in favour of the residence rule. "Your involvement is critical for public safety. It does need to be regulated," Graham said.

Cordi Yaceyko, owner of Somba K'e Cabs, said the six-month rule is "having a negative impact on business."

Not pleased with decision

"It puts more pressure on us. There aren't just peak times of the year but of the day. Remove it for the taxi drivers," she urged.

John Dalton, owner of Yellowknife Cabs, was not pleased with committee's decision.

"I think they listened to misinformation," he said.

"It has everything to do with competition."

Dalton agreed with testing to ensure drivers are capable, but argued that it does not take six months to get to know Yellowknife.

Coun. Mark Heyck, Kevin O'Reilly and Allan Woytuik opposed the motion. Coun. Bob Brooks, Dave McCann, Doug Witty and Woytuik voted in favour of an alternative recommendation to keep the six-month residency requirement and include a practical test.