Welland adds two electric chargers behind City Hall

With a bit of a ‘boost’ from the federal government, Welland has added two new charging stations right behind City Hall.

The two stations, made possible by a $20,000 Natural Resources Canada Grant, will allow four electric vehicles to charge at any point.

Noting that the grant dropped the city funding to less than $28,000, Mayor Frank Campion said the two stations will be paid for by building permit revenues but added that their cost was accounted for in the 2023 capital budget.

“The federal grant significantly offsets the cost to the City for this environmentally-friendly initiative, and we will appreciate the support of the federal government to provide sustainable and environmental options in Welland,” said Campion.

“Though the main objective of this project is to provide efficient charging for the City’s current and future EV fleet, it also offers residents the ability to charge their EVs in expanding locations.”

The charging stations will be available for public use during the day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be available for City fleet charging at all times. The City will monitor usage over the next few weeks to consider expanding the public charging times. Charging costs are $3 per hour, including the charging and parking fees.

“We are pleased to contribute to the construction of the newly installed level 2 ChargePoint EV Charging Stations behind Welland City Hall,” said Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey.

“Establishing sustainable infrastructure is essential to facilitate the transition towards clean energy and zero-emission methods of transportation. We know how important sustainability investments are to the people of Welland and we will continue to make them in the community.”

The city estimates that adopting EVs into their fleet vehicles will reduce the City’s carbon emissions by approximately 17,500 kg per year.