The Town of Minto has authorized a private company to prepare and submit an application on the town’s behalf for 100% provincial funding to install electric vehicle charging stations at several municipal facilities.
Arntjen Solar (Sun Saver 2) proposed a partnership through which the company would apply to the province’s Electric Vehicle Charger Program on behalf of the town, explained CAO Bill White in a report at the Feb. 4 council meeting.
If approved the company would install the units on town property at locations such as the municipal office and local community centres.
White explained the province is offering a one-time competitive application-based grant program to set up charging stations on “major inter-city transportation corridors.”
White said much of the funding is expected to be allocated to higher traffic corridors such as 400 series highways and other major routes.
“It is not clear whether Highways 89, 9 or 23 will be considered ‘heavily travelled’ under this program,” the report states.
“However, the locations the town can offer to host the equipment are very close to the provincial highways and strategic locations along these corridors will be needed in time as electric vehicles become more popular.”
If the application is successful, White notes, an agreement regarding installation, maintenance and revenue would have to be worked out with the company.
“With landscaping proposed in front of the town office, having (a charging station) available in the front parking lot just off the highway would be excellent for customer service” White pointed out.
“The equipment can be tied in to solar installations still proposed for the town office and the three arenas. This creates a unique situation where solar power could be directed into the (station) as a more complete environmental solution.”
Installation, including power supply, is expected to cost between $50,000 and $100,000 although 100% of that cost would be borne by the province for a successful application. Operational costs are not known, although the program allows two per cent of funding to be used to support operations
While a service charge can be levied on users, White noted, “there are limits on what you can charge to charge your vehicle, something like $10 maximum, which is pretty low.”
Councillor Jean Anderson expressed concern that unless the solar power system becomes a reality, the charging stations would still leave an “ecological footprint.
“Hydro is not a non-toxic fuel source, it requires a fuel to be burned to produce this,’ she noted.
Anderson said if there was a guarantee or “strong commitment” that a solar source would be possible, “I’d be all for it.”
White said, “The thought was it seems like this tidal wave has already stated to land, so do we want to continue to join in with it and see where it takes us?”
He pointed out the town would only be committing to making an application at this time.
Council approved a recommendation to authorize Arntjen Solar to proceed with the application on the town’s behalf.
Councillors Mary Lou Colwell, Judy Dirksen, Ron Elliott and Dave Turton voted in favour, while Anderson was opposed. Mayor George Bridge and deputy mayor Ron Faulkner were absent.
