The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has successfully secured funding to support the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Thunder Bay.
The objective of the program is to address the lack of charging and refueling stations in Canada, one of the critical barriers to EV adoption, by increasing the availability of localized charging and hydrogen refueling opportunities where Canadians live, work, and play.
The funding will be distributed locally by the CEDC through a program called Plug in Thunder Bay that will help meet the growing charging and refueling demand in Thunder Bay.
“The CEDC is excited to bring more electric vehicle charging stations to the City and encourage the usage of smart technology in the transportation sector,” says Eric Zakrewski, CEO, Thunder Bay CEDC.
“Plug in Thunder Bay will support business owners, property owners, our academic institutions, indigenous groups and institutions, and many others cover up to 50 per cent of costs to purchase and install EV charging stations. Through this funding, CEDC has the opportunity to support $1 million in electric vehicle infrastructure locally.”
Plug-in Thunder Bay will allow CEDC to support EarthCare community goal of moving Thunder Bay toward a carbon-neutral future.
Through the program, accessibility to EV stations can increase in the community and encourage Thunder Bay citizens of all ages and abilities to adopt lower-carbon transportation methods. “We are thrilled that the CEDC has been awarded this funding,” states Amy Coomes, Sustainability Coordinator, EarthCare, City of Thunder Bay.
“This investment will allow electric vehicles to become more feasible in our community and ultimately help meet the targets included in the Thunder Bay Net-Zero Strategy. We are excited to support the CEDC as they help to advance the community toward a net-zero future.”
Starting October 20, CEDC will accept applications for the funding program until December 17. Thunder Bay's companies, institutions, entrepreneurs, and property owners are encouraged to apply to receive up to a 50 per cent contribution toward purchasing and installing Level 2 chargers or fast chargers.
CEDC will support electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects in public places, on-street, workplaces, light-duty vehicle fleets, and multi-unit residential buildings.
To learn more about the Plug in Thunder Bay initiative and how you can access funding through the Thunder Bay CEDC visit: gotothunderbay.ca/plugin
