Just northeast of Airdrie, the Village of Acme is set to join a growing movement in Alberta by applying for an initiative allowing golf carts on select municipal roads. This pilot program is being implemented in collaboration with the Town of Coaldale and other interested municipalities across the province.
Alberta’s government is working with municipalities to pilot the limited use of golf carts on select roads to enhance mobility and provide recreational options for residents. This initiative reflects the unique transportation needs of communities across the province.
Interested municipalities can apply to be part of a five-year project that allows for innovative uses of existing vehicles and new modes of transportation, building on the existing provisions that allow registered off-highway vehicles to operate on municipal roads.
The pilot program will enable municipalities to evaluate safety implications and inform future policy decisions regarding alternative transportation methods. Recent amendments to the Traffic Safety Act facilitate the creation of regulations for pilot projects, including this golf cart initiative, which aims to assess the safe integration of golf carts into municipal road systems.
Coaldale will be one of the first municipalities to pilot this program following the passage of legislation that supports such innovative projects. Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen noted that Alberta must explore new solutions to address residents' needs as transportation evolves.
He emphasized that the popularity of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and e-bikes demonstrates the demand for diverse transportation options. Recently, the province expanded the use of OHVs on Highway 734, covering approximately 180 kilometres, showcasing Alberta's commitment to exploring various transportation modes.
Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner, supported the initiative, stating that many jurisdictions already permit golf carts on roads without issues. As of March 31, 2023, there were 104,025 registered OHVs in Alberta, indicating significant interest in alternative vehicles.
In addition to Coaldale, six other communities, including the County of Lacombe, the Village of Linden, the Summer Village of Whispering Hills, the Town of Delburne, and Half Moon Bay, have applied for and received approval to use golf carts. Municipal bylaws must include designated routes, safety protocols, and processes for obtaining authorization to operate these vehicles.
Mayor Jack Van Rijn of Coaldale welcomed the news, highlighting that the program would enable residents living near the local golf course to drive their carts to and from the facility, benefiting the entire community. He thanked the Alberta government for facilitating this opportunity, emphasizing that it is a win for all involved, including residents, municipal enforcement officers, and local businesses.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM.
DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.
