1. How and when did you form your group?
The Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative started in 2014. Beginning with the purchase of one car, the CarShare's fleet of six vehicles is designed to complement our members’ active transportation habits and improve affordable access to vehicle ownership. Working with several partners, we are proud to have been the first 100% solar-powered carshare in Canada.
2. What are your principal activities and why do you believe they’re important?
Our principal activities are providing and maintaining a network of vehicles to residents in Saskatchewan's core neighborhoods (and beyond).
It’s a win for individuals because you save money by not having to own a car.
Being a CarShare member helps you save money. A typical car owner spends an average of $6,400 per year. That comes out to about $533 per month or $17.64/day to maintain and operate an efficient vehicle. By making simple changes to integrate walking, biking, busing, and CarSharing into your traveling habits, you can save some serious cash.
It is a win for the environment, the City of Saskatoon, and our community. For every CarShare vehicle out there, another five cars are taken off the road. That means fewer vehicles need to be driven, fuelled, and maintained. Less vehicles on the road also means less traffic on our streets.
3. What would you like to achieve in 2021?
In 2021, we'd like to expand the number of CarShare members, to make being a member even more affordable, and to convince more residents to consider giving up their car (or 2nd car) by using the CarShare to complement their active transportation habits.
4. If you could have 3 wishes for improving your community, what would they be?
We would like to see less cars on the road, more people using active transportation and shared transportation modes, and for more people to use CarSharing for any of those times when you simply just need to have your own car!
5. Are there volunteer opportunities with your organization? If so, please describe them and indicate how people can contact you.
The CarShare is always looking for volunteers to help expand the use of our CarShare network.
Board Members: We are always recruiting board members to help with planning, decision-making, and monitoring the performance of the CarShare.
Vehicle Maintenance: We recruit volunteers to help with regular light vehicle maintenance (including checking on vehicles, cleaning, fueling, and taking vehicles for car washes and servicing).
Promotions and Engagements: We are looking for help in spreading the word about CarSharing through social media and through member engagement activities.
You don't have to be a member to volunteer with the CarShare, and volunteering comes with perks like driving credits. If you are interested in volunteering with the CarShare, please email scc.coordinator@gmail.com.
If you live in Regina, be sure to check out the services provided by the Regina CarShare Co-operative.
We’re planning to highlight the work of volunteer organizations in our communities on a regular basis over the next year. Do email us if you would like your organization to be profiled on EcoFriendly Sask.
Photo Credit: Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative
