Now is the time for Saskatchewan municipalities to get on the EV map. With new federal funding delivered at the local level, communities have a valuable opportunity to increase EV charging stops, attract more drivers, and expand essential infrastructure where it's needed most. 

The Municipal Electric Vehicle Initiative (MEVi) is facilitated by Eco-West Canada on behalf of the Government of Canada with partial funding from Natural Resources Canada. Eco-West Canada is proud to partner with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Municipal Eco-Action Centre to engage communities throughout Saskatchewan. 

"The Municipal Electric Vehicle Initiative will help local governments access the funding and support they need to build EV infrastructure that fits their communities," said SUMA CEO Jean-Marc Nadeau. "Our partnership with Eco-West ensures municipalities have the tools to cut emissions, support healthier communities, and be ready for the future of transportation." 

MEVi provides funding support to municipalities, non-profits, First Nations, and other eligible organizations to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the province. 

MEVi helps Saskatchewan communities "plug in and power up," offering up to 50% of eligible project costs: 

• Level 2 Chargers: Up to $5,000 per connector 
• Fast Chargers: Up to $15,000-$75,000 per unit, depending on capacity 

Funding is available for a wide range of public and high-use locations, including town halls, arenas, municipal parking lots, workplaces, on-street locations, multi-unit residential buildings, and light-duty vehicle fleets. 

EV charging stations offer more than just environmental benefits: 

• Generate revenue: Charging stations can increase your property value and allow you to generate money through service fees. They can also encourage customers to visit your location and stay longer to purchase goods and services while waiting for their vehicle to charge. 
• Raise your public profile: EV chargers provide a visible symbol of your commitment to sustainability and help put your community or organization "on the map" when people search for EV charging locations. 
• Build green infrastructure: By installing EV chargers, communities contribute capacity to a more sustainable local infrastructure and support the shift to low-carbon transportation options for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. 

"Thanks to funding we received from Natural Resources Canada, Saskatchewan communities are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in sustainable transportation," says Dany Robidoux, Executive Director of Eco-West Canada. "MEVi funding makes it easier for municipalities and organizations to take that next step toward reducing emissions and creating more accessible EV infrastructure." 

Eco-West Canada, with its deep roots in municipal sustainability work, is facilitating this initiative as part of a broader national push to accelerate Canada's clean transportation future. 

Eligible applicants include municipalities, First Nations and Indigenous organizations, co-operatives, businesses, and non-profits with a focus on public benefit and long-term environmental impact. 

To learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit: https://eco-ouest.com/municipal-electric-vehicle-initiative/