Regina Car Share Co-operative

December Newsletter

2011-12-22T00:39:00.000-06:00

Winter has now officially begun, and the Board of Regina Car Share Co-operative would like to extend a Merry Christmas greeting to you this season.

Some news to wrap up the year includes the expansion of our Board to now include seven members. Welcome to new Board members Kim Kovacs, Mark Cazakoff, and Kelly Liberet, who have all volunteered their time to attend meetings. They've ensured our co-operative meets its legal obligations, and has participation from its members. Still with the Board are myself (John Klein), Secretary Lori Reichert, Vice President/Treasurer Christian Soucie, and Curtis Wiebe. There's still room on the Board for up to 5 more Directors, so if you're interested in pitching in a couple hours a month, we'd appreciate your contribution. We also accept help from non-member volunteers, so if you'd like to be notified when we're looking for a specific skill-set, please let us know.

In October, Regina Car Share hosted a citizen's circle in the Design Regina project to help Regina create a 25 year plan. You can see ours (listed as "Saskboy's Group", and a dozen other suggested priorities for the plan, at their website:

http://www.designregina.ca/past-events-list/past-events/citizen-circles/

A quick reminder that members who are listed as a referrer on a new member's application, receive a $25.00 credit on their account. So, you might not be able to afford a car for that very special someone, but you might be able to give a shared car. It is the season for giving, and for sharing.

Yours in sharing, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

John Klein
President
www.reginacarshare.ca
Fan RCS on Facebook

Design Regina - LiveBlog recap

2011-09-22T23:16:00.001-06:00

The following are my notes of the first Design Regina event.

Introductions underway at the first Design Regina presentation series at the UofR Education Auditorium.

Video streaming by Ustream
(Watch for my voice at 1hour 35 minutes.)

Fred Clipsham gives a greeting on behalf of Mayor Fiacco.
Tonight is Participatory Democracy.

7:22 the current Regina plan was designed 25 years ago. Demographics have changed, and so have technology and desires of the population.
Infrastructure isn't all in good repair, and some needs replacing.

Ken Greenberg says we're undergoing our third transformation in Regina.
In the 30s, the Interstate highway system "seemed like a good idea at the time".
An interesting cartoon from the late '50s depict how cities could be in the future.

Showtime magic highway USA 1958 by Disney.
They didn't foresee expensive energy, or traffic jams. They didn't see the impact of roads, that they always fill up.
They didn't see the effect on children's health, making kids obese from lack of activity.

Mentions Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities.

How are convenience and value perceived?

Buying real estate downtown instead of where you have to commute is a better investment. Commute time predicts value drop of suburb property.

Bike share, car share, pay with mobile devices, Asian Octopus.

Next fifty years is our time to retrofit the suburban infrastructure we've inherited.

Sustainability is a way of synthesizing and connecting.
Find higher levels of mix and overlap in new projects.
Shopping on main level, business above, and residences above that.

We're colonizing parking lots in the next phase.
We have no better options. We need to create a new political space that reflects how we actually live in cities.

St. Paul, MN lost its beautiful waterfront to commerce, shipping containers. In the mid 1990s Ken was asked to create a plan to transform it to be more picturesque.

Re-evaluate, and set the bar higher again.

Stockholm example given next. Northern climate examples are important for here.
Suction garbage removal, underground!
Removed industrial squatters.
Citizens involved in planning, and they aren't sustainability geeks, they're just average people caught up in the excitement of renewing their living environment.

So, how can Regina capitalize on the growth? Grow into parking lots, or grow outward and disconnect people through distance?

He bluntly says we can improve our transit system, through high investment, and a better layout than Calgary undertook. He says to make a serious move to car sharing too (YAY!) Regina Car Share Co-operative agrees.

A panel now speaks:
8:31
Nelson Bird: interesting and enlightening video, like the Jetsons. Regina downtown after five pm is desolate, but Saskatoon isn't at night.

Mo Bundon:
Right on Ken! Regina punches above it's weight. 25000 people in downtown living there? Political cycles don't line up with the longterm view. How does the stadium fit into this? Opportunity costs lost, stadium vs. Theatres, development, and smaller facility for same money spent.

Pat Dell:
Hard for young people to buy homes. Warehouse district is turning into condos and bar street.

Mike O'Donnell: kids affect him. Wants a safe place for kids, like depicted in Stockholm photo in presentation.
Multicultural Regina he is proud of it. Embracing Winter is key to success.

I got the first question, after Ken said a in city large, single use stadium wouldn't deliver all it promises.
I asked what the City could do to make it easier for car sharing to be adopted. Ken said it's possible to integrate bike, car, and transit sharing into one payment method, and for developers to get benefits from including car sharing in their designs. (The new R-Card could be for bikes and shared cars too, with mobile devices telling people where they can find each source of transportation near where they are standing. The technology is here, it only needs the people of Regina to implement this system by next year.)

Next question was a concern about library downtown being sold into private development, with loss of architectural heritage.

Next guy wants to build parking underground in more cases. Ken noted the cars in his photos were underground, with a city parking layer on top, then street level shopping, then business/commercial, then residences on top. This creates a bustling street-front all day and night.

Next comments on housing affordability. And building strategy.
Ken asks what constitutes the most efficient use of resources. Some infrastructure we use for only one thing for only part of the day, it's not efficient. Use downtown at night as well. This is why the current downtown is not efficient, it dies down completely at night, losing the opportunity to use the infrastructure more completely in one area and having to build separate infrastructure elsewhere to serve the people that commute daily.

The shared cars should be used night and day as well, business in the day, and families and youth at night for recreation and resource acquisition (ie. shopping).

The sprawled infrastructure is hard to maintain.

The end?
There are two more presentations like this, I encourage you to go!
Afterward I had stimulating conversations with many city employees, some of whom were happy to be talking to a transportation guru like me. I like walking, cycling, and car sharing, and I've used the bus, and drive at times. I'm flexible in how I get around, and know a lot about transportation systems, so I can teach a lot. I can also learn a lot more, and it's thrilling to have the ear of others in employed roles that could make some of my vision for Regina become a reality.

Backyard Potluck Supper Sept. 10, '11

2011-09-03T11:08:00.001-06:00

You're invited to our Backyard Potluck Supper on September 10, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

2053 Rae Street

We're celebrating a coming announcement regarding another generous contribution to the Regina Car Share Co-operative from Saskatchewan Credit Unions, and you'll have the chance to meet others interested in sharing cars. Bring your family and friends for a friendly meal with Regina's best sharers.

RSVP by email, but since it's a potluck supper, you're still very welcome if you aren't sure you can come at this moment.

Sincerely,

John Klein and the Regina Car Share Co-op Board of Directors
www.reginacarshare.ca
Fan RCS on Facebook

August Availability Update

2011-08-25T09:47:00.000-06:00

The August nights are getting cooler in Regina, but Summer is still here and I hope that you're enjoying it too. It's been a quiet month for the car share (RCS), with many of our members choosing to walk and bike to where they want to go. This leaves you ample opportunity to try out car sharing. Join and book the car practically whenever you'll need it - sharing is fun and saves you money.

In Saskatoon, there's an enthusiastic group of people looking to bring car sharing to Saskatchewan's other major city. If you're interested in having a car share option in Saskatoon that is fully compatible with Regina's Car Share Co-operative, please get in touch with us and we'll put you in touch with them. The best thing you can do is join RCS; members have control of the co-operative and make the decisions. Saskatoon's team has had positive feedback and interest from over 90 people so far, and Regina's car share started with roughly 35 people at early meetings, so I'm encouraged by the support.

Stay Summery,

John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative

AGM

2011-06-23T23:35:00.005-06:00

The Annual General Meeting is coming up fast, this Saturday June 25, 2011 at Connaught Library (on 13th Ave.) meeting room, at 12:30 p.m. Coffee and snacks will be there, and you're welcome to optionally bring some snacks to share too.

Members are encouraged to attend, and the general curious public is welcome as well to watch and meet some real-live car sharers.

John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative
www.reginacarshare.ca

P.S. Our next regular board meeting is set for September 10th, 2011.

Facebook Fan Page

2011-05-20T15:47:00.002-06:00

You can join our Fan page on Facebook to stay in touch with the latest updates in the world of car sharing.

Board meeting

2011-05-20T13:57:00.002-06:00

The next regular board meeting is Saturday at Tangerine (next to Nature's Best) 10:10 a.m. May 21, 2011. The agenda includes a price change to better sustain the co-operative. Members are welcome to attend to have their recommendations heard by the board of directors.

April in Regina

2011-03-31T19:49:00.002-06:00

The weather is warming, March is leaving like a lamb, and the Regina Car Share is preparing for another Summer. The board is taking input from members regarding our fee structure, and we're going to undertake a membership drive too. Twenty people are now using the car share, so we're close to our goal, and the national average of members per vehicle. That means we're on the cusp of bigger and greater things, including another vehicle when our finances and partnerships allow us to proceed with expansion.

Have an excellent Spring,
John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative
www.reginacarshare.ca

RCS Newsletter - Winter tires

2010-11-29T23:18:00.002-06:00

December is almost upon us, and Winter tires are upon our Kia Rio5. This was a safety feature our Board decided to add this year, in part thanks to the generous contribution of funds by SaskCentral. We also have our Winter safety kit in the vehicle, so our members are conveniently stocked for a Saskatchewan snow season.

We're still working on acquiring a second vehicle. We're learning that how we purchased a vehicle the first time was much easier than trying a large dealership with a large finance company that isn't familiar with car sharing organizations. However, we'll press on until we talk with the right people and get the best deal for our members.

This semester, RCS was the focus of a University of Regina class assignment in Entrepreneurial Marketing. Third-year Business Administration students analyzed statistics data to determine target market locations, and developed potential marketing plans.

I'll be presenting on behalf of RCS at Green Drinks on Thursday Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m., at Abstractions Cafe on Rose St.

Our next Board meeting is 1:00 p.m. Dec. 11, a Saturday. Contact us for the location if you're interested in attending to meet the Board members (or to volunteer).

Yours in Sharing,

John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative
www.reginacarshare.ca

Pot luck supper

2010-10-06T23:55:00.002-06:00

You're invited to a pot luck supper at 2221 Athol St., 6:30 p.m. Thursday October 14, 2010. Bring whatever dish or dessert you want. RSVP welcome but not required.

The supper will be followed by a short board meeting, and after 30 minutes the meeting will finish and further discussion can take place at a pub.

Green Home Show, and parking

2010-09-18T21:53:00.001-06:00

Good evening car share enthusiasts,

We'll have a booth at the Green Home Show, Monday Sept. 20, 2010 at the Italian Club on 13th Ave. 5:00 p.m. Any questions about the Show, call Paul Dechene 757-9849.

And, in case you didn't get our newsletter the other week, we've relocated our first vehicle to Broad St. and 12th Ave., and are putting the final touches on acquiring a second vehicle for our 13th Ave. and Angus St. parking spot.

With two vehicles, and locations, convenience just got increased for current members, and you can join to gain the benefits of car sharing too. Our REFUNDABLE member share is much less expensive than registration for a private vehicle, and our application fee is only $25, giving you 24 hour/7 day access to our growing fleet.

Yours in sharing,
John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-op
www.reginacarshare.ca

Learn about Car Sharing

2010-09-12T19:18:00.002-06:00

Regina Car Share is pleased to offer two information sessions, in conjunction with the Regina Public Library.

Our two information sessions:

Central Branch Library, Media Room
September 13th, 2010 at 7:00pm

Connaught Branch Library
September 28th, 2010 at 7:30pm

RCS September 2010 Update

2010-09-03T19:23:00.002-06:00

On September 2nd, Regina Car Share (RCS) met with the City of Regina's Environment Advisory Committee to explain what car sharing is, and how it benefits the environment. We naturally pointed out how it also saves members money, and compliments other forms of public transportation too. The committee was very interested in car sharing, and is willing to explore it further, especially after they formally examine the cuts to pollution car sharing enables. If you'd contact the city's Environmental Advisory Committee and express your support for car sharing, that would be helpful to everyone. And if you're not yet a member, joining is the best way to support the co-op.

Also, RCS is pleased to welcome several new members to the co-operative, including an engineering firm downtown. To better serve all of our members, we're shopping for a vehicle to park at 12th Ave. and Broad St. We hope to have a more precise announcement about an expansion of our fleet, soon.

We've had a couple people report that they had difficulty accessing the application form on our website, using Internet Explorer. If you use Firefox, it works perfectly. If you have questions, please call or email us for assistance.

Sincerely,

John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative
http://www.reginacarshare.ca

P.S. Were always looking for volunteers or members who would like to serve on our Board. Send us an email or give us a call for more information.

Earth Day Presentation on car sharing

2010-04-20T21:43:00.001-06:00

I'll be giving a presentation about car sharing at the Regent Place library branch on April 22, 2010 Earth Day 7:30 PM. Contact the library to pre-register.

107 Albert Street, 777-6086

I'm also pleased to announce that our Kia Rio 5 is now parked at a more permanent home on the 2200 block of McIntyre St. in Transitional neighbourhood. This location is more central for our current member base, and is still easily accessible to Cathedral and Downtown residents and businesses who are eying a membership in the car share.

And here's a reminder that existing members can earn $25 credit for every member they sign up into the co-operative.

John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative
www.reginacarshare.ca

Website downtime

2010-03-28T20:36:00.003-06:00

I just spoke with our webmaster, and reginacarshare.ca's main website and email are offline temporarily as he deals with a distributed Denial of Service attack. Yes, we're collateral damage of Internet warfare. And you thought running online businesses were easy? ;-)

Our website should be up again soon, and members can still book the car since Car Share Everywhere is up and running in Vancouver.

UPDATE: The website went back up the following morning.

AGM complete, Board meeting this week

2010-03-28T19:34:00.002-06:00

There's a board meeting at 2221 Athol St. at 7:30, Tuesday March 30th, 2010.

The Annual General Meeting wrapped up today with more than than half of our membership showing up, as well as many eager volunteers. Minutes will be posted later, on our website.

AGM reminder

2010-03-26T09:14:00.003-06:00

The RCS AGM is this weekend. If you want to vote at the meeting, you'll need to be a member, so pick up your Driver Abstract and photocopy of license before SGI offices close (on Saturday at the absolute latest), and print the application form from our website.

The AGM time (1:00 Sunday at Cathedral Community Centre) is advertised in the Prairie Dog, and each member should have had a notice emailed to them several weeks ago.

--

On Earth Day, Regina Car Share Co-operative will send a representative to speak at the Regent Place Branch (page 34 33) of the Regina Library.

AGM coming up

2010-03-05T18:57:00.001-06:00

The Regina Car Share Co-operative is among the car share co-operatives in the country currently meeting at a national car share co-operatives' conference in Calgary.

Our AGM is also coming up within a month, so watch for our announcement of date, location, and time soon.

January Board Meeting

2010-01-06T21:06:00.002-06:00

January 14th, Thursday at 6:00PM
2221 Athol St.

It's a pot luck supper followed by the board meeting. As usual, the public is invited to participate.

Regina Car Share on local TV

2009-12-30T16:02:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Mandy Cmoc for pointing this video out to us. See Regina Car Share in operation as member Brett Dolter takes the car for a spin while interviewed.

And check out Car Sharing on CBC's "The National"

RCS memberships help support an environmentally friendly community project, and save members thousands of dollars in vehicle ownership costs. Please join today. Joining is easy, and you can phone us with any questions.

And I'd like to remind everyone that our new rates are lower, and members get a $25 referral bonus for each person they successfully sign up with the co-operative.

Happy New Year everyone,
John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative

Next Board Meeting

2009-12-04T22:56:00.003-06:00

RCS is returning to its early board meeting days, and is having a pot luck board meeting at 6:00PM Dec. 16, 2009 Wednesday. The residence is 2221 Athol St., across from where the RCS Kia is temporarily parked for our members.

General public interested in becoming members, or just learning more about what car sharing is, are welcome along with a side dish they bring. Please RSVP in the comments, or email us at the contact info found on reginacarshare.ca

Rolling Along

2009-11-21T15:00:00.003-06:00

We've activated the online booking system today, so all of our members should have a message in their email box now with details on booking, and using, the car.

Thank you to everyone who was so patient with the process that has put Saskatchewan's first car share smack into the middle of Regina. Thank you to our members, and my fellow board members (past and present) for your years of hard work. I look forward to helping RCS grow and improve service over the years to serve more of our community, at even more affordable rates, with high tech equipment in every car for added convenience.

The RCS Board is currently in negotiations with a business to bring car sharing to another neighbourhood in the city. So, expect our fleet to expand soon!

Yours in sharing,
John Klein
President
www.reginacarshare.ca

RCS Gets its First Car - On TV

2009-11-12T23:33:00.005-06:00

The first car has arrived! It's a 2008 Kia Rio5 hatchback. It will be available to members in November, 2009. We plan to have a launch date for members soon, along with their key, and detailed billing information.

Global Regina featured Regina Car Share Co-operative on their Friday news last week. RCS member Brett took interviewer Ryan around for a drive, with me and cameraman Adrian in the back seat of the Rio5. RCS was also featured in the latest issue of Westworld magazine by CAA Saskatchewan, and the Sask Co-op Youth Association in their e-zine.

-John Klein
President of the Board
Regina Car Share Co-operative

Latest News

2009-10-22T22:29:00.001-06:00

Good evening Car Sharers:

It's been a long time in the making, and full operation is so close I can taste it. We're about 2 weeks, or less, away from having our first vehicle available to approved members. A deposit is in for a vehicle, we're just waiting for an affordable and quality used car (that meets our criteria) to show up on the market for our dealer to snap it up.

Our latest board meeting was tonight, and we're excited to be so close to offering the province's first car share to the people of Regina. We'll be making information available to members soon on how to book the car online from our website, and how to get their key once it's available.

John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative
www.reginacarshare.ca

Quick update

2009-10-15T10:59:00.002-06:00

Our next Board meeting is October 22, 2009 at the RCS office on 11th Ave. downtown. 5:45PM

We're in the process of purchasing our first vehicle, and intend to have it ready for our approved members to drive by October 23, 2009. You can apply to the RCS Co-op on our website under the "Join" tab at the top of the page. Our application form is simple, and you can get your Driver Abstract from SGI by fax/mail or at a license issuer.

August 20, 2009 5:30 at RCS office - next meeting

2009-08-16T15:56:00.002-06:00

The next board meeting for the Regina Car Share Co-operative is Thursday Aug. 20 5:30 PM at the RCS office (the corner of 11th Ave. and Albert St.). The public is welcome to attend.

As a reminder, the public is also invited to join RCS as a member now.

Joining is easier

2009-07-14T23:06:00.004-06:00

At today's board meeting we've tweaked the application form so it's even easier to understand, and has some more important information with included on it. Read on for pricing once we have our vehicles in place.

We're accepting applications for membership, and would appreciate you signing up now so that when we have vehicles in service this Fall, you're ready to drive.

You'll have to visit or fax an SGI location to get a Driver Abstract, copy your valid drivers licence (black and white is okay), write a $525 cheque ($500 of which is refundable given simple conditions), read the application form and membership manual, and mail us the completed application form.

Pricing we're keeping simple, just remember FIVE-FIFTY. It's $5.00/h and 50¢/km to drive RCS vehicles. For example, a 2 hour booking where you drive 10km would cost just $15 on your bill.

The next RCS Board meeting is July 30, 5:30 PM at the RCS office on 11th Ave.

Sincerely,
John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative
http://www.reginacarshare.ca

Join Regina Car Share

2009-06-19T01:10:00.001-06:00

You can now join RCS, woo hoo!

It's all coming together now. We plan to have cars before the Autumn.

Seeking Corporate Sponsorship

2009-06-01T23:53:00.000-06:00

We're actively seeking corporate sponsorship with many local businesses. It's our plan to have funding for a pair of vehicles by late Summer 2009. If you're interested in sponsoring RCS to have us purchase high quality vehicles for our members, please contact us.

We'll have more of an update for you next week. Our next Board meeting is Tuesday June 9, 5:00 PM at the RCS office on 11th Ave.

Latest News

2009-03-30T21:14:00.004-06:00

The Regina Car Share Co-operative is moving along, looking at putting together a solid plan to have car keys into members' hands this year. To that end, the Board has elected a new President and Treasurer to join the current Secretary on the executive. The Board will have a retreat outside of Fort Qu'Appelle this coming weekend to work out more of the details of the business plan that will launch the first operational car share in the province.

-John Klein
President
Regina Car Share Co-operative

First AGM coming up

2009-01-06T19:12:00.000-06:00

The first Annual General Meeting for the Regina Care Share is coming up on Wednesday January 21, 2009 7:00PM - 10:00PM at the RCS Office on 11th Ave.
More details to come, and you can check our website www.reginacarshare.ca

Green Drinks this Thursday

2009-01-06T16:04:00.000-06:00

GREEN DRINKS REGINA - Sponsored in January by the Regina Car Share

Co-operative

Join us for Green Drinks this THURSDAY January 8th, from 5:30pm until

whenever we finish(!) at Abbey's (2124 Albert St. - just off 13th Ave,

in the strip mall with Mac's, where Caesar's used to be). Abbey's is

a new addition to Regina's restaurant scene and should be quite a

treat! Green Drinks will be upstairs in the Dining Room.

Our host for January is the Regina Car Share Co-operative. Recently

incorporated, the Regina Car Share Co-operative (RCS) will provide

Regina residents with an alternative to car ownership. Similar to car

share organizations in cities such as Vancouver and Portland, the RCS

will allow Regina residents to purchase a share in the co-operative,

and this share will enable you to access a car/truck when you need it

(think grocery trips, or that dreaded visit to east-end Regina!). You

don't worry about car maintenance, and you can get rid of that old

beater you've been parking in the back-alley (it probably won't start

in this weather anyways!). Join us to hear Michael Bell, the

coordinator for the Regina Car Share Co-operative, tell us more about

how you can live (almost) car-free in the Queen City. For more

information on the RCS please visit http://reginacarshare.ca

Michael Bell

Project Coordinator |2520-11th Ave

(306) 550-7223 (c) |Regina, Sask. S4P 0K5

http://reginacarshare.ca

skype: reginacarshare |Facebook Group

Office Grand Opening Party

2008-11-11T00:22:00.000-06:00

December 6, 2008
Saturday night party to celebrate the opening of the RCS office.

2520 11th Ave
Regina, SK

For more information:
Michael Bell
Project Coordinator
www.reginacarshare.ca

Next meeting Oct. 29, 2008 UPDATED AGAIN

2008-10-26T17:44:00.000-06:00

Location update!

Join us for our next meeting on Wednesday October 29th at 6:00 PM,
#406 - 2121 15th Ave
581-4233

We have updates on office renovations, and lots more.

For more information you can reach the 'Regina Car Share' at 306--550-7223

Next potluck meeting August 25 Monday

2008-08-21T15:52:00.000-06:00

Come out to our next potluck and meeting at 31 Centennial St. Apt. 33 at 6:30PM Monday August 25.

Next meeting Aug. 12... UPDATED AGAIN new location, no potluck

2008-08-05T11:12:00.000-06:00

The next RCS Meeting will be on Tuesday August 12th at 7:00pm. It will be at the booked room in Atlantis Coffee House 1992 Hamilton St (Victoria Ave).
Everyone is welcome.

The official website is now under construction, and after a short lull through the last month, the organization is ready to push ahead with putting rubber to road in August and the future.

For more information you can reach the 'Regina Car Share' at 550-7223.

Next Meeting is rescheduled

2008-06-27T10:51:00.000-06:00

The next potluck/meeting will be on ....

We have rescheduled to Thursday July 10th. (6:30PM at 406, 2121-15th Ave).

Next Meeting June 3, 2008

2008-05-29T13:45:00.000-06:00

7:00 pm (6:30 potluck supper) on Tuesday June 3rd at Apt. 406, 2121 - 15th Ave.

Hope to see you there :-)

Next meeting May 14, 2008 6:30 PM

2008-05-08T23:19:00.000-06:00

Join us for our next pot luck supper / meeting on Wednesday May 14th at 6:30 PM,
1909 Toronto St.

==

As a side note of possible interest, there is even "bike sharing" starting up in Washington D.C.

May 6 next pot luck meeting

2008-04-27T17:34:00.000-06:00

Next meeting is set for May 6 Tuesday, 6:30 at 1909 Toronto St.
As usual, bring your pot luck food and share a meal before we 'meet'.

April 22 pot luck

2008-04-21T23:22:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the late notice, but the next pot luck meeting is set for Tuesday
1909 Toronto St. April 22 (Earth Day), 6:30PM

April already?

2008-04-01T22:09:00.000-06:00

Next meeting 1909 Toronto St. April 8, 6:30PM Tuesday

It's a pot luck supper, so bring some food and have a good time with the interim-Board.

Progress

2008-03-05T21:48:00.000-06:00

The latest Regina Car Share Cooperative meeting was tonight. Here's a quick and incomplete summary of what was accomplished.
The logo is chosen. The incorporation papers are being sorted out, and expected back for a revision shortly.

The next meeting is expected to be in early April. More details and the Minutes for the last few meetings will be posted within days.

Next meeting, March 5, 2008 Wednesday

2008-02-26T23:27:00.000-06:00

Potluck - start eating at 6:30 pm, meeting to start at 7:00 pm. You can come over earlier if you need to setup your potluck items.

Address is #406 - 2121 15th Ave

Next meeting Thurs. Feb. 7 6:30 PM

2008-01-28T15:57:00.001-06:00

Come out to our next meeting to share some pot luck food, and the latest information on Regina's car share co-operative.
Thurs. Feb. 7 2008
6:30 PM
15th St. downtown
Email reginacarshare @ yahoo.ca for details.

Regina Car Share Co-operative on Facebook

2008-01-27T14:19:00.000-06:00

You can add the RCSC to your groups on Facebook.

Next Meeting Wednesday Jan. 23, 2008 6:30

2008-01-23T10:42:00.000-06:00

Our next meeting is this week, Wednesday January 23rd 6:30 pm
at H. Russell's apartment #406-2121 15th Ave.

- Any bikes can be parked in the garage, just let someone at the meeting know

Board meeting

2008-01-10T15:48:00.001-06:00

There's a board meeting of RCSC tonight at 1909 Toronto St. 6:00PM

2007-11-28T22:54:00.000-06:00

Hello Regina Car-Sharers!
Please come and join us for a Holiday Celebration on Dec 19th. meeting at 6pm, eating at 7pm.
1909 Toronto Street

Event: Regina Car Share Holiday Brew-Ha-Ha
"Share some food,drink and a car!"
What: Dinner Party pot luck
Host: Regina Car share
When: Wednesday, December 19 at 6:00pm
Where: 1909 Toronto St

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link.

Next Meeting for Regina Car Share: November 28 6:30PM

2007-11-14T23:41:00.000-06:00

1909 Toronto St.
6:30 PM pot luck supper and meeting November 28, 2007

Developing a Car Sharing Service - document

2007-11-14T23:17:00.000-06:00

Benoit Robert, President of CommunAuto inc. made a document in January 2000 about how the first car sharing service in Canada was started in Quebec City in August 1994. (Word version)

Next meeting in November

2007-10-31T22:24:00.000-06:00

The next meeting will be held at Erin, Hussy, and Truro’s (1909 Toronto St) at 6:30 PM. November 14th, 2007. It will be a Potluck meeting.

Agenda for Wednesday's meeting:

1) Review Action Items/Status
2) Incorporation
3) Job Application
4) Web Site

Halloween Party Pot Luck 6:30 Tuesday Oct. 30

2007-10-29T23:09:00.000-06:00

Pot Luck 6:30 Tuesday Oct. 30, 2007
At Toronto St. location.
Email reginacarshare@yahoo.ca for details.

Job posting

2007-10-19T22:12:00.000-06:00

Regina Car-Share Cooperative
Project Coordinator

This is a half-time position for one year with the possibility of extension in a quarter-time role. Salary and benefits are negotiable.

Job Description: The Project Coordinator reports to the Regina Car-Share Cooperative (RCSC) Board of Directors to create, market and operate Regina's first Car-Sharing service.

Responsibilities:
• Create a co-operative ownership structure for RCSC.
• Oversee the design of an on-line booking system for RCSC.
• Research insurance options for multi-person vehicle ownership.
• Negotiate insurance structure for multi-person vehicle ownership with SGI.
• Research and propose the appropriate vehicle types suitable for RCSC.
• Negotiate ownership options for the RCSC vehicles.
• Secure parking spaces for the vehicles.
• Research and design a fee structure for vehicle use keeping in mind the need for each vehicle to pay for all of its associated costs through user fees, and the need for the RCSC to provide an affordable transportation option to users.
• Market the RCSC to potential members, including residential members and potential business members such as the City of Regina or the University of Regina.
• Network with community groups and businesses to establish new partnerships.
• Network with other car co-operatives across Canada and North America.
• Coordinate communications with media.
• Write grants for funding opportunities.
• Coordinate vehicle maintenance.
• Create business plan, schedule and budget.
• And other stuff as it comes up.

Qualifications:
• Excellent relationship-building skills; including the ability to win over the hearts of potential users and partners
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Experience starting and running a business
• Experience in volunteer recruitment and supervision
• Knowledge of cars an asset, but not a requirement
• Knowledge of budgeting, economics and finance
• Computer skills and ability to work fluently in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher), Internet and Email
• Knowledge of or interest in learning how to update a website (experience an asset but not required)
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Superior time and project management skills; able to work under changing circumstances within deadlines
• An overwhelming desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and see fewer vehicles on our roads!

Requirements
• Access to a computer
• Desire to work from home
• Valid Class 5 license

Deadline for applications is November 1, 2007

Send resume and cover letter (in .doc or .rtf format) by email to: Regina Car Share Cooperative at reginacarshare@yahoo.ca with "project coordinator" in the subject line.

UPDATED: Meeting WEDNESDAY Oct. 17, 2007

2007-10-10T00:17:00.000-06:00

NOTE UPDATED DATE:

Minutes will be posted yet, but for now the details of the next meeting:
It's at a new location, so head to Erin's at
1909 Toronto St.
6:30 PM
October 17, 2007 WEDNESDAY
where we will dine on pot luck supper, and share the latest details and/or work in creating the co-operative.

Minutes, and next meeting on Oct. 4 2007

2007-09-29T23:24:00.000-06:00

Please note the date and location change for the next RCSC meeting/potluck which will be held: Thursday, Oct 4th, 6:30pm 2262 Halifax St.

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it to Wednesday night’s meeting.

Here is a brief overview of what we discussed [For all of the details see the email, as I've removed some entries from this web posting]:

-We got official word from the Vancouver Cooperative Auto Network that we can have free access to their online booking for our website.

-Jenn, Heather and I met with Wayne Thrasher and Dan Bean from the Regional Economic Development Office.

-Jenn and I were on the CBC morning edition Wednesday talking about the Coop.
The interview will be posted for the next week.

-We made a few tweaks to the job description that Brett wrote up, and agreed to send it out after next week’s meeting.

-Website proposals are due next Wednesday, Oct 3rd. Heather will head up the search committee, and is still interested in finding others who might be interested in helping out.

Tasks for next meeting:

Mark – E-mailing job description changes to Brett
Brett – Tweaking job description
Jenn – Contacting the Computer Science Department at the U of R to see if anyone might be interested in submitting a website RFP.
John – Blog and e-mail account
Heather – Website Search Committee
Malin – Submitting incorporation application
Shawn – Sending this e-mail

The next RCSC meeting/potluck will be held at Mark and Megan’s house, 2262 Halifax St., on Thursday, October 4th, 2007, 6:30 pm. Micheal Bell has agreed to start the meeting with a ‘group dynamic’ exercise.

I’m off to Africa on Monday, and barring major infectious disease or Hippopotamus bite will be back sometime next June. It has been a pleasure working with everyone, and I look forward to hearing updates of the Car Share’s progress from abroad.

Good luck and see you soon!!!

Shawn F.

Pot luck and short meeting planned for Wednesday Sept 26 6:30PM

2007-09-20T23:12:00.000-06:00

The fourth meeting will be a potluck again and will take place Wednesday September 26th at 6:30pm at Shawn's place (Suite B 2260 Scarth St., beside Central Park)

The meeting is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about how Regina Car-Share will work and to those who would like to contribute to the start-up process. We also hope that those who were not able to join us tonight can come next week and have a great pot luck meal with the group.

Invitation to Regina Car-Share's second meeting

2007-08-24T12:50:00.000-06:00

Thanks to those who came out to Regina Car-Share's first meeting Wednesday night! We were about 18, which is a great turnout. The second meeting will be a potluck again and will take place next Wednesday August 29th at 6:30pm at Shawn's place at suite B 2260 Scarth St. The meeting is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about how Regina Car-Share will work and to those who would like to contribute to the start-up process. We also hope that those who were not able to join us yesterday can come next week. If Wednesdays do not work for some of you, let us know and we will schedule the third meeting on another day.

Car sharing provides cheap wheels

2007-08-21T18:32:00.000-06:00

Posted on msn August 21, 2007

By Gordon Powers

The average annual cost of driving even a small car is now somewhere around $10,000, according to the Canadian Automobile Association. As a result, car ownership is making less and less sense to many people, especially those who live in the city and can bike or grab a bus. And yet, there are times when having a car – or at least access to one – is still a bit of a must. That's why more and more urban drivers are looking at car-sharing services that allow drivers to rent cars by the day, or even the hour.

Unlike a carpooling system, where a few people show up each morning and drive to work together, car sharing involves joining an organization that owns vehicles scattered throughout a city. Members pick up cars from various locations across town and return them to the same spot. You book online or by phone, pay an hourly rate to use the car, and then return it to its designated parking spot when finished. There are no worries about leasing, insurance, maintenance, or the price of gas. You've got to be organized though. The car must be returned within the reservation time or else somebody who's booked it after you might be left waiting. You can, however, extend things if there are no requests following yours.

Aside from saving some money, you're also making a green choice. Reducing the number of cars on the road eases congestion, frees up parking spaces and reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Car-sharing drivers actually change their behaviour when they become members, advocates suggest. They're being charged by the hour, so they tend to group their trips together and they don't drive as much as they did before. Members also say they prefer such alternatives as opposed to traditional rent-a-car services because they don't need to line up, fill out forms or even have to make their way to a rental office.

Car sharing was pioneered in Europe about 20 years ago but the first Canadian provider was Quebec City's Communauto (http://www.communauto.com), established 13 years ago and now boasting about 10,000 members in Quebec, Montreal and other centres across the province. Currently, there are about a dozen cities in Canada with some kind of large-scale car-sharing organization. In smaller centres such as Victoria or Kitchener, most of these are co-ops, driven largely by those seeking to reduce their environmental footprint. In Toronto though, car sharing is becoming big business. Zipcar (www.zipcar.com), launched in Boston in 1999, now operates several thousand vehicles across North America, including Toronto over the past two years. Its biggest competitor there is AutoShare (www.autoshare.com), which has been up and running for about the same time – albeit without national exposure. Both have cars scattered throughout the downtown area and available around the clock. Once you sign up, Zipcar sends you an access card; from there, you use the Internet to reserve a car. On arrival, you wave the card at a card reader near the driver-side visor, which will unlock the car door. The keys are already inside. Each car also contains a debit card that you can use to top up the gas tank. After the rental, the company tallies your usage and sends you a bill.

Not quite as high tech, AutoShare members are provided with a special key that opens a lockbox in each lot where they park their cars. You'll find the ignition keys inside which you return to their respective box when you're through. You'll also be asked to enter your final odometer reading into a log book, which takes only seconds.

Pricing plans for car sharing vary tremendously, even within individual organizations. Most co-ops – and some for-profit firms – require an upfront deposit, which is refunded when the member leaves. And some charge a small membership. With the bigger for-profit firms, you choose from a variety of packages, depending on how much or how little you drive. Daily rates are available and are on par with car rental companies – unless you factor in the insurance that rental companies try to pitch as an extra. Hourly rates and distance charges vary sharply though. Quebec's Communauto, for instance, has annual dues of anywhere from $35 to $350 a year, depending on the package chosen, plus per-kilometre rates of between 16 and 29 cents. Hourly rates range from $1.55 on weekdays to $2.05 on weekends.

The annual fee for a basic plan is $55 at Zipcar and $35 for AutoShare. The per-kilometre and administration rates vary, depending on the amount of driving you do in a calendar month. Hourly rates at for-profits are higher than at the co-ops: around $10.50 at Zipcar, which includes 150 kilometres per 24-hour period, and closer to $9.50 on AutoShare's basic plan which charges by the kilometre. The per-kilometre charges from either company, however, are not as high as those you'll likely face at a co-op. AutoShare also offers non-peak rates from midnight to 7 am, a bonus for shift workers or night owls. While fee schedules and plans are all over the map, the actual cost differences aren't that significant. To put things in perspective, a 3.5 hour, 40- kilometre trip to Ikea is going to run you around 30 to 33 bucks, regardless of which of the two Toronto-based firms you use. Most of the vehicles available are general-purpose sedans or economy cars. Vans and specialty cars, when available, carry higher rates – generally $1 or $2 an hour. Both Zipcar and AutoShare have had clean-air Priuses in their fleets for awhile now and have been adding more of them as their businesses grow.

Invitation to car-sharing picnic

2007-08-21T18:28:00.000-06:00

Do you want to join Regina's first car-sharing coop?

If you are interested in joining the car-sharing coop or if you want to find out more information about it, please join us for a picnic potluck on Wednesday, August 22nd at 6:30pm in Central Park (between Scarth and Hamilton St and 14th and 15th Ave.). In case it rains we will meet at Shawn Fraser's place at B 2260 Scarth St. The purpose of the picnic is to get to know each other and to share ideas on how to get the car-sharing going. If you want to know more about car-sharing coops there is a lot of information on-line, but you can start with this website: http://www.carsharing.net You do not have to register for the picnic, but if you know you are interested in coming out it would be great to hear from you!

You can contact us at reginacarshare@yahoo.ca

Welcome to Regina Car-Share

2007-08-21T18:22:00.000-06:00

Regina will finally see its first car-sharing coop this fall!

This is a very exciting opportunity and we will begin to recruit members right away! The first car will be located downtown Regina so we are looking for members who live within a short walking distance from downtown, i.e. either Core, Transition or Cathedral area.

Please check this blog for updated information on Regina Car-Share as well as car-sharing in general.