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Home My WebLink AboutCRPS-06-167 - Public Meeting - Amend Chapter 578 of the Municipal Code (Plumbing Contractor-Master Plumber-Journeyman Plumber)K1~~R - . • - Corporate Services Report To: Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Chair and Members of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee Date of Meeting: November 20, 2006 Submitted By: R. Gosse, Director of Legislated Services/City Clerk Prepared By: Patricia Harris, Manager of Licensing Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: November 8, 2006 Report No.: CRPS-06-167 Subject: PUBLIC MEETING -AMEND CHAPTER 578 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE (PLUMBING CONTRACTOR-MASTER PLUMBER-JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER) RECOMMENDATION: That a by-law to amend Chapter 578 (Plumbing Contractor-Master Plumber-Journeyman Plumber) be prepared for Council's consideration on November 27, 2007, based on the proposed by-law dated November 6, 2006 attached to Corporate Services Report CRPS-06- 167. BACKGROUND: At the Council meeting of September 25, 2006 it was resolved that staff prepare the required by- law to amend Chapter 578 of the Municipal Code (Plumbing Contractor-Master Plumber- Journeyman Plumber) to remove the requirement of writing and passing an exam to obtain a municipal licence; and further that staff initiate the required public process with respect to the amending by-law. REPORT: The City of Kitchener has licensed both Master Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors since 1973. Master Plumbers are required to write an exam before they are approved for a licence. Under Regulation 243/2 Section 10 of the Ontario Municipal Act, municipalities can no longer examine businesses or individuals carrying on or engaged in a trade, other occupation or skill set to determine his or her competency to perform the trade, if the individual holds a certificate in that trade, occupation, or skill set under the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship and Certification Act, 1998. The Municipal Act, however, does permit municipalities to licence trades and occupations. The City of Kitchener licences Master Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors under consumer protection. It has been determined that requiring those performing plumbing work to work under the supervision of a Master Plumber with specified qualifications contributes to a higher standard of plumbing work and thus protects consumers. It also protects consumers as there is a record of licence holders and the ability to require legal and honest operation of such businesses and to hold licensees responsible when the business is not conducted in accordance with the law or with integrity. Most municipalities in the Province of Ontario are still licensing Master Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors, but are not requiring them to write an examination. The amendments that have been made to Chapter 578 are as follows: • The definition of Master Plumber has been changed. This definition is a standard one used in several municipalities across the Province to define a Master Plumber. • Plumbing Contractors will be required to have proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000.00 inclusive of public liability and property damage • Plumbing Contractors operating a business in Kitchener will be required to ensure that all vehicles used in the course of business identify the name of the Plumbing Contractor and their City of Kitchener Licence Number. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None COMMUNICATIONS: A Public Notice was placed in The Record on November 10, 2006 advising this amending by- law would be considered on November 20, 2006. (MRS) PATRICIA HARRIS MANAGER OF LICENSING DRAFT BY-LAW NUMBER NOVEMBER 6, 2006 OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER (Being a by-law to amend Chapter 578 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code with respect to Plumbing Contractor-Master Plumber- Journeyman Plumber). WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to amend Chapter 578 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code as adopted by By-law 88-100; NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener enacts as follows: Section 578.1.4 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code is hereby deleted and the following is substituted therefor: "578.1.4 "Master Plumber" shall mean a person who is skilled in the planning, superintending and installing of plumbing fixtures and systems, who is familiar with the laws, rules and regulations governing the same, has a regular place of business in Ontario and who performs plumbing work and/or supervises Journeyman Plumbers. 2. Section 578.2.13 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code is hereby deleted and the following is substituted therefor: "578.2.13 Every Plumbing Contractor must have proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000.00 inclusive of public liability and property damage." 3. Section 578.2.14 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code is hereby deleted and the following is substituted therefor: "578.2.14 Every Plumbing Contractor operating a business in the City shall ensure that all vehicles used in the course of business have on both sides of each such vehicle the Plumbing Contractor's name and the City of Kitchener Licence Number in letters and figures, not less than 2.5 cm (1 ") in height, and clearly legible at a distance of 6 m (20')." Sections 578.2.15, 578.2.16, 578.2.17, 578.2.18, 578.2.19, 578.2.20, 578.2.21, 578.2.22 and Schedule "B" of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code are hereby deleted in their entirety. PASSED at the Council Chambers in the City of Kitchener this day A. D. 2006. Mayor Clerk DRAFT BY-LAW NUMBER NOVEMBER 6, 2006 OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER (Being a by-law to amend Chapter 578 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code with respect to Plumbing Contractor-Master Plumber- Journeyman Plumber). WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to amend Chapter 578 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code as adopted by By-law 88-100; NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener enacts as follows: Section 578.1.4 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code is hereby deleted and the following is substituted therefor: "578.1.4 "Master Plumber" shall mean a person who is skilled in the planning, superintending and installing of plumbing fixtures and systems, who is familiar with the laws, rules and regulations governing the same, has a regular place of business in Ontario and who performs plumbing work and/or supervises Journeyman Plumbers. 2. Section 578.2.13 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code is hereby deleted and the following is substituted therefor: "578.2.13 Every Plumbing Contractor must have proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000.00 inclusive of public liability and property damage." 3. Section 578.2.14 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code is hereby deleted and the following is substituted therefor: "578.2.14 Every Plumbing Contractor operating a business in the City shall ensure that all vehicles used in the course of business have on both sides of each such vehicle the Plumbing Contractor's name and the City of Kitchener Licence Number in letters and figures, not less than 2.5 cm (1 ") in height, and clearly legible at a distance of 6 m (20')." Sections 578.2.15, 578.2.16, 578.2.17, 578.2.18, 578.2.19, 578.2.20, 578.2.21, 578.2.22 and Schedule "B" of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code are hereby deleted in their entirety. PASSED at the Council Chambers in the City of Kitchener this day A. D. 2006. Mayor Clerk