People in Vancouver Island communities will have more options to plug in their electric vehicles (EV) as investment from all levels of government will expand EV charging stations, offering clean transportation, reducing pollution and supporting CleanBC goals.

The Regional District of Nanaimo, in partnership with 11 local and regional governments, will install 28 EV charging stations on Vancouver Island. This expands the existing network of Level 2 EV charging stations in the Nanaimo and Parksville area, as well as in communities such as Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Campbell River, Tofino and Ucluelet, among others.

“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.”

Approximately $230,000 from the Province’s CleanBC Communities Fund and $275,000 from the federal government’s Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program will be available for the project. Participating local governments are together investing more than $183,000.

The new EV charging stations in key locations are based on public demand and current gaps in availability. They will provide people with clean transportation options, support the local clean economy and reduce pollution.

“People across Vancouver Island are increasingly turning to electric vehicles for a greener driving experience and reduced costs on fuel and maintenance,” said George Heyman, B.C.’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “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.”

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quotes:

Sheila Malcolmson, B.C.’s Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, and MLA for Nanaimo  –

“People in Nanaimo and on Vancouver Island are strong supporters of green, clean and affordable communities. This B.C. investment will help people to switch to electric vehicles and continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan  –

“By expanding the network of electric vehicle charging stations, we are making it more convenient for people on Vancouver Island to choose green methods of transportation. This investment will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring people can get where they need to go efficiently.”

Ian Thorpe, board chair, Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), and councillor, City of Nanaimo–

“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.”

Quick Facts:

• The CleanBC Communities Fund invests in public infrastructure owned by local governments, Indigenous communities, not-for-profits and projects in partnership with for-profit entities.
• Together, the federal and provincial government have committed more than $46 million in 11 projects across British Columbia as part of the first intake of the CleanBC Communities Fund. The second intake is open until Nov. 12, 2020.
• Examples of eligible projects include EV charging stations, public building retrofits to improve energy efficiency and clean energy projects that reduce community energy expenses and greenhouse gas emissions.
• The CleanBC Communities Fund is part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Green Infrastructure Stream.
• Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

Learn More:

More information on the CleanBC Communities Fund, including program eligibility criteria and how to apply for the next intake, is available at: www.gov.bc.ca/cleanbc-communities-fund

Read about the Government of B.C.’s CleanBC plan: www.cleanbc.gov.bc.ca

For more information on the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/Investing-in-Canada-Infrastructure-Program

A backgrounder follows.