To help boost tourism and transportation options in the municipality, Chatham-Kent will investigate an e-bike rental partnership.
Council approved a motion Monday night asking the municipality’s tourism development co-ordinator to enter into discussions with Demon Electric/RYDE, as well as any interested community businesses, about a pilot project.
Staff will return to council in July with recommendations and cost implications.
South Kent County. Clare Latimer, who entered the motion, said she hopes the municipality can get a sense of the interest and feasibility.
“It would be great if we could get the e-bike rental going with the businesses who are interested if there’s no cost to the municipality,” she said.
Andrea McCulligh, Chatham-Kent’s tourism development co-ordinator, told councilors that other Southwestern Ontario communities have been considering similar initiatives.
Monday’s report followed up on a council-approved motion in December.
“The vision for the pilot model would be one of collaborative funding with financial resources provided by private operators, with support from Chatham-Kent tourism (through the tourism reserve), as well as third parties, including potential sponsors and
government,” the report stated.
“Such pilot projects would be subject to the development of criteria with input from active transportation on supportive locations based on planned cycling infrastructure rollout. Operators would be supported by Chatham-Kent tourism in the development and marketing of tourism experiences.”
A request for interest that was issued in February and closed in March received one response.
Demon Electric/RYDE, based in Richmond Hill, has national and international experience working with fleet operations, including municipal projects, offering in-person rental models and docked bike-sharing models.
Latimer asked if there was the potential for more long-term use for citizens through various initiatives.
McCulligh said that is something that could be discussed in the future with the company.
“One of the strengths of the respondent is that they are extremely flexible and willing to work within whatever requirements that our communities have,” she said. “I’m sure if we approach them looking at requesting options for (that) long-term access, they would be willing to discuss that and negotiate that as part of their services as well.”