The Regional District of Nanaimo plans to add 10 electric vehicle charging stations within its jurisdiction.
It’s part of a major plan to install 28 new Level 2 EV charging stations across the mid-Island, expanding the current capacity from 70 to 98 charging stations.
The RDN has been requested to act as lead applicant on a CleanBC Communities Fund grant application earlier this year by Community Energy Association, a non-profit society whose mandate is to build capacity and to accelerate action on climate and energy collaboratively with local governments.
The CEA will develop the grant application for the project area that encompasses the mid-Island communities including the RDN, north to Campbell River and west to Tofino and Ucluelet.
The regional district proposed 10 Level 2 charging stations to be located at RDN facilities and parks at a cost $222,222. It is subject to the RDN’s successful quest for funding. CleanBC funds 73 per cent of approved applications. That would mean the RDN will receive funding of $162,222 and the $60,000 balance will be covered by local governments. Once the funds are secured, the installation of the charging stations can begin in 2020.
The selection of the 10 proposed locations had to be on civic lands as required for the grant. Site access, technical feasibility and distribution among members jurisdiction were taken into consideration in selecting the sites. They were ranked from one to three, with one meeting all or majority of the selection criteria.
In District 69, the locations include Nanoose Place community Centre, Errington Community Park, French Creek Marina, Lighthouse Community Hall, Parksville City Hall, Oceanside Place Arena, and Qualicum Beach Museum. Other locations include Descanso Bay Regional Park, Huddleston Park and the City of Nanaimo Service and Resource Centre.
The RDN strategic plan 2019-20 has set goals to address climate change and to reduce energy consumption.
Usage data will be monitored for one year to evaluate the suitability of each location, user pay options and long-term maintenance.
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