BC Hydro is installing eight new DC fast-charging ports at the G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre in Saanich, expanding public electric vehicle charging options in the area.
Construction at the recreation centre, located at 3100 Tillicum Road, is scheduled to take place in two phases over approximately five weeks, beginning Monday, January 19th and running through Friday, February 20th.
According to the District of Saanich, pedestrian access to Pearkes Recreation Centre and nearby Tillicum Centre will be maintained throughout the project.
Work crews will be active on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., with all travel lanes, sidewalks and crosswalks restored to normal use at the end of each workday.
The first phase of construction will run from January 19th to 22nd and will involve excavation and underground duct installation along Bodega Road and Arena Road. During this time, Bodega Road will be closed between Ker Avenue and Arena Road.
Sidewalks and bike lanes on the west side of Bodega Road, as well as both the north and south sidewalks on Arena Road, will be temporarily closed. Single-lane alternating traffic will be in place on Arena Road.
The second phase, scheduled from January 26th to February 20th, will focus on installing the DC fast-charging stations in Pearkes Recreation Centre parking lot.
Construction areas will be fenced off, while the travel lane at the northwest end of the site near the GVPL Saanich Centennial Branch will remain open.
BC Hydro will complete the installation under a licence agreement with the District of Saanich and will retain ownership and responsibility for operating the charging station once it is complete.
The new chargers are intended to support Saanich’s Climate Plan and Electric Mobility Strategy by improving access to fast, convenient charging near recreation and shopping areas.
Since the Capital Regional District released its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Roadmap in 2021, Saanich has added 38 new public Level 2 chargers, representing a 42% increase.
However, the number of DC fast-charging ports in the district has remained unchanged at 26. The eight new chargers at Pearkes Recreation Centre are expected to help address that gap and improve service availability for residents.
The project also aligns with BC Hydro’s broader efforts to expand its public charging network across the province as electric vehicle adoption continues to grow.
