City of Temiskaming approves more EV chargers
The city believes in power to the people, both figuratively and literally.
The municipality is poised to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at the New Liskeard branch of the public library and at the Waterfront Pool and Fitness Centre. The municipality is poised to receive funding from the province's EV ChargeON program to cover two-thirds of the $95,000 price tag.
Speaking at Temiskaming Shores' recent Committee of the Whole meeting, director of recreation Mathew Bahm said the Level 2 chargers are smaller and easier to install and offer many benefits.
"Level 2 chargers offer a medium speed charge at approximately 12-19kW per hour which provides a ‘top-up’ for those who stay at a location for a couple hours, for example, when visiting the library or the pool," Bahm said in his report to council.
"They can also provide a 'fill-up' when plugged in overnight. Costs to charge are usually around $2 per hour. Currently, there are two Level 2 chargers in the north part of the city and one Level 2 charger in the south part of the city."
Revenues from the chargers will come back into the city coffers, he noted.
Bahm said having such EV chargers is important not just for local residents and tourists, but for the environment as well.
"Providing public access charging infrastructure is in-line with the city’s climate goals and will continue to show leadership in electrification and mitigation of climate change," he said.
"Installation of public access EV chargers would contribute to an overall decrease in CO2 emissions. Transportation-related emissions comprise 28 per cent of Canada’s CO2 emissions and the electrification of passenger vehicles is a major component of reducing that number."
The city will have 12 months to complete the project and submit paperwork for the provincial funding.
"Procurement for the project would need to begin in early fall 2026 to ensure sufficient time for a new HydroOne connection at the (Pool Fitness Centre) site and to ensure equipment can be available for installation in spring 2027," Bahm added.
