Iqaluit council agrees to increase basic taxi fare to $7

By early December, the basic taxi fare in Iqaluit will likely rise to $7, the first fare increase since 2007. (FILE PHOTO)

Iqaluit City Council took a first step to increase the basic taxi fare to $7 per ride, Oct. 28.

The $1 increase could take hold as early as December, after it passes three readings in council.

Fares for seniors and children under 10 will not change, councillors said.

Elders would continue paying only $5 per ride, and children under 10 accompanied by an adult would continue to travel for free.

Councillors agreed the taxi bylaw needs a broader review, as recommended by the city’s taxi review board.

Kenny Bell and Stephen Mansell said the bylaw isn’t thorough enough about ensuring rider safety.

Bell disagreed that cabs should be allowed to take on multiple riders who pay separate fares, “especially when there’s kids involved,” he said.

“I don’t think drivers should be taking up second, third or a fourth person at different locations. I think that’s very unsafe,” he told council.

Noah Papatsie, chair of the taxi review board, said a public meeting showed residents and cab companies are concerned about drivers smoking in cabs, the age and condition of vehicles, the refusal of passengers and access for disabled residents.

Taxi fares in Iqaluit have not changed since 2007. Iqaluit’s two largest cab companies, Caribou Cabs and Pai-pa Taxi Ltd., say the increase is long overdue, given Iqaluit’s ever-increasing cost of living.

Councillors said the taxi bylaw must be reviewed annually.