This week, the District of Saanich, in partnership with the Capital Regional District (CRD), brought 14 new EV charging stations online throughout the community.
These stations are part of the CRD’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network Project. The project aims to install 576 chargers to the capital region by 2028.
The new EV charging stations were strategically installed in neighbourhoods with a high proportion of multi-unit residential buildings, where at-home charging can be difficult due to lack of electrical infrastructure.
“The completion of these new public EV chargers in Saanich is an important step in building a connected, accessible charging network across the region,” said Rory Tooke, environmental innovation senior manager with the CRD.
“Through strong partnerships with municipalities like Saanich, the CRD is helping to make cleaner transportation options a more convenient and viable choice.”
Tooke noted that this project is part of a regional effort to reduce emissions, support sustainable growth and build a cleaner future for Greater Victoria.
The new charging stations are now online and available for use at:
- Wascana Street, north of Gorge Road W – two public charging stations
- Earl Grey Street, north of Gorge Road W – two public charging stations
- Garnet Road, east of Shelbourne Street – three public charging stations with one stall dedicated to a Modo car share vehicle
- Scotia Street, west of Glasgow Avenue – three public charging stations with one Modo stall
In addition to the 12 charging stations above, a dual-port charging station is located on Allenby Street at Richmond Road. This station includes one Modo-designated stall, and is currently under construction but expected to be operational this summer.
“Modo is delighted to bring shared electric vehicles to this project in Saanich,” said Tooke.
“EV charging infrastructure is an important part of the puzzle, and yet access matters too. By pairing charging with carsharing, more people can experience the benefits of electric vehicles without the cost and responsibility of ownership.”
Those using these chargers must abide by a three-hour time limit and pay $1.50 per hour to help recover the costs of operating these chargers.
Funding for these chargers was provided by the provincial and federal governments through the CleanBC Communities Fund and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund.
According to the District, personal vehicles remain the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Saanich and are responsible for around 38% of the municipality’s emissions.
This is one of the reasons why demand for EV chargers has been growing by around 42% per year since 2021.
💬 Join the conversation
No comments yet — be the first to start the conversation
