Electric charging stations coming to Okotoks

The community south of Calgary is one of eight Canadian municipalities to install new charging stations as part of Canada's Earth Day campaign.

Insurance provider Aviva Canada is behind the Charged for Change initiative, which aims to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to Canadian shores.

Okotoks, Alta., 45 kilometers south of Calgary, is one of the recipients in the second year of the program.

“Aviva Canada is tackling climate change and helping to build stronger, more resilient communities by investing in community charging stations,” the company said in a statement, adding that access to such stations can often be a barrier for residents considering an EV purchase. .

“That's why we've partnered with Earth Day Canada to create Charged for Change, a program to fund public electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities in communities across Canada with limited or no access to EV infrastructure,” said Aviva.

The funding will help build Level 2 electric charging stations, the most common type of charger in public spaces.

In 2023, the first year of the three-year program, the company said 37 charging heads will be installed.

Earth Day Canada, an organization that promotes conservation and helps individuals, municipalities and organizations reduce their impact on the environment, is grateful for Aviva's commitment.

“The collective transition to electric mobility is a key part of the solution to global climate change,” executive director Valerie Mallamo said in a statement.

He says installing electric chargers in rural municipalities will increase opportunities and reduce some of the mistrust residents have about the technology.

The city of Okotoks says the grant announcement is a “great step” for the community.

There is no written contract for the installation, officials said, but they hope construction could begin at least this summer.

The representative said the city already has two electric chargers at the public library and one at Okotoks City Hall, so adding more, including those that are partially paid for, would make it much better for the community.

Interested municipalities can apply for a third year of funding in the fall.