The government of Canada and the town of Okotoks, Alberta, will provide joint funding of C$120,552 (US$90,000) to plan the electrification of Okotoks Transit’s fleet.
The study involves assessing the economic, technological and environmental benefits, risks and constraints associated with the transition to a low carbon fleet of vehicles.
Okotoks Transit is an on-demand vehicle service model that helps the town of Okotoks reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a cost-effective way for residents to travel.
“Electrifying transit in our communities is a great opportunity to meet both our net-zero goals and improve the services that Albertans receive. Through this joint investment, the town of Okotoks will explore the benefits and infrastructure required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of their on-demand transit service. The government of Canada continues to work with provinces, municipalities and Indigenous peoples all across Canada to ensure we collectively address global climate change,” said Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance of Canada Randy Boissonnault.
The government of Canada is investing C$96,441 (US$72,000) in this project through the Zero-Emission Transit Fund (ZETF), and the town of Okotoks has contributed C$24,110 (US$18,000).
The ZETF is currently accepting applications under the Planning and Capital streams. Eligible applicants can seek funding to help cover planning and capital costs related to electrifying school transportation and public transit systems, including the purchase of zero emission buses and related infrastructure. The ZETF helps communities transition to zero emission transit and school buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Canada’s net-zero emission targets. The fund is closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s commitment to invest C$1.5 billion (US$1.1 billion) in zero-emission buses as part of its three-year Growth Plan.
The government of Canada is investing C$14.9 billion (US$11.73 billion) over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This includes C$3 billion (US$2.36 billion) per year in permanent, predictable, federal public transit funding, which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-2027.
The ZETF complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. The plan commits the federal government to providing permanent federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation options available in every community.
The government of Canada is investing C$10 million (US$7.4 million) through the ZETF over five years to help transit bus operators to complete planning work and increase their level of readiness to transition to zero emission bus fleets.
“We are excited to be a part of this feasibility study that will help us better understand opportunities that may enhance the way in which we provide clean and cost-effective transportation options to members of our community. The town of Okotoks continues to be committed to demonstrating environmental leadership. Looking at electrifying our transit fleet is yet another way that we could reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tanya Thorn, mayor of Okotoks.
The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) has been supporting Canadian municipalities with their fleet transition. The consortium’s mission is to support the commercialization of technologies through industry-led collaborative research, development, demonstration and integration projects that bring innovative design to Canada’s low-carbon smart mobility ecosystem.
“As we navigate the challenges of climate change, investing in decarbonized transit — in any form — plays a powerful role in building climate resilience. The town of Okotoks has been a trailblazer in offering curb-to-curb transit, ensuring resources are allocated where they need it most. The town’s decision to transition those vehicles to zero-emissions is a further proof point in their commitment to deliver tangible benefits to its residents, and we’re so proud to be part of their sustainability-focused new chapter,” said Josipa Petrunić, president and CEO, CUTRIC.
