City council is considering revising its bylaw on vehicles for hire.

The issue has been a contentious one for several years, as local taxi companies have been severely criticized by various groups, especially those representing women and Indigenous people, for safety concerns and alleged sexual abuses.

That has prompted a new strategy to address the concerns, as well as a general update on the bylaw, incorporating ideas on how to integrate new technologies.

Council had a first look at the bylaw last Monday, and will have a chance to discuss a supplementary report Tuesday during a rescheduled general council meeting. (Most council members are in Calgary for a conference.)

In the report presented to council by municipal staff, they stated, “The proposed Vehicle for Hire Bylaw advances the modernization of the city’s taxi industry. In addition to increased safety provisions, it is also anticipated that a modernized framework would assist the taxi fleet in providing a more professional first impression to visitors and tourists arriving in Whitehorse.

“The intended purpose of the proposed bylaw centres around safety for both passengers

and service providers in the vehicle for hire industry, while supporting the core pillars to

meet the needs of the travelling public, and affords a measure of service quality and

consumer protection for customers and service providers.”

Last week, councillors laid out some preliminary comments on their impressions.

Mayor Laura Cabott in particular raised a number of points about the level of information the city is proposing to collect on taxis and drivers. As well, she questioned whether that’s an appropriate strategy or represents the city going too far.

More discussion on the new report before council is expected Tuesday, before council decides whether to proceed with the bylaw.