Get Moving This May: Supporting Seniors Through Smarter Transportation
Mays Monthly Get Moving Feature: The Coast Car Co-op
Taylor Lowe | Sunshine Coast Resource Centre
As the Sunshine Coast grows and densifies, so does the demand for practical, sustainable transportation — especially for seniors. Transportation is becoming a growing challenge for older adults in the region, particularly as more people retire and give up personal vehicles. For those looking for an alternative to the personal vehicle, the Coast Car Co-op has stepped in with a local, community-built solution rooted in affordability, accessibility, and environmental care.
Founded and launched in 2013, 12 years later, the Co-op now has over 400 drivers — about 30% of whom are aged 65 and older. “A group of seniors helped launch this,” says Johan Stroman, one of the Co-op’s founding members. “They saw the need for reliable, flexible transportation when driving isn’t always an option.” With the recent addition of three part-time staff and plans for new vehicles through developer partnerships, the Co-op is expanding its reach. “As higher-density developments increase, so does the need for car-free living,” Johan shared. Supportive zoning bylaws in communities like Gibsons reduce parking requirements for developers who contribute a Co-op vehicle. “It saves on costly infrastructure while giving tenants access to shared cars — perfect for those who don’t drive daily or need a second vehicle,” he adds.
In addition to the convenience, our local car co-op is cost effective too. Now operating a 50% hybrid fleet, the Coast Car Co-op remains Canada’s most affordable carshare, requiring just a one-time, fully refundable $400 membership share. As Johan puts it, “This is more than transportation — it’s community resilience in motion.”
This spring, the Co-op invites members to volunteer at local events and help spread the word. “Many people on the Coast still don’t know this service exists,” Johan says. “But it’s a real solution for seniors who want to stay mobile and independent.” The Coast Car Co-op is exactly the type of alternative solution we need to help seniors get moving.
Learn more about the Coast Car Co-op here: https://www.coastcarco-op.ca/