At Monday's committee-of-the-whole meeting, members of council discussed the creation of an operating terms of reference for the operating of caleches, hooded horse-drawn carriages, in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Currently, two caleche businesses, Queens Royal Tours and Sentineal Carriages, have permission licenses to operate five carriages total in Old Town. Queens Royal Tours has two licenses while Sentineal Carriages has three.

However, at the June 2 committee meeting, MarieBeth Young appeared before council seeking support to operate a caleche drawn by a miniature pony.

Young's request lead town staff to create a report for council to discuss the creation of a terms of reference for caleches.

"Ms. Young's deputation prompted this review," said corporate services director Scott Tipping. "The report provided council with the history of caleche operations. There is a lengthy past and it was contentious at times. We intend on talking to the two existing caleche operators and review components associated with the issues."

Coun. Terry Flynn said he has seen Young operate her caleche around town and wondered if she had permission to do so. Tipping said Young had no permission and was contacted last week and told to wait until after the terms of reference was created to resume.

Coun. Bob Howse wondered if the town got any revenue from the caleche companies. Howse said he wondered if the companies can be charged for parking spots on King Street to get revenue from them.

Tipping said fees can be dealt with when creating the terms of reference.

Lord Mayor Gary Burroughs said he loves seeing visitors enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride down the Old Town Streets. Burroughs said he would be concerned if the town lost the caleche operations.

Tipping said a meeting will be set for sometime in July to discuss the terms of reference with the caleche operators.