More than two dozen EV charging stations coming to Vancouver Island

More than two dozen EV charging stations coming to Vancouver Island
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The provincial government announced Tuesday that the Regional District of Nanaimo will install 28 Level 2 EV charging stations on Vancouver Island as part of a partnership project with 11 local and regional governments.

If you’re the owner of an electric vehicle, you’ll soon be able to charge your vehicle at more locations on Vancouver Island.

The provincial government announced Tuesday that the Regional District of Nanaimo will install 28 Level 2 EV charging stations on Vancouver Island as part of a partnership project with 11 local and regional governments.

The new charging stations will be installed in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Campbell River, Ucluelet, as well as electoral areas within the Regional District of Nanaimo. Those areas are Area B (Decanso Bay Regional Park), Area E (Nanoose Place Community Centre), Area G (French Creek Marina), Area H (Lighthouse Community Hall).

Nanaimo will receive five new stations while Courtenay, Cumberland and Ucluelet will receive two stations. All other communities will receive a single station and the province says all of the new stations will be placed in “key locations” based on public demand.

“People across Vancouver Island are increasingly turning to electric vehicles for a greener driving experience and reduced costs on fuel and maintenance,” George Heyman, B.C.’s minister of environment and climate change strategy, said in a press release. “Through CleanBC and its partnerships, we’re increasing clean transportation options, supporting local economies and making life affordable for people as we build back a stronger, better B.C. for everyone following COVID-19.”

“We are pleased to be awarded this grant to install EV charging stations in the RDN and other mid-Island municipalities. This supports the RDN’s strategic plan goal to be leaders in climate change adaptation and mitigation by making it easier to choose zero-emission transportation,” said Ian Thorpe, chair of the Regional District of Nanaimo.

The initiative is expected to cost more than $650,000 with $275,000 coming from the federal government. The province says it is kicking in $230,000 while local governments on the Island will contribute a combined total of $183,000.

“Expanding electric vehicle stations across Vancouver Island will make clean transportation options more viable to more people,” said Catherine McKenna, federal minister of infrastructure and communities. “Encouraging green energy solutions like this is essential to building strong resilient communities. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds stronger communities.”

The province, however, did not indicate when the new stations would be installed.

ALSO READ: Victoria considering charging fees to use city-owned EV charging stations

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