A national funding program will help Okotoks boost the number of EV chargers that are available in the community.
Spearheaded by insurance provider Aviva Canada, in partnership with Earth Day Canada, the Charged for Change program provides charging stations to address a lack of infrastructure in municipalities.
This year, eight municipalities will receive funding through the program and Okotoks is the lone municipality west of Ontario that was selected.
“We are thrilled the Town of Okotoks was selected as a funding recipient for the Aviva Charged for Change program," said Valerie Ekelund, climate change and energy specialist with the Town.
The program provides $3 million over three years to bring more Level 2 chargers into communities.
“The goal of Charged for Change is to help level the playing field for municipalities with insufficient access,” Aviva executive Paul Fletcher said in a statement.
Submissions from across Canada were accepted this year after funding was awarded to seven municipalities in Ontario in year one, the company said.
Earth Day Canada, a charitable organization that helps individuals, municipalities and organizations reduce their environmental footprint, said it’s grateful to work with Aviva Canada.
“The collective transition to electromobility is a key part of the global climate change solution,” said Valérie Mallamo, executive director of Earth Day Canada.
The Town of Okotoks said the agreement has not been finalized and more details would be released.
Currently, the Town operates Level 2 chargers at the municipal centre and library
Funding applications for year three of the Charged for Change program open in the fall.
