Parking space reserved for fire hydrants could be used to boost the number of taxi stands in Calgary’s downtown core.

Troy McLeod, the city’s traffic manager, has begun discussing the concept of opening nearly 140 spaces where hydrants are located and parking is prohibited to taxis.

“The premise is this space is not used during the day, generally,” he said. “It’s for emergency purposes only.”

Calgary fire spokesperson Brian McAsey said the organization has been made aware of the concept and is awaiting more information and consultation.

“There will be a lot of considerations for the fire department, but we’re not naysayers if they can make it work,” he said.

Lakhvir Dehal, manager of Calgary’s Delta Cabs, is in favour of the concept. He estimated that 70 per cent of the company’s business comes from the downtown core, and he said that better infrastructure is needed to meet customer need.

“Drivers are always in the vehicles at the stands, so they would be able to move if required,” he said.

McLeod said the city is also looking into using GPS technology in taxis to provide drivers with notification if they need to make way for fire crews.

Caralyn Macdonald of the Calgary Downtown Association said the idea would create more options for commuters.

“Some people take transit downtown but then need to take a taxi for a quick meeting,” she said, “so this would really help.”