Iqaluit taxi fares to jump to $7 per person, per trip

A taxi bylaw amendment turned out to be more controversial than expected at Iqaluit City Council last night, but in the end council approved the motion, which will now go on to a third and final reading. 

The proposal was simple enough: amend the taxi by-law to raise fares from $6 to $7 per person, per trip.

Iqaluit city council was in favour of that increase, but when they looked at the full schedule of tariffs, councillors saw some things they didn't like.

Councillor Kenny Bell noticed the additional $7 charge for bringing animals in a cab.

"I don't believe people with service animals should have to pay a double fare."

Councillor Romeyn Stevenson wanted clarification on the $10 charge for extra long trips.

The bylaw, as written, said this would apply for trips from the Causeway to Apex or the Road to Nowhere from any location.

“I assume they don't mean from the road to nowhere subdivision, but only out the end of the Road to Nowhere,” Stevenson.

That amendment was later written in.

There were also concerns about the extra charge for driving on roads that aren't maintained by the city, and what that means for people who want to go fishing out past the dump.

These fees aren't new; they have been approved by councils in the past.

But the Taxi Review Committee chair admitted they hadn't been examined in any depth.

After 30 minutes debate, council approved the motion.

Some of the wording will be revised before the bylaw has its third and final reading.

It’s not clear when the new fares will take effect.