We’re one step closer to realizing our vision for a greener, more accessible Ottawa. A new initiative, unveiled on September 13th, will provide residents at five Ottawa Community Housing Corporation communities access to an electric vehicle car sharing program.
The first project of its kind in Ontario, it has been made possible by a collaborative partnership between the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation, the Ottawa Community Foundation, Hydro Ottawa, the Ottawa Climate Action Fund and Communauto.
Electric Vehicle car sharing offers many benefits to communities by providing a more affordable alternative to car ownership. Access to personal vehicles is often lacking in lower-income communities and not every trip can be taken by foot, bike, or transit – a 2019 University of Toronto study found about one million urban Canadians live in low-income households and are also transport-poor. Limited access to a car can cause a barrier to getting to the doctor, buying affordable food or visiting family outside of Ottawa.
According to Moe Garahan, Executive Director of Just Food, Ottawa “food security for all rests on multiple solutions working together – including affordable housing, access to affordable transportation and access to locally-produced foods that are also nutritious, affordable and culturally relevant. Having a car share vehicle available within community housing will make it possible for more residents to get to more affordable and culturally relevant grocers to buy bulk food items, access larger community garden plots and community farms to grow their own local food, and out to local farms found in the Savour Ottawa Buy Local region, allowing for seasonal food, pick-your-own options, and strengthening urban-rural connections for longer-term food security.”

Electric Vehicles are also a better option for the environment. It is currently estimated that there are 1.4 billion cars in use across the globe, while in Ottawa, fossil fuel vehicles produce 42 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to electric-powered mobility makes sense in Ontario because our system is not powered by fossil fuels, which means it is 94 percent emissions-free. Electric vehicles and carsharing are key in our race to meet Ottawa’s ambitious but necessary climate targets.
Starting in September, the around 500 residents at 811 Gladstone Ave, 865 Gladstone Ave, 280 Rochester S., 22 Balsam St, and 28 Balsam St. will be able to use the fully electric Kia Niro parked at 811 Gladstone, as well as the other 200 vehicles that make up the Communauto carsharing fleet across Ottawa.
Residents in these communities will receive a promotional code to help them become Communauto members. Whether sharing a trip to the grocery store with a neighbour or getting a partner to an appointment, we believe this new amenity will significantly benefit the community.
What the partners have to say about the project:
“This partnership is just one example of how OCH leverages innovation to reduce our carbon footprint and to support tenants. Thank you to the Ottawa Climate Action Fund, Hydro Ottawa, EnviroCentre, Communauto and Ottawa Community Fund for providing funding and support.” – Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCHC
“In order to meet the City’s ambitious climate change targets, we must come together as a city to look at new ways to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions. This program will address this need as well as provide a sustainable way for low-income residents to access the services and supports they need. It’s a win-win.” – Mathieu Fleury, OCH Board Chair
“This innovative public-private-philanthropic collaboration advances equitable access to electric vehicles and makes carsharing an even more convenient option for OCH residents. As it grows, the project is poised to provide more space for housing people and less for parking cars.” – Marco Pagani, President & CEO, Ottawa Community Foundation
“This essential project brings Carbon Down via the shift to electric vehicles and by advancing carsharing to reduce car ownership and total kilometres driven. It brings Community Up by providing EV access to OCH residents and reducing the costs for vehicle ownership, operation and parking.” – Steve Winkelman, Executive Director, Ottawa Climate Action Fund (an initiative of the Ottawa Community Fund)
“Communauto welcomes the opportunity to partner with OCH to add an electric vehicle at an EV Station at Mosaiq. When fully charged, this vehicle has a range of 400 KMs that will allow residents of this beautiful platinum level green building to drive in and around the city with confidence.” – Wilson Wood, Project Lead, Communauto
“Improving accessibility to affordable energy solutions continues to be a key priority for Hydro Ottawa. By increasing equitable access to electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure, we are able to reduce barriers as we work to help Ottawa meet its collective sustainability goals.” – Julie Lupinacci, Chief Customer Officer, Hydro Ottawa
“Food security for all rests on multiple solutions working together – including affordable housing, access to affordable transportation and access to locally-produced foods that are also nutritious, affordable and culturally relevant. Having a car share vehicle available within community housing will make it possible for more residents to get to more affordable and culturally relevant grocers to buy bulk food items, access larger community garden plots and community farms to grow their own local food, and out to local farms found in the Savour Ottawa Buy Local region, allowing for seasonal food, pick-your-own options, and strengthening urban-rural connections for longer-term food security.”
Read more about it here:
CBC – All in a Day