Last night I attended at Barrie City Hall where I am Chairman of the Business Licence Appeals Committee. We heard an appeal filed by a Tow Truck Operator who was denied a licence because of a criminal conviction within the past three years. The hearings are open to the public and is held in the City of Barrie Council Chamber.
Barrie’s by-laws preclude the granting of a licence under those circumstances. Although our Committee has the authority to overturn the decision of the Issuer of Licences, we denied this particular appeal in the absence of any compelling evidence otherwise.
The hearings are conducted in a quasi judicial manner with the City Solicitor questioning witnesses and proffering exhibits for the Committee members to review.
Applicants, too, are permitted to have legal representation and conduct cross examinations and offer evidence to support their case.
This is a voluntary position that I applied for a couple of years ago. Since then, our committee has heard six appeals.
I find it interesting and get some satisfaction out of participating in the process.
Life Unfolding 