move with us!

As Doug mentioned in his update, Modo is pleased to welcome our first full-sized cargo vans into the fleet! *Applause* Located steps away from the Commercial-Broadway Skytrain Station, the Ford Econoline-150 will be available for booking starting Wednesday, April 3.

Due to higher operating costs, full-sized cargo vans will be subject to premium booking prices. Even still, Modo members will have access to the cheapest cargo van rates in the city:

Co-op members: $3 per hour (to a maximum of $60 daily), 11pm-7am free, plus:

• 60¢ per kilometre for the first 35km
• 45¢ per kilometre for each additional kilometre up to 150km
• 35¢ per kilometre after that

Casual, Business and Non-profit members: $10.50 per hour (to a maximum of $84 daily), 24 hours a day, with:

• 150 kilometres included per day
• 53¢ per kilometre after that

As the cargo van is likely to be popular, remember we also have two smaller-sized cargo vans at Mole Hill - Thurlow Street and E 10th & Commercial (the latter to be retired very soon), not to mention the nine trucks in our fleet. Happy moving!

*** CONTEST: Do the math. Send us a cost estimate for a trip you intend to take, comparing Modo's rates with Zip, Budget, U-Haul or one of the other rental companies, and be entered to win $100 carsharing credit! Email your entry to marketing@modo.coop (Subject: "Contest: Cargo Van") by 12pm, April 9.

be a pal for $25 free driving

An amazing 80% of you became members because you knew someone else who was carsharing and loved it. Which meant we could buy more cars. And then you told your friends, and they signed up. So we expanded into the suburbs. Then they told their friends. Which allowed us to upgrade our fleet... That's how we roll as a not-for-profit co-op. When we grow, you gain.

And now we want to reward you for helping us make carsharing more accessible across Metro Vancouver: Effective April 1, get $25 in free driving when a new member drops your name at signup! 

apr 6: sharing station at the farmers market

As continuing sponsor of the Vancouver Farmers Markets, Modo will be at the Winter Market at Nat Bailey Stadium sharing about sharing with several of our favourite Community Partners.

Stop by and say hi to your fellow members volunteering at our booth, and take part in some fun, educational programming courtesy The Vancouver Tool Library, Trade School Vancouver and The Sharing Project. Participate in demos, how-tos, interactive displays and a photo booth as part of our series “What Does Modo Mean to Me?” And, if you Modo to the market, consider grabbing our photographer to come shoot you, Modo and your Farmers Market loot!

Stay tuned to the Modo blog for more details.

Photo via Flickr/thegreenpages under Creative Commons license.

q&a: the sharing project

Meet Gala. She’s in charge of community engagement for a newly launched initiative called The Sharing Project, focusing on a subject near and dear to our hearts... As a major sponsor of this fascinating endeavour to investigate Vancouver’s sharing potential, Modo invited Gala to do a little Q&A to help acquaint our members with something likely to excite imaginations. 

Modo: What's the Sharing Project?

Gala: The Sharing Project is a research project aimed at facilitating more social connection while empowering Vancouverites to kickstart the sharing economy in their own communities. The project has garnered support from sharing organizations across the city including Vancity, The HiVe, Terminal City Glass Cooperative, Seedstock community currency and Modo, to name a few! Our small but mighty team is led by Chris Diplock (pictured at right), co-founder of the Vancouver Tool Library. 

Through focus groups, interviews and surveys, we want to empower citizens, shape policy and identify new opportunities for sharing in Vancouver.

Our public survey launches mid-April, and we’re currently inviting more people to be part of the project through our crowdfunding campaign: igg.me/at/thesharingproject.

Read the full interview on our blog... and consider joining Modo in supporting the project to expand sharing across the region.

loco love letters

I ❤ Modo Car Co-op because they

change the way we think about

using cars. (((((( HUGS )))))

As part of a recent contest by LOCO, The Tyee and Vancity, more than 700 letters of love were submitted to local businesses - including many gushing missives for Modo, like the one above. Read our favourites!

Big shout-out to new member Michael, whose winning love letter earned him a 1-year Casual membership and $100 in free driving! Click to find out where he'll Modo first...

be safe, be seen

Along with the flowering of the trees and the familiar itch of allergy season, spring also brings with it more reasons to get out on the bike - day and night. 

Stay visible with a good reflective layer, such as B Scene vests. Designed with wind- and water-resistant Supplex nylon, the vests are made by Cascade Wear, which is owned and operated by Modo member Ron Dabby and manufactures gear for emergency personnel such as paramedics and firefighters. Extremely tough and made to last a lifetime, the vest has lots of pockets and is reflective for 300 metres. Two designs are available: a stylized Dragon and a Tibetan Mahakala protective Spirit mask. Learn more or order online. 

pro tip: check the fuel gauge first

"When you first get in the car, have a glance at the gas gauge at the start of your booking, rather than the end, so you'll know if you need to take the time to fuel up the vehicle, and won't feel rushed or stressed near the end of your booking!" - Mona, member and staff

new tax as of april 1

Starting April 1, carsharers and renters in BC will see a new tax applied to bookings longer than 8 hours and shorter than 28 days and 30 minutes. Information systems director Karen New breaks it down for us on the Modo blog.

community calendar

Mar 30 - Learn to Grow Awesome Organic Tomatoes, Vancouver
Ever wanted to learn how to grow great tasting tomatoes from seed! This is the workshop for you. After a thorough education, you’ll take home two tomato plants and a package of organic heirloom tomato seeds. Hosted by the Homesteader’s Emporium and presented/facilitated by James Sztyler, an organic urban gardener in Kitsilano. Cost is $35. Register

Apr 3 - Bring Your Boomers Election Forum: Real Talk on Climate Change, Vancouver


Gen Why Media's Bring Your Boomers events go beyond traditional panels or debates by presenting an engaging mix of intelligent conversation, media, storytelling and music to provide a culturally-driven entry point to discuss social transformation. The next in the serires focuses on the 2013 BC Provincial Election, bringing together young voters with political candidates for a frank conversation about how to address the challenge of climate change in BC, followed by a Q&A and audience discussion, with performances by Au4. Tickets

Apr 4−7 - AD/JUST: Exhibition / Launch of Artists’ Books, Vancouver - FREE
Modo Community Partner Project Space presents AD/JUST, a three-day installation and pair of artists’ books by Baltimore artists Jackie Riccio and Zack Ingram. The project explores readjustment and assimilation after moving to a new environment. Each artist will also produce a book that extends the project’s inquiry into our personal relationships with space and geographic location. Project Space is a bookshop, publisher and project space in Vancouver’s Chinatown, and host of the Vancouver Art/Book Fair. Details

Apr 6 - At The Table long table dinner, Vancouver

As part of Modo Community Partner CityStudio's Engagement Expo, April 5-6, Modo members are invited to connect, nourish and engage with CityStudio students, City of Vancouver staff and your neighbours. All are welcome at this long-table vegetarian meal and dialogue. Tickets

Check out our picks for the two-day Engagement Expo on Modo's blog!

Apr 6 - Modo at the Winter Farmers Market, Vancouver - FREE
As part of Modo’s continuing sponsorship of the Vancouver Farmers Markets, we’ll be at the Winter Market at Nat Bailey Stadium sharing about carsharing with potential new members, while also exploring Vancouver’s sharing economy with Modo Community Partners: The Vancouver Tool Library, TradeSchool Vancouver and The Sharing Project.

Apr 6 - Motown Meltdown Tri-Cities, Coquitlam
Dance to the sweet sounds of Motown with some of the most seasoned session musicians in Canada, at the Red Robinson Show Theatre. Inspired by the critically acclaimed film Standing In The Shadows Of Motown, more than 25 hot-shot Canadian vocalists, backed by a scorching 12-piece band will heat up the dance floor! Presented by Modo Community Partner Shooting Stars Foundation. Details and tickets 

*** CONTEST: Enter to win 2 tickets by emailing marketing@modo.coop with the correct answer to the question “Which artist performing in town Motown Meltdown Tri-Cities was was first heard in the early 1970s with the quirky Pied Pumkin playing fiddle, mandolin, dulcimer, flute and sax? (Hint: Find the answer here.) 

Apr 10 - Future of Wind Energy in BC, Vancouver
The BC Sustainable Energy Association: Vancouver Chapter presents this town hall speaker event, with presentations by experts on wind energy, energy policy and sustainability issues discussing the future of wind energy in BC. Participating organizations include Canadian Wind Energy Association, Pembina and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. The evening concludes with a moderated discussion between all those present, led by CBC Reporter Duncan McCue. Tickets

Apr 10 - Deadline for City Commons Site Applications

City Commons is the Vancouver Tool Library’s latest initiative! Scheduled for July 2013, City Commons will be a multi-day, citywide placemaking event that will encourage community members to transform 10 underutilized private and public spaces into common places that foster neighbourliness. Form a group and submit a site application to get your project started. Details

*** BONUS: If your project is selected for City Commons, Modo will donate $50 carsharing credit! Email confirmation of your project’s acceptance to marketing@modo.coop. 

Apr 11 - #EastVanLove Volume 8, Vancouver
For the eighth edition of its popular EastVanLove event series, the East Vancouver-based grassroots group East of Main is collaborating with Heritage Vancouver and the Museum of Vancouver to bring a history-themed tweetup. Featuring a collage of both adverse and uplifting stories that expose the honest authenticity of East Vancouver’s heritage as an inclusive, culturally rich community with a vibrant past. Details

Apr 12-19 - R2R Film Festival, Vancouver

Modo Community Partner Reel2Reel presents another year of intelligent, passionate and provocative films for children and youth. Watch documentaries, animation and live action films from around the world, plus interactive installations, Q&As, hands-on filmmaking workshops, and a Youth Media Conference and Showcase. Sure to delight, move and amaze audiences of all ages! Tickets

Apr 14 - Intro to Tools Workshop (Planter boxes redux), Vancouver

Planter box-building workshops are back by popular demand at the Vancouver Tool Library this spring! After this workshop, participants will leave with the confidence to name and use basic power tools necessary for everyday projects and a planter box for all your urban gardening needs. Instructor Brent Firkser will go over safety with tools, designing and planning a project, and the execution of said plan. Register online or at the VTL shop (3448 Commercial St). 

April 18−May 17 - Green Month at Science World, Vancouver
Science World presents a month-long series of events and activities that'll inspire you to be eco-conscious. Learn about the full month of programming online. (Note: April 20 is Vancity Members’ Day!)

Apr 20 - Earth Day Parade and Celebration, Vancouver - FREE

Join Windermere High School’s Youth for Climate Justice Now for the annual Earth Day celebration on Commercial Drive! As years past, all are invited to march (in costume or not) in the annual parade from Broadway to Grandview Park, where there’ll be speakers, musicians, possibly some juggling by a local leader or two, and all the good things that come with gathering together as a community to address the things that matter most today. This event is family friendly, and youth from the across the Lower Mainland are welcome and encouraged to come. Details

Apr 24−28 - Projecting Change Film Festival, Vancouver
A forum for film and dialogue that sparks curiosity, inspires conversation, and develops ambassadors for change within our communities, the festival features award-winning documentaries from around the globe, followed by a dynamic speaker or panel discussion. The unique festival format is a platform for audience engagement, with all proceeds donated back to local initiatives. Celebrating its sixth year, the festival explores themes such as environmental and social sustainability, empowerment, identity, and global culture. Schedule and tickets

*** CONTEST: Win two tickets to a screening of your choice! Email marketing@modo.coop a selfie (a.k.a. self-portrait) with Modo in the background and a caption about your most frequent Modo trips. (Prize excludes opening and closing nights, and Saturday workshops.)

Apr 27 - Fully Hands-on Cheese Workshop, Vancouver
Learn all about cheese making, ingredients, milk selection and other tips at the Homesteader’s Emporium. Make several styles of cheese by hand in this 5-hour workshop led by instructor Debra Amrein-Boyes, the head cheese maker at Farmhouse Cheeses (Agassiz, BC). Cost is $65+HST. Register

Apr 28 - Bike the Blossoms, Vancouver - FREE
Join Velopalooza and the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival for a fun, free guided bike ride. The ride will tour the blossom cherry trees in Vancouver and include a talk by Parks Board Arborist, Bill Stephen. Stay tuned to www.velopalooza.ca for more details. Find other Cherry Blossom Festival programming here.

May 4 - Intro to Woodworking with Hand Tools Workshop, Vancouver
Instructor Geof Vincent (the Vancouver Tool Library’s very own Shop Manager!) will introduce participants to the basic tools needed for working wood by hand - planes, chisels/gouges and saws - and demonstrate their proper use. Marking and measuring with scribes, knives, compasses, gauges and squares will also be covered in tandem with a brief lesson in wood grain. Register online or at the VTL shop at 3448 Commercial Street. 

May 11 - 18th Annual Stone Soup Festival, Vancouver - FREE
Britannia Community Centre hosts the 18th Annual Stone Soup Festival, a celebration of food, art, environment and community, including a food market, local artists, community groups, talks and workshops, live music, tea leaf reading, children’s activities, free soup and more! Details

modo moves

Vancouver - West End
UPGRADE: 1454 Broughton
The 2010 blue Dodge Grand Caravan has been replaced by a 2012 grey Chevrolet Orlando (#443).

UPGRADE: Casa Bella
The 2007 grey Hyundai Sonata has been replaced by a 2013 white Dodge Avenger (#446).

Vancouver - Downtown
UPGRADE: Waterfront 
The 2007 blue Hyundai Accent has been replaced by a 2011 silver Mazda 2 hatch (#359).

Vancouver - Grandview-Woodland
UPGRADE: Victoria Park
The 2009 red Dodge Grand Caravan has been replaced by a 2010 blue Dodge Grand Caravan (#300).

UPGRADE: Yanviriya

The 2008 red Dodge Grand Caravan has been replaced by a 2012 red Chevrolet Orlando (#442).

NEW LOCATION: Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain Coming April 2! Find Modo across from the East 10th Avenue exit from Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain Station, in the parking lot behind the dollar store. We have a designated Modo stall about halfway through the lot, directly under the SkyTrain tracks. This is our first full-size, premium cargo van, a 2009 white Ford Econoline (#433); it replaces the faux cargo van half a block away at E 10th & Commercial.

Vancouver - Mt Pleasant
UPGRADE: Carolina
The 2007 maroon Hyundai Sonata has been replaced by a 2013 white Dodge Avenger (#445).

UPGRADE: Ontario & 12th
The 2007 grey Hyundai Sonata has been replaced by a 2013 grey Nissan Versa sedan (#438).

FLOATER: Main Street SkyTrain
#435, a 2013 white Nissan Versa sedan.

Vancouver - Langara
NEW LOCATION: All India
Find Modo behind the All India restaurant, on the southwest corner of East 49th Avenue and Main Street. We have a designated stall in the parking lot with a 2009 red Dodge Grand Caravan (#378).

Vancouver - False Creek
NEW LOCATION: Walter Hardwick - Urban Fare
Find Modo in The Village public lot at 80 Walter Hardwick Avenue, next to the Urban Fare sign, directly across the street from our other Walter Hardwick location at Walter Hardwick - London Drugs.

Vancouver - South Granville
UPGRADE: Fairview Village
The 2011 silver Mazda 2 hatch has been replaced by a 2013 blue Nissan Versa sedan (#436).

Vancouver - Kitsilano
UPGRADE: Kits Beach
The 2006 grey Toyota Corolla has been replaced by a 2012 grey Mazda 2 hatch (#444).

UPGRADE: Buena Vista
The 2005 silver Toyota Corolla has been replaced by a 2012 brown Nissan Juke (#440).

UPGRADE: W 1st & Yew
The 2008 silver Mazda 5 has been replaced by a 2012 grey Dodge Journey (#441).

Vancouver - Kerrisdale
UPGRADE: The Hollies
The 2007 black Nissan Versa has been replaced by a 2013 blue Dodge Avenger (#448).

Vancouver - Point Grey
NEW LOCATION: Almond Park
Find a 2007 red Toyota Yaris sedan (#243) in the 3600 block of West 12th Avenue, between Dunbar Street and Alma Street, next to Almond Park.

New Westminster 

LOCATION CHANGE: Elizabeth Fry Society

Find vehicle #427 in a parking stall around the corner to the 200 block of Sherbrooke St, directly across from Elizabeth Fry Society.