Sustainable mobility has become a major concern for many Canadian municipalities as they face environmental challenges and the need to create greener, more resilient cities. A number of municipalities have taken significant steps forward to promote sustainable mobility and counter the cult of the solo-auto that too many Canadians have grown used to owning and using in their daily activities. In this article, we explore four inspiring examples of Canadian cities that have taken innovative action to promote more eco-friendly modes of travel.

1.Edmonton, Alberta: Electrification of public transport

Committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, the City of Edmonton is using a number of innovative technologies to facilitate its ecological transition. Their dedication is particularly noteworthy for introducing the electrification of public transport within the municipality.

In recent years, many electric buses were integrated into the Edmonton transportation system (ETS). What’s more, the city recently launched a pilot project for two hydrogen-powered buses. In service since October 2023, these buses use water molecules to generate electricity by separating oxygen from hydrogen gas. By investing in cutting-edge technologies, Edmonton is inspiring other cities to follow suit and adopt eco-friendly transit solutions.

2.Québec, Quebec: Extended pedestrian zones to encourage walking

With a view to improving quality of life, Québec City has taken the initiative to implement various measures to promote sustainable mobility and improve cooperation on the road.

In summer 2023, Québec City inaugurated a pilot project lasting about 1 month, introducing a pedestrian zone in Old Québec. The aim was to make the downtown area more pedestrian-friendly, encouraging people to adopt walking as their preferred means of transport.

In the same vein, the City also aspires to put in place a 150 km network of bike paths by 2034. These paths will encourage the widespread use of bike transportation and promote harmonious coordination of the various means of travel within Québec City.

3.Prince Edward County, Ontario: Very familiar charging stations

The “Charged for Change” program has had a significant impact in Ontario, with the successful installation of electric charging stations in seven communities, including Prince Edward County. The latter also stands out for the effective deployment of a rural public transit service since 2020, benefiting residents and visitors alike.

What’s more, the city of Victoria stands out as the best city for electric vehicle charging stations, with 126 stations per 100,000 residents. The city’s initiative encourages the adoption of electric vehicles and shows its determination to further extend its network of charging stations in the years to come.

4.Halifax, Nova Scotia: Incentives to use public transport

Halifax has taken an innovative and encouraging approach to promoting the use of public transport by offering attractive incentives to its residents. The municipality launched a fare reduction program for transit passes for young people (up to 17) and senior citizens, making the use of buses and metro transport more affordable. This strategy aims to encourage more people to opt for sustainable modes of transport, while helping to reduce road congestion and pollutant emissions. As part of its ongoing decarbonization efforts, Halifax plans to electrify its Halifax-Bedford ferries starting in 2027. Mayor Mike Savage stresses the importance of making sustainable transport competitive with personal vehicles, expressing an optimistic vision for the future of mobility in the city.

These examples from Canadian municipalities demonstrate the country’s growing commitment to sustainable mobility. Whether through the extension of bike paths, the electrification of public transport, financial incentives for bus use, or the expansion of pedestrian zones, these initiatives mark a significant step forward towards a more sustainable future. This year’s Earth Day Canada campaign focuses specifically on sustainable mobility, encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly modes of travel.

So on Monday, April 22, whether you’re heading to the office, the coffee shop, daycare or the dentist, we’d love to see you walking, biking, carpooling or even scootering. 😊

Sources:

Edmonton
 https://www.edmonton.ca/projects_plans/transit/electric-buses
 https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/edmonton-s-zero-emission-bus-fleet-to-grow-by-20-after-14-4m-federal-investment-1.5454615
https://cib-bic.ca/fr/projets/transport-en-commun/autobus-a-zero-emission-dans-la-ville-dedmonton/

Québec
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1993635/pieton-marche-voiture-vieux-quebec
https://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/citoyens/participation-citoyenne/activites/fiche.aspx?IdProjet=512#:~:text=La%20principale%20mesure%20concerne%20le,une%20vision%20d’implantation%20permanente
 https://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/citoyens/deplacements/reseau_cyclable/corridors_velo.aspx
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2047331/pistes-cyclables-cvc-mobilite-quebec

Prince Edward County and Victoria
https://www.thecounty.ca/residents/services/public-specialized-transit-2023/
https://www.aviva.ca/fr/communiques-de-presse/2023/aviva-canada-etend-le-programme-changez-rechargez/
https://chargehub.com/fr/pays/canada/colombie-britannique/victoria.html

Halifax
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2048767/service-transport-rural-plus-financement-halifax
https://newinhalifax.ca/fr/vivre-a-halifax/transports/
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2054132/traversier-electrique-transport-vert-ne

Communication Officer

Agathe Tréguesser

Agathe’s love of the great outdoors led her to the other side of the Atlantic, here in Quebec. Sensitive to environmental issues, she wishes to commit herself personally and professionally to the planet. With a master’s degree in communications, she is convinced that education and the popularization of information are major assets to a generalized awareness. Curious and adventurous by nature, she loves to discover new landscapes through hiking and backpacking.

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Communication Officer

Véronique Blais

Passionate about sports, photography, and wildlife, Véronique has an insatiable curiosity for exploring the world’s most breathtaking natural locations. With camera in hand, she eagerly embarks on every adventure. Through her art, she seeks to raise awareness about the fragility of our planet, and inspire action towards environmental protection.

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