The debate on whether UberX drivers should be allowed to operate in the city will be up for discussion at Toronto's police headquarters.
The Toronto Police Services Board is holding its monthly meeting on Wednesday afternoon, when members will discuss a proposal for the enforcement of regulations regarding unlicensed taxis.
The group will also discuss a monthly report on its body-worn cameras pilot project, review dozens of annual awards for officers, and elect a chair of the board.
During the meeting, Chief Mark Saunders will deliver a presentation on law enforcement related to ground transportation in Toronto. The board will then receive deputations from the public.
The board will also consider a letter from Toronto City Coun. Jim Karygiannis, who is asking police to crack down on unlicensed drivers. Karygiannis wrote the letter to the board in November, asking the board to put the issue on its agenda.
"As you are aware, City Council has requested the Toronto Police Services Board to provide an update on the action taken with respect to enforcement of unlicensed taxicabs," he wrote.
"There is immense public interest in this issue... The public should have an opportunity to understand and discuss how the Toronto Police will move forward in upholding legislation including the Highway Traffic Act and the Provincial Offences Act."
UberX, Uber Canada's most popular service, has been operating in Toronto for more than a year. The service connects app users with people who have signed up as drivers, using their own vehicles.
The service claims that UberX is a communication service, not a cab company, and therefore exempt from taxi regulations. As a result, drivers working for UberX don't have to purchase taxi licences or complete the required taxi-training program.
