CENTRE WELLINGTON – The township is getting eight more electric vehicle charging stations – four in Elora and four in Fergus.
And thanks to a grant from the Ontario Electric Vehicle (EV) ChargeON Program, the cost to the township is just $21,500.
Dino Masiero, manager of environmental services, explained to council on Feb. 12 that the granting opportunity became known to staff after the 2024 budget was finalized and approved.
But it’s a great opportunity to expand the township’s capacity, Masiero said, adding the project will be completed by in-house staff with support from Centre Wellington Hydro.
The vendor is Flo and they look after maintenance and operation of the machines while the township can access the charging data.
Managing director of infrastructure services Colin Baker said in terms of where to locate the chargers, “we take a decentralized approach,” installing them away from the downtown cores.
He also said the township doesn’t want to lose on-street parking to the charging stations.
He suggested the EV chargers could be located in the parking lot by Elora’s Bissell Park and the lot by the Fergus Curling Club.
Baker also said charging stations are only to be used by electric vehicles.
“Under the Highway Traffic Act it has to be electric vehicles in those spots,” he said.
“The OPP enforces it although we can include it in our own bylaw” so bylaw officers can also issue tickets.
Council approved the recommendation.
