In an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions in Chatham-Kent, the municipality has announced the installation of seven new charging stations for electric vehicles.
Now in service at municipal sites in Chatham, Blenheim, Dresden and Wallaceburg, the charging stations will remain free to use for a six-month trial period to promote the use of electric vehicles.
Following the trial period, a long-term program will be presented to the municipal council based on usage and feedback received, along with costs associated with operation and maintenance. The program will also include the adoption of user fees moving forward.
The project to install EV charging stations was implemented after council declared a climate emergency in 2019, to address the local impacts of climate change.
The total cost to install the seven charging stations was around $150,000, with ChargerCrew Canada contributing $70,000. The remaining cost was funded by the municipality through its Green Energy Initiatives Reserve.
The municipality said it is currently looking for interested parties for sponsorship opportunities that would contribute to the project.
The Level 2 dual-port EV charging stations are 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
