BARRHEAD – The County of Barrhead has launched its golf cart pilot project.
Announced on Facebook on July 23, the approved roadways where golf carts are permitted are in the subdivisions of Thunder Lake, Idle Hours, Greendale, White Rock Beach and Murray's Beach.
The Alberta government has made it possible for interested municipalities to participate in a five-year project to pilot the use of golf carts on selected roads within their counties and communities.
The County of Barrhead received approval to participate in this program in June.
The project was approved by the County of Barrhead Council during their May 6 meeting, giving it the third and final reading.
The Alberta Traffic Safety Act had prohibited the use of golf carts on county roadways until the passage of this bylaw.
The pilot project will run from now until June of 2029 when the Alberta government will evaluate the success of the project.
The County of Barrhead has outlined a few important guidelines about this Golf Cart Pilot Project.
Designated highways identified by signage are the only permitted golf cart use roadways once the golf cart owner has had a permit issued.
There is a golf cart permit application for interested parties to complete and submit by e-mail to [email protected] or drop them off in person at the County office.
A first-time Golf Cart permit application costs $50 and $25 for annual renewals.
The application requires information on golf cart specifics, including make, model, the number of seats, fuel source, and equipment like headlights, signals, and brake lights.
The intended frequency of use, the number and age of operators are also required to be identified on the application.
There is a requirement for proof of a minimum of $2 million liability insurance coverage.
The County of Barrhead Council may change the designated highways anytime, adding or removing the approved roadways.
Any roadway with a speed limit over 50 kilometres per hour cannot allow golf cart use.
Roadways not allowed include provincial two-digit and three-digit highways or municipal roads.
The golf cart permits expire in the calendar year in which they were purchased.
More information is available on the County of Barrhead website.
