Mobilizing Community & University Capacity: Saskatoon CarShare Co - operative (SCC)

1. Mobilizing Community & University Capacity: Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative (SCC) Marcia McKenzie Sustainability Education Research Institute College of Education, marcia.mckenzie@usask.ca

2. Sustainability at the U of S Sustainability: “The stewardship of the natural environment in a socially and economically responsible manner that meets the needs of both the present and future generations” (University of Saskatchewan, 2012) Figure 1. Framework for Sustainability Commitment at the University of Saskatchewan (2011)

3. SCC Advisory Committee 2011-2012 • Rebecca Anderson (U of S Undergraduate Student) • Carla Fehr (U of S Graduate Student) • Scott Bell (U of S Faculty) • Marcia McKenzie (U of S Faculty) • Audra Krueger (U of S Centre for the Study of Cooperatives) • MairinLoewen (City of Saskatoon, Councillor for Ward 7) • Marcel Petit (Core Neighborhood Youth Coop Executive Director) • Ellen Quigley (We are Many) • Heather Hale (Saskatchewan Co-operative Association) • Fred Khonje(Saskatchewan Co-operative Association)

4. SCC Board of Directors 2012 • Scott Bell (U of S Faculty) • Marcia McKenzie (U of S Faculty) • Audra Krueger (U of S Centre for the Study of Cooperatives) • Ellen Quigley (We are Many) • Heather Hale (Saskatchewan Co-operative Association) • Fred Khonje(Saskatchewan Co-operative Association)

5. Co-op Development Timeline • Summer 2011 – University/WAM funded undergraduate student researcher develops CarShare research report, used to solicit Advisory Committee members • Fall 2011 - Formation of Advisory Committee • Winter 2012 – Centre for the Study of Cooperatives-funded graduate student researcher develops proposal for approaching funders • Winter-Summer 2012 – Weekly-monthly meetings, undertake online survey and feasibility study re pricing and location decisions, develop terms of reference for Board members and SCC bylaws, develop facebook site, submit incorporation documents, pursue seed funding and partnerships

6. Co-op Development Timeline • Fall 2012 – Board of Directors become official SCC members, open bank account, get Board insurance, develop communications plan, pursue seed funding and sponsorships, hire business plan development consultant • Early 2013 – Hire SCC Coordinator, purchase vehicles and swipe card system, begin accepting memberships from public, hold information meetings, SCC becomes operational with at least 3 cars and 2 locations.

7. Challenges • Volunteer time required • Securing seed funding • Developing partnerships

8. Possible Benefits to the U of S • Financial savings for University of Saskatchewan (reduction in need for new parking lots, repairs to roads) • Innovative solution for increased parking demand due to new residences • Financial savings for students, staff, and faculty • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions contributing to the University’s GHG emission reduction commitments • Community engagement through collaboration on shared City of Saskatoon goals and positive publicity linked to being a leader of sustainability initiatives in the City • Campus as a “living lab” for sustainability research, teaching, demonstration • International Year of the Co-op; Saskatoon as one of few cities without car share • Sustainability as a “net positive” goal for the University and the City

9. Successes • Officially incorporated in July 2012 • Media coverage & facebook page with just under 200 ‘likes’ • Over 200 feasibility survey respondents • Steady progress towards being operational in 2013

10. Sample Feasibility Survey Results

11. Mobilizing University Capacity • Spatial Initiative, College of Arts and Sciences • Centre for the Study of Co-operatives • Sustainability Education Research Institute, College of Education • School of Environment and Sustainability

12. marcia.mckenzie@usask.ca 306-966-7551