City of Cornwall Clarifies Vehicle for Hire By-Law Review Process

The City of Cornwall is clarifying the process to review and modernize regulations governing taxi and vehicle-for-hire services within the municipality. 

The process started in 2024 when the Cornwall Police Service Board formally requested that the City take over the taxi by-law and related administration. Earlier this year, Council authorized Administration to review the City's existing taxi by-law and explore options for a modernized Vehicle-for-Hire framework. No new by-law has been adopted, and no final decisions have been made regarding the structure of future vehicle-for-hire services in Cornwall. 

As part of the review, Administration is currently seeking feedback from interest holders, including existing taxi operators, drivers, industry participants, accessibility advocates, and residents. Surveys have been distributed and interest holders are encouraged to provide input prior to the consultation deadline. 

Once the consultation period concludes, Administration intends to present a draft Vehicle-for-Hire by-law to Council on September 28. That presentation will provide Council with an opportunity to review the proposed framework, ask questions, and receive feedback from members of the public and interest holders through the City's established delegation process. Following Council's discussion and any public input received, Administration will consider all comments, make any necessary revisions, and return to Council with a final by-law for consideration at a future meeting. 

"It is important to note that Council has not made any decisions regarding a new Vehicle-for-Hire by-law, and will consider all perspectives, comments, and public concerns before any decisions are made," said Mayor Justin Towndale. "I encourage all interested parties to participate in the process and provide feedback." 

"The City's process has been designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and meaningful public engagement," said Acting CAO Matt Stephenson. "Administration has not finalized a by-law and no outcome has been predetermined. The purpose of the current consultation is to gather feedback from all affected interest holders so that Council can make an informed decision. We welcome input from existing taxi operators, drivers, residents, accessibility advocates, and any other interested parties as part of that process." 

The City remains committed to ensuring that any future regulatory framework balances customer service, public safety, accessibility, economic considerations, and the long-term needs of the community. Residents and interest holders are encouraged to participate in the consultation process and may also address Council through the delegation process when the draft by-law is presented.