Meaford is going to look at obtaining provincial funding for two more electric vehicle chargers this week.
Council will consider sending in an application to the EV ChargeON Program for two level three chargers for the proposed 28 Nelson Street West parking lot.
The EV ChargeON Program was opened by the provincial government in October to provide funding for the installation of public electric vehicle chargers, covering 75 per cent of total project costs for municipalities if granted.
This is in addition to the regional partnership to develop an EV Charging Network Strategy, which is looking to install a minimum of four level two chargers at 22 Trowbridge Street East in Meaford. The municipality is not involved in this process aside from providing a land lease for the chargers at no cost for a 10-year period.
Several locations were looked at to set up the EV chargers including the library parking lot, the 22 Trowbridge Street East parking lot, parking on Bayfield Street north of Trowbridge Street East, and the proposed parking lot at 28 Nelson Street West. Each location would also need upgrades to host the chargers, including restoration of the existing infrastructure.
If council decides to install two level three 100 kilowatt chargers, rather than two level three 50 kilowatt chargers, the municipal contribution, if the grant application is a success, is $71,250 of the total $285,000.
A report from Director of Engineering Tori Perejmybida says, “the revenue rates will be determined following review of local rates and anticipated operating costs prior to proceeding with implementation of the EV chargers. The rates will be re-evaluated based on usage once we have data following the first six months and year of usage.”
Council will consider approving sending this application during its meeting on Jan. 29 at 1 p.m.
