Seven new electric vehicle charging stations are now up and running for the public to use across Chatham-Kent.
ChargerCrew Canada has worked with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to install EV charging stations in Chatham, Blenheim, Dresden, and Wallaceburg.
The Level 2 dual-port EV charging stations are strategically located at the following municipal facilities:
-Gable Rees Rotary Pool at 66 Regent St., Blenheim
-Cultural Centre & Museum at 75 William St. N, Chatham
-Chatham Civic Centre (front parking lot) at 315 King St. W, Chatham
-Chatham Civic Centre (underground parking lot) at 315 King St. W, Chatham
-John Bradley Convention Centre at 565 Richmond St., Chatham
-Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre at 1212 North St., Dresden
-Wallaceburg Service Centre at 786 Dufferin Ave., Wallaceburg
According to municipal officials, Level 2 EV charging stations are well suited for one to two-hour “top-ups.”
"In 2019, Council declared a climate emergency and called for actions to address the local impacts of climate change," municipal officials said through a media release. "This investment in creating a local municipal charging network will support electric vehicle adoption as a way to curb greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation."
The EV charging stations will be free to use during a trial period of at least six months to promote the use of electric vehicles. The municipality also encourages residents to share their feedback on the charging stations during the trial period.
"A long-term program including the adoption of user fees will be assessed and presented to council following the 6-month period based on the feedback received, usage, and operation and maintenance costs," said municipal officials.
The total cost of the project was approximately $150,000 with contributions of $70,000 from ChargerCrew Canada. According to the municipality, the project is part of an initiative to deploy a network of EV charging stations at multiple locations in Southwestern Ontario. Chatham-Kent’s contributions to the project are being funded by the municipality’s Green Energy Initiatives Reserve, which supports environmental sustainability in the community.
The municipality is also exploring sponsorship opportunities to contribute to the project and welcomes interested parties to reach out.
Feedback and inquiries can be directed to ck311@chatham-kent.ca or by calling 311 or 519-360-1998.
