Guelph to consider how Airbnb, Uber are affecting the city's business landscape

GuelphMercury.com
May 30, 2016

City hall plans to take a look at so-called disruptive technologies that are changing Guelph’s business landscape, affecting businesses ranging from bed-and-breakfast establishments to taxi firms.

A special resolution from Coun. Andy Van Hellemond, which was approved by council on May 24, proposes that city staff be directed to review the part of the city’s licensing bylaw relating to bed-and-breakfasts. This resolution now goes to council’s public works committee for consideration.

There have been complaints from at least one local B&B about the licensing requirements faced in Guelph by B&Bs, which aren’t faced by people providing temporary accommodations arranged using the Airbnb website.

As well as approving Van Hellemond’s resolution, council passed a companion motion suggested by Mayor Cam Guthrie. It would have city hall take a broader look at the impact on the city of disruptive technologies and “the shared economy,” which includes the Uber ride-hailing business that competes with taxis.

The Large Urban Mayor’s Caucus of Ontario, which consists of 26 mayors representing two-thirds of Ontario’s population, has asked Guthrie to put together a report on this issue, he told council.

“It’s a greater issue than just bed-and-breakfasts,” Guthrie said.

Coun. Leanne Piper said disruptive technologies such as Uber are “changing the business landscape of our city.”

Noting that city hall and the Guelph Police Services Board are currently reviewing the city’s taxi bylaw, Piper said she wanted any new review of the issue of disruptive technologies to be done in concert with the taxi bylaw review.

The police board, not city hall, is currently in charge of Guelph’s taxi bylaw, but there have been suggestions that this situation should be changed.