It seems the transportation service Uber is one step closer to driving into Windsor.
The controversial company connects riders to drivers through a smart phone app and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says he thinks the city should be ready for it.
“This is the wave of the future,” says Dilkens. “It's coming whether we like it or not."
Uber has been controversial in other cities because many of the drivers are unregulated and they don't have to pay the same fees that are required of cab drivers.
It's led to major protests in cities like Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa and soon we might see a similar situation unfold in Windsor.
Dilkens asked city administration to find ways to amend current by-laws so that businesses like Uber could operate.
"We are trying to get a head of the curve on this one and make sure that we have everything in place to support a company like Uber if they do come to the city."
Dilkens says he wants to avoid a similar situation to Toronto, where council tried to stop Uber from operating and was unsuccessful in court and now is looking at amending by-laws.
“It's allowing Uber to operate in the style that they operate, but making sure we have the safety mechanisms in place to protect the public."
Dilkens says those safety mechanisms could include vehicle inspections, background checks and appropriate insurance.
Unifor local 195 represents 326 unionized veteran cab drivers. They say want to be a part of the conversation as the city considers amending the by-law and are already warning that welcoming Uber could mean a major battle a head.
Marwan Abouzeeni is a driver and also a union rep. He says there's just not enough business in Windsor to share with Uber.
“We are going to do whatever it takes as a union to protect their best interests,” says Abouzeeni. “We don't care. This mayor is not going to scare us and neither is Uber. We're going to fight the fight of our lives."
Administration has been asked to report back to city council with the recommended amendments, but no date has been set for when that should happen.
Uber Canada representatives were not available to speak to CTV News on Friday but spokesperson Susie Heath released a statement saying the company is pleased to see support from Windsor's mayor.
It continues, "While we don't have specific launch plans to share at the moment, we look forward to working collaboratively with the Mayor, city council and city officials as part of our ongoing process as we explore expansion possibilities and move towards a new regulatory framework that embraces ridesharing."
