Advancing Equitable Clean Mobility for Urban Indigenous Residents in Vancouver

Vancouver, B.C. —  As Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) market shows renewed momentum, with zero-emission vehicle sales rising sharply and consumer interest rebounding nationwide, Create Climate Equity is charging ahead with the launch of the Clean Mobility Project.  

‍

A community-based initiative that aims to make sustainable transportation more accessible, this pilot project increases education and awareness of EVs and offers residents access to clean mobility options. It also provides a scalable model for equitable sustainable transportation in other urban settings.   

‍

For this pilot, support was provided by Natural Resources Canada to Create Climate Equity, which has partnered with Kambo Energy Group, the BC Indigenous Housing Society, and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association to deliver the program.  

“The Clean Mobility Project demonstrates how innovative, community-led approaches can raise awareness of clean transportation options for everyone,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.  

‍

“Clean mobility isn’t just about technology — it’s about people,” said Zoë Royer, Member of Parliament for Port Moody–Coquitlam. “Through this pilot, we’re helping families connect to sustainable transportation options that are affordable, accessible, and community driven. It’s a model for how we can build a cleaner and fairer future together.”

‍

Building on community-led engagement completed in 2024, the project offers educational workshops informed by community priorities, no-cost transit passes, an on-site EV thanks to a collaboration with Modo, Ride and Drive events that get residents behind the wheel of the EV, and a resident-led EV ride-share pilot operated by trained community members.

‍

“For many of the tenants we serve, access to affordable and reliable transportation is directly connected to health, wellbeing, and opportunity,” said Brenda Knights, CEO of the BCIHS. “This project is about removing barriers, building practical solutions with community, and ensuring that the shift to clean mobility includes everyone.”

‍

Since a dedicated EV charger was installed at the participating BCIHS building in downtown Vancouver in March, nine drivers have registered, including two Community Ride Champions. In addition to accessing the vehicle for personal use, the Community Champions also volunteer to carpool neighbours. To date, 130+ trips have been taken with the EV, including multi-day trips for visiting family.  

‍

And as part of the project’s transit program, 50 residents received fully subsidized public transit cards, logging 3,490+ trips taken by bus, SeaBus, and SkyTrain since December 2025.  

‍

"[This] has been such a great relief! I’ve been able to use the money I would have used on transit to purchase necessary groceries and travel further away to find cheaper food bargains and visit friends," shared a 60-year-old transit program participant.  

‍

With additional funding from BC Hydro, the City of Vancouver, and United Way of BC, and delivery support from Modo, TransLink, and the Fraser Basin Council, the Clean Mobility Pilot represents a step forward in building cleaner, fairer transportation systems.

‍

“This project draws on Kambo’s 16 years of experience designing and delivering co-created community programs that help households and communities use energy more efficiently, equitably, and affordably," said Yasmin Abraham, President of Kambo Energy Group. "Thanks to the project partners and generous support from Natural Resources Canada, we’re taking important steps toward clean, inclusive mobility for all.”

‍

The program aims to demonstrate how equity-centred climate solutions can empower communities while shaping more effective program design nationwide.

‍

To learn more, visit www.cleanmobility.ca.

‍