By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
The Town of Essex celebrated the installation of eight publicly accessible Level 2 – mid-range – Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations on the morning of Wednesday, January 28, where Council members and Town staff hosted a demonstration.
The eight charging stations are split between the municipal parking lot located adjacent to the Heritage Gardens Park on Wilson Avenue in Essex Centre and the Harrow & Colchester Community Centre. The new additions – which are now active – expand upon the EV charging stations already available in the municipality, such as at the ones at the Essex Centre Sports Complex.
“This location is amazing, because you can come to Essex and plug and shop,” Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy said during the announcement event that was hosted in the parking lot adjacent to the Heritage Gardens Park. This EV charge station is steps away from the downtown commercial core of Essex Centre.
Councillor Kim Verbeek joined the Mayor for the announcement.
The chargers will require user payment for use.
The charging stations were made available through funding from Aviva Canada’s “Charged for Change” initiative, delivered in partnership with Earth Day Canada.
“As electric vehicles become more common, municipalities must ensure we have the right infrastructure in place,” Bondy said, while the Town of Essex’s electric vehicles used in the Community Services and Infrastructure Services Departments were being charged. The Town is also scheduled to purchase a hybrid vehicle for the By-Law Department as part of this Term of Council’s Strategic Plan of electrifying the Town’s fleet.
“These charging stations support our long-term sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging cleaner transportation choices, and strengthening local infrastructure in ways that benefit our entire community,” Bondy added, noting the investment helps to ensure “Essex is ready for the future, while contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.”
She thanked Aviva Canada and Earth Day Canada on behalf of Essex staff and Council for the grant.
Though neither organization was able to have a rep onsite for the event, Bondy noted they extended congratulations on the completion of the installation of the EV charging infrastructure.
She relayed comments from the organizations that noted they were thrilled to support the Town of Essex with the project, and that Aviva and Earth Day Canada are committed to a more sustainable future through addressing issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions.
Now that the charging stations are active and available, Town staff will take note as to how often they are used and determine whether or not this is something the Town will continue to evolve and grow, David McBeth, Essex’s Manager of Capital Works and Asset Management, explained.
Thanks to the grant, he noted the eight EV charge stations were installed at no cost to taxpayers and it is a benefit for them.
The total grant was for $99,000, with the addition of Contingency Funds up to $110,000.
As part of the grant, Town staff will report on their usage over the next three-years.