St. Catharines council to discuss support for non-profit, car-sharing initiative

The City of St. Catharines, Ontario is scheduled to discuss a car-sharing proposal at its next council meeting on July 9.

The city is being asked to support, in principle, a partnership with the People’s Car Co-operative Inc. to establish a car share service in St. Catharines.

City staff have recommended dedicating eight parking spaces, both revenue- and non-revenue-generating, to the non-profit co-operative, Niagara CarShare.

Staff begged off a proposal to support Niagara CarShare with a $50,000 revolving line of credit until the group meets its membership targets. The $50,000 would be used to purchase three cars.

In a previous presentation to the city’s council, Niagara CarShare indicated it would need 60 members to launch a three-vehicle sharing network in St. Catharines. Thus far, it has achieved less than half of that total.

The city notes a “multi-modal transportation network” that includes a car-sharing initiative would advance the city’s sustainability strategy.

“The city’s support will help build capacity for a green, community-driven enterprise,” the staff report notes. “Niagara CarShare’s corporate membership program will assist local businesses seeking sustainable fleet options and its purchasing practices [will] increase demand for efficient, low-emitting products.”

Niagara CarShare has purchased electric cars in other locations in Ontario, city staff note.