Lake of Bays council is moving forward with a contract to install electric vehicles (EV) charging stations.
During its July 9 meeting, council awarded the contract to Bracebridge Generation Ltd. (Lakeland EV Charing).
April Best-Sararas, director of planning services, told council Lakeland has resources to assess, upgrade and connect any suitable grid circuit.
“All charger sites would be separately metered with new service connections. They would not impact the township’s existing accounts and services and would not draw power from an existing site,” said Best-Sararas.
She added the municipality would provide the land, and Lakeland would be responsible for the costs and management of the EV charging installation project, from strategic planning and implementation to ongoing operation and maintenance.
Best-Sararas explained the Lakeland proposal provided a number of “value added features,” which include data monitoring and tracking of the EV chargers, educational workshops, and outreach programs on EV adoption.
“The number of charging stations and potential locations are to be determined through this project,” said Best-Sararas.
The previous report shared during the Feb. 13 council meeting explains how the adoption of EVs will be one of the quickest and best ways to support the reduction in transportation sector greenhouse gases (GHG).
“EV technology is being adopted by more and more Ontarians and Muskokans’, and the demand for charging infrastructure in Lake of Bays is increasing,” reads the report. “Lake of Bays is not well-positioned to support resident or seasonal EV drivers.”
It continues detailing how this project has “significant positive benefits” to local climate change mitigation efforts.
“Implementing EV chargers will support the adoption of EVs for both the township’s seasonal and permanent residents, as well as support the District of Muskoka in becoming a preferred tourist destination for EV drivers around Ontario, Canada, and the United States,” reads the report.
