At last night’s Planning and Development Council meeting, Council approved an application for funding through the Government of Canada’s recently announced Zero-Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). The program covers up to 50 per cent of the cost to install 20 or more EV charging stations.
“Over the years, Town Council has taken action to reduce the town’s impact on the environment and taken steps to address the challenge of climate change. Providing easy access for electric vehicles is critical to decreasing Oakville’s greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mayor Burton. “This is one more step we’re taking to support a cleaner, greener future.”
Oakville has one of the highest electric vehicle ownerships per capita in Ontario, however research shows that ‘range anxiety’ – the concern of where to find EV chargers – remains the second biggest barrier for people who are interested in purchasing EVs in Oakville.
Oakville has one of the highest electric vehicle ownerships per capita in Ontario.
The town will submit an application for 20 dual EV chargers, totaling 40 EV parking spaces, at a cost of $564,000. If awarded, the town’s share of $282,000 will be allocated from the Parking Reserve Fund and recovered through user fees.
“User fees will help support the capital investment made by the town and cover the energy, maintenance and operational expenses of the chargers,” said Jim Barry, director of Municipal Enforcement Services. “We’ve identified chargers that will integrate with the town’s pay-by-plate parking program in commercial districts, ensuring users pay one fee for both charging and parking in those areas.”
The anticipated network of chargers supports the eight charging stations already planned for as part of the Downtown Lakeshore Road East revitalization project. Four chargers will be installed on Lakeshore Road during the first phase of construction, scheduled to be complete by November 2019. The remaining four will be implemented in the second phase of the project, scheduled to be complete by November 2020.
Locations for the remainder of the public EV charging stations will be chosen for their proximity to local businesses, community centres and major roadways and highways.
Successful applicants of the ZEVIP funding are expected to be notified by November 2019. For more information review the staff report on oakville.ca.
