Hey there! It’s Emily again. My family doesn’t own a car, and it works well for us. We get around Toronto by walking, cycling, using transit, or car-sharing. But I was curious—what’s it like for other Canadians living without a car? So, I reached out to some car-free folks across the country.
Research from the World Resources Institute shows that living car-free can have a significant impact on the environment. However, making this choice can be tough, especially in rural areas where transportation options are limited. Here’s what I discovered from my conversations.
Why Go Car-Free?
The biggest reason people choose to go car-free is cost. Owning a car in Canada can range from $12,000 to $16,000 a year, considering the vehicle purchase, maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs. Linda Karounos, who moved to Toronto from Greece with her kids, shared that after crunching the numbers, owning a car just didn’t make sense for her.
Some readers can afford a car but prefer to spend their money on better living arrangements. For example, Jacqueline Wallace gave up her car in Calgary, which helped her retire two years earlier. “Without a car, we can afford to live closer to amenities,” her family noted.
Living car-free not only saves money, but it can lead to better health too. Carolyn Webb from Ottawa emphasizes the physical benefits of walking and biking. “It’s good for the planet and all of us,” she says.
Choosing the Right Place
Location is vital for a car-free lifestyle. Joanne Moyer from Edmonton chose an apartment near public transit and local shops. In busier cities, it’s easier to find neighborhoods that support a car-free way of living. However, rural areas pose unique challenges. Sandra McGuire, who moved to a small community in Nova Scotia, expressed frustration with limited transportation options.
Yet, some rural residents manage well. William Penney in Gimli, Manitoba, uses an electric trike to navigate his community. It shows that creativity can offer solutions, regardless of location.
The Joy of Living Without a Car
Many people genuinely enjoy their car-free lifestyle. Teal Burns from Halifax loves not owning a vehicle. Phil Bergeron-Burns from Dartmouth, N.S., agrees—no car means he doesn’t have to shovel his driveway when it snows!
Interestingly, many who’ve lived without a car report feeling more socially connected. They find new ways to travel, like carpooling or borrowing a friend’s vehicle. For several, it’s a win-win situation—saving money, keeping fit, and enjoying life more. Joanne Moyer considers her daily bike commute through Edmonton’s river valley a highlight of her day.
As we consider environmental concerns, living car-free is gaining traction. A recent survey from the Canadian Urban Transit Association noted that 70% of respondents are interested in using public transit more frequently to reduce their carbon footprints. That’s a hopeful trend!
– Emily Chung
The Global Picture: China’s Emissions
Looking beyond our borders, it’s worth noting that China, often criticized for high emissions, has seen its carbon output plateau over the last 18 months. This shift comes from a growing reliance on renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Lauri Myllyvirta, an expert from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, pointed out that China has committed to cutting its carbon intensity by 65% by 2030. Still, it has a long way to go to meet its goals.
– Emily Chung
Spotlight: Goats Tackle Invasive Plants
In a unique approach to environmental management, goats are becoming heroes in Ontario by helping clear invasive plant species like buckthorn. Natalie Feisthauer, who enlisted goats to help on her rural property, shared that they successfully cleared two acres in just two days—something that would have taken her weeks. “They’re so efficient, and it’s a joy to have them around!” she remarked.
With more conservation authorities turning to eco-herds, the “greatest of all time” isn’t just a saying. It’s a real trend that combines nature’s solutions with environmental management.
– Samantha Beattie
If you have thoughts or stories about living car-free, feel free to reach out at whatonearth@cbc.ca.
