The use of golf carts and similar mini vehicles on public roads was a key topic at Cold Lake’s January 21 Corporate Priorities meeting. The discussion followed news of a provincial pilot project testing the possibility of permitting such vehicles on public roadways until mid-2029.
Mayor Craig Copeland explained that concerns raised in October about Gio vehicles – a type of mini vehicle – prompted the city to seek clarification from the province. “Although some companies market them as mobility devices, they are much larger, heavier, and faster than what is commonly known as a mobility aid,” said Copeland.
Under current regulations, golf carts and similar vehicles cannot operate on public roads. The pilot project offers municipalities the option to regulate their use under specific guidelines, including the approval of planned routes by the province. While the Gio shares characteristics of golf carts and could qualify for the pilot, it is not classified as a mobility aid, which is allowed to use pedestrian infrastructure.
“With additional outlines from the Alberta Government on what qualifies as a golf cart versus a mobility aid, we have an answer to where the Gio-type of vehicle fits into current legislation,” Copeland said. “They are too big to enter stores, public buildings, and traverse the aisles like a mobility aid, and too fast to share public pedestrian walkways. At the same time, they are not fast enough to safely travel stretches of Highway 28, and so it seems that these vehicles are not a good fit for the Cold Lake context.”
The council ultimately decided not to pursue participation in the pilot project, citing safety and infrastructure concerns. “We cannot support Gios, or any other mini vehicle, driving up and down the highway between Cold Lake North and South. They also cannot safely use the Millennium Trail. Ans so there does not seem to be a strong use case for them in Cold Lake unless specific infrastructure was created to accommodate them,” said Copeland.
Municipal Enforcement will now focus on educating Gio owners about the regulations, which restricts the vehicles’ use to private property unless the municipality joins the pilot project and creates regulations.
