A new pilot project will now allow golf carts to operate on certain local roads in Chase and in Qualicum Beach, providing drivers with more transportation options, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone announced today.

“This project will improve the daily lives of people in small communities,” said Stone. “This is not for everyone and not for every community, but for a community like Chase, it makes good sense for their citizens. I look forward to the increased use of low-emission vehicles as we work towards our greenhouse-gas reduction goals and aim to increase accessibility in B.C.”

As part of the B.C. on the Move consultation, the Province received a number of requests from municipalities, including Chase, to allow golf carts on low-speed roads. The program will be piloted in two communities, Chase and Qualicum Beach. The pilot project will run for a period of one to two years, which will provide the ministry and the participating municipalities with information about how and where it can be rolled out in other parts of the province.

"Making sure people in Chase have more transportation options to engage as a community is of high importance to us," said Chase Mayor Rick Berrigan. "It is encouraging to see the Province take steps to make sure smaller villages like Chase are receiving the programs that benefit the environment and us as a community."

The golf carts will need to meet detailed operating conditions and vehicle specifications, such as only driving on municipal roads with a maximum speed of 30 km/h during daylight hours. The golf cart must be registered and insured and be equipped with seat belts, a horn, lights, signals, and a rearview mirror. Drivers will need to have a valid driver’s license.

The change comes into effect in September, when the communities of Chase and Qualicum will be able to purchase golf-cart insurance and obtain a permit from their local government.

In B.C. on the Move, the B.C. government’s 10-year transportation plan, the Province has committed to explore opportunities to allow drivers more choices to use slow-moving vehicles in smaller communities. A key goal is for B.C. communities to have the most accessible transportation options in Canada by 2024 and this pilot project supports that goal.

Learn More: www.gov.bc.ca/neighbourhoodgolfcarts