qathet Regional District (qRD) has received grant funding for two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
At the April 29 regional board meeting, Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Bander announced after an in camera session that the board has endorsed Shelter Point Regional Park and Klah Ah Men Lund Gazebo Regional Park locations for EV charging stations and directed staff to enter into an agreement for 100 per cent funding of the stations through the Aviva/Earth Day Canada Charged for Change Program.
Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick, who has been advocating for an EV charging station on Texada, was pleased with the decision.
“The charging station is so that Texada can welcome visitors with EVs who may go exploring and need a charge while they’re here,” said McCormick. “It allows the island to be part of the sustainable tourism movement. I am grateful to the foundation for their support and to regional district staff for following this up.”
qRD is the only local government west of Saskatchewan to receive this funding. Aviva Canada will cover 100 per cent of project costs, estimated at just less than $80,000, for the purchase, supply and installation of two dual-plug level two charging stations.
According to qRD, the level two chargers are compatible with major North American EV models. Revenue generated from the charging stations will cover electricity costs and may also cover annual fees for the service. The regional district will pay expenses over and above revenue from the regional parks services budget, and surplus revenue generated from the EV charging stations will be returned to the regional parks operating budget.
“We would like to thank the Charged for Change program for supporting EV charging infrastructure in our region,” said Brander. “A well-distributed EV charging network ensures that tourists and locals can confidently travel throughout our region without range anxiety, encouraging longer stays, improved access and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”
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