Live Car-Free: Banff Embraces Shared Mobility

Banff has introduced a three-year car-sharing pilot program in collaboration with Communauto, which began recently and is scheduled to run through 2028. This initiative aims to provide residents with convenient and flexible transportation alternatives, encouraging a lifestyle less dependent on personal vehicle ownership. Allan Buckingham, a long-time resident, has successfully lived without a car for eight years, highlighting the financial advantages and feasibility of alternative transit within the town.

The car-share program features five vehicles accessible from three locations, with users able to book and pay for rentals via a dedicated app. Payment options include daily, monthly, and yearly rates, making the service adaptable to various needs. The municipality is supporting the pilot with up to $75,000 annually from paid parking revenue, with the municipal contribution expected to decrease as the service gains traction.

This car-sharing initiative is part of Banff's broader strategy to enhance resident mobility through options like public transit, cycling, and e-bikes. Mayor Corrie DiManno emphasized that the town's council has prioritized housing density and reduced parking requirements, a policy that has led to the approval of approximately 700 new housing units in the last two years. Communauto, operating in numerous Canadian communities, views reducing parking pressure as a crucial benefit for towns like Banff.