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Regional District of Nanaimo gets funding for new electric vehicle charging stations

Three stations coming to Parksville, one for Qualicum Beach
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More electric vehicle charging stations will be installed in the Regional District of Nanaimo. (Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions photo)

The Regional District of Nanaimo has received a grant from the Provincial CleanBC Communities Fund to install 10 new public electric vehicle charging stations.

The $162,222 grant will pay for new Level 2 charging stations, to be completed by the end of 2022. It will help fill existing gaps in the mid-Island’s area’s charging network and expand zero emission transportation options for the RDN residents, businesses and visitors.

The funding is part of a larger grant application led by the RDN to support the development of a mid-Island EV charging network that ranges north to Campbell River and west to Tofino and Ucluelet. The RDN led the grant on behalf of 12 mid-Island local governments, who will now also receive funding for installation of public charging stations in their areas. This co-operative network helps to ensure RDN residents, businesses and visitors can move effectively through the mid-Island area using low carbon transport.

READ MORE: Parksville council votes against applying for electric vehicle charging station grant

“We are pleased to be awarded this grant to install EV charging stations in the RDN and other mid-Island municipalities,” said RDN chair Ian Thorpe. “This supports the RDN’s strategic plan goal to be leaders in climate change adaptation and mitigation by making it easier to choose zero-emission transportation.”

All charging stations will be located at accessible public facilities and will prioritize public access. Charging stations will be installed at the following locations, already approved by the RDN board: Electoral Areas B — Descanso Bay Regional Park; E — Nanoose Place Community Centre; G — French Creek Marina (RDN pump station); H — Lighthouse Community Hall.

In municipalities, the charging stations will be installed at the District of Lantzville municipal hall parking lot; Nanaimo Service and Resource Centre (SARC) building; one at Parksville city hall and two at Oceanside Place Arena; and the Qualicum Beach Museum.

— NEWS Staff

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