Stratford has received a federal grant that will help the city install 23 electric vehicle charging stations over the next three years, officials have announced.
The $160,000 grant is part of $1 billion the federal government has spent since 2016 to help make electric vehicles more affordable, according to a Friday announcement from National Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.
That effort includes the establishment of a coast-to-coast network of chargers and rebates of up to $5,000 for Canadians who purchase an electric vehicle.
“Investing in more EV chargers, like the ones announced today … will put more Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future and help achieve our climate goals,” Wilkinson said in a statement.
Stratford is covering the remaining cost of the nearly two-dozen local charging stations – just over $317,000. One of those stations will have Level 3 fast charging capacity, Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma said in a statement.
“I’m so pleased with the support from the National Resources Canada regarding the city’s work on increasing the number of EV stations in our community,” Ritsma said. “The use of the EV charging stations will benefit our local residents and the 1.5 million-plus yearly visitors to our city. This project certainly blends well with our city’s strategic priorities, which includes the 30 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”
The charging stations in Stratford were not the only vehicle-sector announcements the federal government made on Friday.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra also announced in Mississauga two calls for proposals.
The first will seek projects for the government’s Green Freight Program, a $200 million effort officials said will improve the energy efficiency of Canadian freight companies.
The second is an expansion of the the Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, a plan to support more widespread adoption of low-emission and zero-emission medium and heavy duty vehicles across the country.
Both calls for proposals will be open to applicants on Dec. 12 through Natural Resources Canada’s website.
“By investing in fleet-wide solutions, the Government of Canada is supporting truckers in reducing emissions while maintaining our vital supply chains and getting Canadians the products they need on time,” Alghabra said. “Whether they are consumers or truck drivers, folks across Canada are making the switch to cleaner options that also save them money at the pump.”