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By meadowlakeNOW staff

Meeting preview

Taxi licence cap request in Meadow Lake up for council debate

Mar 9, 2026 | 2:55 PM

Meadow Lake city council will debate Monday whether to limit the number of taxi companies allowed to operate in the city after two local operators asked officials to impose a cap on new licences.

Administration received a letter in late February from ViralKumar Patel of Mr. Taxi Ltd. and an email from Sukhman Singh of Meadow City Cab requesting the city consider limiting taxi service business licences to two.

Currently, two businesses hold licences under the taxi service classification in the city. 

The operators argue the small community does not have enough demand to support additional competitors.

In a letter to council, Patel said adding another taxi operator could create an unsustainable environment in a small market.

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“Our experience and research into the challenges faced by small town taxi services indicate that adding another operator would create an unsustainable environment for all involved,” he wrote.

Patel said dividing trips among more companies could reduce revenue for each operator and make it harder for businesses to maintain vehicles and staffing levels.

Singh raised similar concerns in an email to the city, saying issuing additional taxi licences could place financial pressure on operators.

“With a limited population, the current market demand can reasonably support only a small number of taxi operators,” Singh wrote.

“We believe maintaining a maximum of two taxi company licences at this time would support long-term service stability and quality for Meadow Lake residents.”

City administration, however, recommends council deny the request.

In a report to council, administration said limiting taxi businesses could reduce competition and potentially lead to higher fares and longer wait times for customers, particularly during busy periods or community events.

The report also warns that approving such a restriction could set a precedent for other industries seeking similar protections from new competitors.

If council were to cap taxi businesses, sectors such as lawn care, snow removal or childcare services could potentially request similar limits.

Administration also noted that under a capped system, service gaps could arise if a licensed operator reduced hours, experienced vehicle issues or struggled to hire drivers, as no additional businesses would be able to enter the market.

Under the city’s current Taxi Bylaw, there is no limit on the number of taxi licences issued in a calendar year.

Council does have the authority under The Cities Act to limit the number of businesses in a particular class, but doing so would require an amendment to the taxi bylaw and a public notice process before a decision could be made.

Council could choose to deny the request, direct administration to prepare a bylaw amendment and schedule a public hearing, or request additional information before making a decision.

Administration’s preferred recommendation is to deny the request and maintain the current open licensing system.

Council is scheduled to discuss the matter at its regular meeting Monday evening in the Co-op Centre’s council chambers.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com