Two new Commercial Level 2 ChargePoint Stations and the necessary electrical infrastructure, allowing up to four electric vehicles to charge simultaneously, are now operational behind City Hall.

With a $20,000 Natural Resources Canada Grant from the ZEVIP program, the grant reduced the City’s net cost to just under $28,000, funded through building permit revenue and accounted for in the 2023 capital budget.

“The federal grant significantly offsets the cost to the City for this environmentally-friendly initiative, and we will appreciate the support of the federal government to provide sustainable and environmental options in Welland,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “Though the main objective of this project is to provide efficient charging for the City’s current and future EV fleet, it also offers residents the ability to charge their EVs in expanding locations.”

The charging stations will be available for public use during the day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be available for City fleet charging at all times once operational. The City will monitor usage over the next few weeks to consider expanding the public charging times. Charging costs are $3 per hour, including the charging and parking fees.

“We are pleased to contribute to the construction of the newly installed level 2 ChargePoint EV Charging Stations behind Welland City Hall,” said Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre. “Establishing sustainable infrastructure is essential to facilitate the transition towards clean energy and zero-emission methods of transportation. We know how important sustainability investments are to the people of Welland and we will continue to make them in the community.”

This project aligns with Council’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, particularly Environmental Stewardship. It also helps implement policies of the City’s Official Plan, including creating a more sustainable city and implementing technologies which contribute to improvements in the quality of air. Furthermore, adopting EVs by the City will reduce the City’s carbon emissions by approximately 17,500 kg per year.