The Clean Commute Expo is a bi-annual event designed to educate attendees on the benefits of zero-emission vehicles and alternative transportation options.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and walking, wheeling, carpooling, and public transit are all integral in reducing our transportation-related carbon emissions. This tradeshow-style event connects the EV-curious with EV owners, retailers and community groups focussing on supporting the transition away from Internal Combustion Engines and promoting alternative forms of transportation beyond personal vehicles. This event facilitates peer-to-peer learning and supports community network-building.

 

The 2024 Clean Commute Expo

The Bow Valleys’ Sustainable Transportation Showcase

On May 4 and 5, 2024, the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley hosted the Bow Valley’s first Clean Commute Expo in Canmore and Banff. The expo connected the EV-curious with EV owners, retailers and community groups focusing on supporting the transition away from Internal Combustion Engines and promoting alternative forms of transportation beyond personal vehicles. Over 150 visitors attended this two-day event.

Fifteen electric vehicle owners, including representatives from the Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta (EVAA), came to Banff and Canmore to showcase their modes of transportation for the event. Various makes and models were represented, including Norco, Pedego, Nissan, Fisker, Volkswagon, Ford, Hyundai, and Tesla. Seven car dealerships, including locals Cam Clarke Ford and Wolfe Chevrolet, brought eleven new-to-market electric vehicles for people to view and even test drive! Second-hand electric car dealers Go Electric from Calgary were also represented to discuss this emerging market.

In addition to electric vehicles, Rundle Mountain Bike Rental offered electric bike test rides. At the same time, Roam Transit showcased one of its 100% electric buses, and Kananaskis Improvement District solicited feedback on the future of its local transit plan. Educational displays from Kuby Renewable Energy Ltd, Solar Alberta and Gasonic Group also highlighted the importance of renewable energy and clean air to event attendees.

Experts from FORTIS, Go-Electric, Gasonic, Bow Valley Climate Action, and Plug ‘n Drive presented and answered peoples’ questions on various topics, including living with and road-tripping your electric vehicle, the wonder of walking, how our electricity grid is preparing for the electrification of transportation and more.

As part of this event we asked EV owners, retailers and community members what the key takeaways were for them… Here is what they wanted Albertans to know about low-carbon transport!

 
 

This event hosted by the Biosphere Institute was made possible due to financial support from the Government of Alberta’s’ Community Initiatives Program, the Town of Banff, the Town of Canmore, and corporate sponsorship.

Thank you for your support!

 
 

ABOUT OUR 2024 CORPORATE SPONSORS

GOLD sponsors

 

Valentine Volvo and Volvo Cars Royal Oak, owned by Paul Valentine, are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service in the automotive industry. Volvo has been leading the charge in introducing a remarkable range of pure electric cars and SUVs, offering emissions-free driving without compromising on range or power. With an 8-year battery warranty and advanced safety features, our current lineup includes the fully electric C40 Crossover and the XC40 SUV. Excitingly, this summer welcomes the arrival of the EX30, a compact SUV starting from just $53,700. Additionally, the 7-seater EX90 is scheduled to join our lineup this fall. Upholsteries and interior decor in our vehicles feature renewable and recycled materials, contributing to the luxury cabins' minimalistic design ethos. For those whose lifestyle doesn’t quite align with fully electric, Volvo's Plug-in Hybrids offer an enhanced electric motor combined with a high-performance combustion engine, ensuring longer trips and increased power when needed. Whether you prefer the mid-sized XC60, the 7-seater XC90, the S60 sedan, or the classic V60 wagon, we have a model to suit your lifestyle. Visit us for a test drive and discover the perfect Volvo to complement your needs and preferences. At Valentine Volvo and Volvo Cars Royal Oak, we are committed to providing you with the best driving experience possible.

Silver sponsors

Established in 2016, with the vision to grow with the town of Canmore, Cam Clark Ford Canmore has grown to become a premier auto dealer in the Southern Alberta region. Throughout our tenure, we have strived to include the best possible customer service, with top-notch repair and maintenance work and comprehensive new and used car, truck, minivan and SUV inventories. Fast forward to 2020, our brand-new dealership in Canmore has now doubled in size to accommodate all our customers’s needs in service and sales. Friendly. Fun. Professional. We’re all about providing the best deal, outstanding service, and year-round peace of mind. We have been voted best of the Bow for dealership needs and continue to serve the amazing people in the Bow Valley.

Bronze sponsors

The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission (BVRTSC) was officially established on April 21, 2011. As a government agency, it comprises the municipalities of Banff and Canmore, along with Improvement District #9. The BVRTSC is empowered to deliver public passenger transportation services in the Bow Valley through Roam Transit. Roam Transit's mission is to operate, enhance and grow our regional transit system through innovative transportation solutions to ensure that residents and visitors can live, work and play in the Bow Valley without using a private vehicle. Additionally, our efforts help to reduce pollution, preserving the region's natural beauty for future generations. Roam is committed to sustainability, prioritizing eco-friendly practices, including cutting-edge emissions-reducing transit technologies.

In 2022, we encouraged Bow Valley residents to replace their gas cars with electric vehicles by reducing perceived barriers during our Electric Vehicle Awareness project. We busted electric vehicle myths, created inspiring videos, hosted Canmore’s first Electric Vehicle Expo, ran a 14-day electric vehicle test drive event with Plug’n Drive, and facilitated a 5-part educational webinar series.

Well over 1,000 visitors attended Canmore’s first Electric Vehicle Expo on May 28, 2022. The Expo was an opportunity to showcase a variety of full battery-electric vehicles and to connect experts and enthusiasts in the electric vehicle industry with residents and visitors of the Bow Valley.

Over 20 electric vehicles came to Canmore for the event. A variety of makes and models were represented, including Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Chevrolet, Audi, and more. Buddy Boyd (www.boltacrosscanada.com) drove his Chevrolet Bolt over 3,500km round trip on a scenic route from Gibsons, BC to attend the event. Waverley Birch of Canmore (IG: @tozerotogether) attended with her Hyundai Kona, showing off her camping set-up. A Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner powered a coffee machine on the spot from their electric vehicle battery.

Experts from ATCO, the Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta, Tesla Owners Club of Alberta, Bow Valley Climate Action, and Wolfe Canmore answered peoples’ questions about electric vehicle charging, range, winter driving, and more. 

In addition to electric vehicles, Calgary Cycle City promoted electric motorcyles, Pedego Canmore offered electric bike test rides, and Community Cruisers solicited feedback on the future of e-bikes. Educational displays from Solar Alberta and Gasonic Group also highlighted the importance of renewable energy and clean air to event attendees.

This event hosted by the Biosphere Institute in partnership with Bow Valley Climate Action Society, is made possible due to support from Natural Resources, Town of Canmore, Alberta Ecotrust, Calgary Foundation, Rumi, ATCO, and Good Earth Coffeehouse.