Coquitlam is rolling out the biggest expansion yet of its electric vehicle charging network, with the support of federal funding.

Through Canada's Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, six user-pay EV charging stations serving 11 parking stalls were installed this spring, and another five stations serving 10 stalls will be added by summer of 2021 - bringing the total number of City-owned stations to 13. The expansion is one of the many steps the City has taken to save energy, reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and address the impact of climate change since signing the Climate Action Charter in 2007.

"We're very happy to partner with the federal government on a project that will significantly improve access to electric vehicle charging in Coquitlam," Mayor Richard Stewart said. "By making it easier for Coquitlam residents to own electric vehicles, we're also taking steps toward meeting our community emission-reduction targets."

The federal program, administered by Natural Resources Canada, is contributing $5,000 per parking stall served - between one-third and one-half of the cost. Funding for the remaining portion is budgeted through the City's capital plan.

"We are committed to innovation and building a clean energy future," said Seamus O'Regan, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "Building electric vehicle charging infrastructure is among the ways that we're continuing to support innovative growth that will bring us closer to meeting Canada's climate, and zero-emissions transportation goals."

New Locations throughout the City

The new stations - five dual-port and one single-port - are a similar type to the City's two existing dual-port stations at City Hall and the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex and also allow for up to two hours of charging.

Now available for use, the new stations can be found at the following locations:

• Two at King Albert Avenue beside Blue Mountain Park: four stalls
• One at The Tennis Centre off Foster Avenue near Poirier Street: two stalls
• Two at Coquitlam Public Library (Poirier): three stalls
• One at City Centre Aquatic Centre: two stalls

The additional five dual-port stations will be added at locations around the community by next summer.

The stations can be used by anyone with a ChargePoint or Flo account. All public EV charging stations can be found at www.plugshare.com. To support EV use in the community, the City has also posted information and a map of charging stations at www.coquitlam.ca/evcharging.

Improving EV Charging Access

The expansion of the City's EV charging network focuses on high-traffic areas while addressing neighbourhoods that are currently underserved, such as Austin Heights.

It will also support those who own - or wish to own - EVs but live in multi-family buildings that don't accommodate EV charging. EV charging infrastructure has been required for new multi-family developments in Coquitlam since 2018.

The public stations are intended for active charging - not long-term parking. To cover costs and promote turnover to serve more EV drivers, the City stations charge $1 per hour, up to a maximum of two hours.

Addressing Climate Change

Coquitlam signed the Climate Action Charter in 2007 and strengthened that commitment in December of 2019, when Council endorsed a motion calling on all levels of government around the world to act with more urgency to lower GHG emissions. Work is now underway on Coquitlam's first comprehensive environmental strategy (see www.coquitlam.ca/enviroplan for details).

The City's commitment to the environment has translated into a variety of activities and practices over the years.

In addition to promoting public EV use, Coquitlam has a growing "Ecofleet" of electric, hybrid and fuel-efficient compact vehicles that currently includes three electric vehicles, eight hybrid vehicles, three electric work vehicles and three electric Zambonis.

Other activities include developing a Climate Adaptation Strategic Plan, monitoring building energy use, educating staff and using energy-sharing systems, LED lighting, programmable thermostats and waste heat recovery systems. The City also promotes energy conservation to the community, including energy rebate programs and tips for residents and businesses.

These efforts will support Coquitlam's goal to reduce corporate GHG emissions to 40 per cent below 2007 levels by 2025. For more information on Coquitlam's climate change initiatives, visit www.coquitlam.ca/climateaction.

About Canada's Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program

The Government of Canada believes electrification is key to transitioning to a low-carbon future, and has set ambitious federal targets for zero-emission vehicles reaching 10 per cent of light-duty vehicles sales per year by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040. To that end, the 2019 federal budget committed $130 million from 2019-2024 to deploy a network of zero-emission vehicle charging (level 2 and higher) and refuelling stations in more areas where Canadians live, work and play.