THUNDER BAY — Local motorists considering the purchase of an electric vehicle should soon see an added incentive to make that investment.
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission says it's ready to help companies, institutions, entrepreneurs and property owners establish electric vehicle charging stations around the city.
The program's goal is at least 60 new Level 2 mid-range chargers or Level 3 fast chargers.
In an announcement Wednesday, the CEDC said it has secured federal funding for a program it calls Plug in Thunder Bay.
The program will cover up to 50 per cent of purchase and installation costs.
Eric Zakrewski, CEO of the CEDC, said it has the potential to support $1 million in electric vehicle infrastructure.
"Plug in Thunder Bay will support business owners, property owners, our academic institutions, Indigenous groups and institutions, and many others" with projects in public places, workplaces, on-street, light-duty vehicle fleets, and multi-unit residential buildings, Zakrewski said.
It will also allow the CEDC to support EarthCare Thunder Bay's community goal of moving the city toward a carbon-neutral future.
Amy Coomes, sustainability coordinator for EarthCare, said "This investment will allow electric vehicles to become more feasible in our community and ultimately help meet the targets included in the Thunder Bay Net-Zero Strategy."
Applications for funding will be accepted by the CEDC until Dec. 17, 2021.
More information is available online.
The CEDC previously reached out to potential participants to determine the level of interest, and expects the program will have a good uptake.
