July 6, 2012 by Canadian Underwriter
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.
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