Sooke residents will have to wait a bit longer before they can hail a ride from Uber.
 
While the web-based ride-share company was approved to launch in Greater Victoria in May, it likely won't get rolling in Sooke for another three to five years, according to a report from District of Sooke staff.
 
The decision to launch Uber in the region has come at the ire of the local cab company, which says it can potentially kill the taxi business.
 
"If Uber comes to Sooke everybody is going to be without a job," said Owen Brandon, the owner of Orange Taxi.
 
"For some reason, God knows why, Uber is allowed to undercut the cabs and put as many cars on the road as they want."
 
Ride-hailing was legalized in B.C. in 2016, with the Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) having sole authority to approve companies.
 
Companies are generally authorized to operate multiple municipalities based on a system of five regions established by the PTB.
 
Sooke is in Region 2, covering the Capital Regional District.
 
Earlier this year, Brandon asked Sooke council to advocate for his company with the provincial government to keep Uber out of Sooke.
 
Sooke councillor Tony St-Pierre said it's not the district's role to step in when a government agency is already dealing with an issue.
 
Uber is still considering looking at smaller areas that might need a different approach to their model.
 
The District of Sooke lacks a bylaw for ride-sharing, meaning that ride-sharing decisions are deferred to the PTB.
 
Under provincial law, taxi drivers must be licensed by the PTB and carry a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance.
 
Drivers must also hold a Class 4 or higher licence and obtain a chauffeur's permit from the local police after a criminal background check.
 
Uber has stated that their drivers must have the same level of insurance and training as taxi drivers.
 
Uber operates in more than 140 municipalities in Canada.
 
Kevin Laird.