BY JANELLE LABELLE

During Monday evening’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls, Director of Public Works and Utilities Paul McMunn presented council with the opportunity to direct staff to apply for a grant to build new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. 

The grant, available through the province’s ChargeON program, would cover a portion of the cost to purchase and install necessary charging stations. ChargeON aims to reduce range anxiety and increase available infrastructure for long-distance EV travel. 

Town staff recommended installing four level two chargers at the Youth Arena, with the grant paying for $30,000 and the town bearing the remaining cost of $34,040. Level two chargers are less expensive than level three, and they charge more slowly.

Mayor Shawn Pankow noted that the arena could be a good venue for level three chargers, as people could charge their electric vehicles over several hours while attending games. He suggested a multi-year approach, where the town continues to increase its collection of EV charging stations over several years. 

“Thanks for watching out for funding opportunities,” noted Councilor Jennifer Miller. “I think from an environmental perspective this is part of our vision; I also think from an economic development and tourism perspective it’s really critical. I would have picked the Market Street [parking lot] location as the place to start. If you’re parked downtown for a few hours you can shop and eat in our restaurants, so Mayor Pankow’s comments about doing a multi-year approach might be wise; perhaps you could do Market St next.”

Council offered their full support for applying for this grant.