Councilors debate proposed legislation to combat gas and dash thefts

Requiring motorists to pay for gas before filling up would benefit gas stations, police and the community, says a Brantford city councillor.

Article content

Greg Martin (Ward 3) says a mandatory prepay system would help cut down on gas and dash thefts and free up police time to deal with other issues.

“When this was discussed at the Brantford Police Services Board it was hinted that a lot of gas stations would actually like to see this implemented,” Martin said at a Tuesday (Aug. 6) city council committee meeting. “The only reason they don’t have full pay in advance now is because they have to remain competitive with other stations.”

A mandatory prepay system across the municipality would address that concern, Martin said.

Martin was speaking in favor of a Brantford Police Services Board resolution calling on the city to support provincial legislation known as Bill 88 Protecting Ontarians by Enhancing Gas Station Safety to Prevent Gas and Dash crimes. Martin is the chair of the police services board.

Article content

The proposed bill is being reviewed by Ontario’s legislative assembly and, at present, is focused on the Greater Toronto Area.

Other municipalities wanting to be covered by the proposed legislation have to pass a resolution asking that it apply to their jurisdiction.

The Brantford Police Services Board has asked city council to seek to be included under the legislation.

The police service received complaints of 206 gas drive offs in 2023.

But while Martin described the proposed legislation as a win-win-win, some councilors questioned the proposed legislation.

“I’m not going to support this,” Coun. Rose Sicoli (Ward 5) said. “I don’t think we should be meddling in the comings and goings and the business models of private industries.”

Article content

Sicoli said gas stations could be prepaid only now if they wanted. If they’ve chosen not to be, there’s a reason for it.

Coun. Richard Carpenter, meanwhile, said city councilors need to hear directly from gas station owners.

“I’d like to know what they think, if they support it,” Carpenter said. “If not, then I won’t be supporting it.”

Coun. Dan McCreary asked if there is any plan to engage with gas station owners to ensure the city is on the right track.

Responding to McCreary’s concern and Carpenter’s comments, Coun. Mandy Samwell, said she will raise the concern with the police services board.

Samwell is the police board’s vice-chair.

“I feel this is very important,” Samwell said. “There are just too many risks involved when people pump gas and try to get away without paying.

“There’s too much risk and the losses are preventable.”

Councilors recommended for approval a resolution to request the legislation apply in Brantford by a vote of 6-4.

[email protected]

twitter.com/EXPVBall

Article content