Six electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed in Muskoka.
The locations, which were not detailed in a Jan. 25 report to District of Muskoka council, are on district-owned land and “near amenities and with public access.”
In an email to the MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom, Lauren Valliere, climate initiatives coordinator, says more will be known about the locations in April.
“The district is actively investigating with our partners to finalize the most suitable sites for EV chargers,” she writes. “We would be pleased to share more details once the information is confirmed.”
April is when Valliere expects to hear back on the status of the district and Lakeland’s application for Ontario’s EV ChargeON funding program.
Coun. Peter M. Johnston asked if it’s possible to work with multiple providers and create more than just six stations.
However, Valliere explained the six chosen by staff were the only suitable ones. “We do have a lot of properties, but the majority are either small sites for pumping stations or wastewater sites that are not near anything in particular,” she said.
She added to apply for the grant, only one provider can apply for each location. Valliere said one spot could make more money than another, so staff having to choose between providers would be tricky.
Valliere said if more spots are deemed worthy in the future, another provider could be brought in but, for now, staff wants to take a consistent approach.
“I think we need as many of these as possible,” added Johnston.
He pointed out that he believes there is a lack of EV chargers globally.
“It sends a strong a strong signal to the public about our involvement in mitigating climate change,” he said.
