Golf carts street legal in Coaldale as province tests pilot program to expand transportation options

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on October 25, 2024.

Thursday the province announced it would be working with seven rural municipalities, including the Town of Coaldale, to allow limited use of golf carts in the community.

According to a release the project’s goal is to enhance the mobility of residents and increase recreational options by granting municipalities the flexibility to adopt various transportation methods, including golf carts.

“These pilot projects will provide real-life evidence that will help the province evaluate and understand any safety implications and inform future policy decisions on the use of alternative modes of transportation on municipal roads,” states the release.

Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn says the provincial collaboration will allow council to pass a new bylaw that will give residents living near the local golf course the ability to drive their carts to and from the course.

“It’s a win for everyone involved,” says Van Rijn. “Coaldale residents, municipal enforcement officers, our local golf course, Coaldale town council and the Government of Alberta.”

The town’s pilot will last for a period of five years and will help the province evaluate safety implications on the use of alternative modes of transportation on city roads, as well as direct future policies.

“Projects like this allow new and innovative uses of existing or needed modes of transportation and expands on municipalities already having the ability to allow registered off-highway vehicles to operate on their roads.”

The other six municipalities approved to use golf carts include Lacombe, Delburne, Acme, Half Moon Bay, Linden and Summer Village of Whispering Hills.

Alberta is the fourth province to allow golf carts on select municipal roads, joining B.C., Ontario and Saskatchewan.