County Seeks Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Cumberland Municipal Council agreed today to seek at least two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to serve tourists and a growing market.
District 3 Councillor Jennifer Houghtaling proposed the county seek a federal grant to establish EV stations in Springhill and Pugwash. County staff will research the program offered by Natural Resources Canada which could cover fifty percent of the project cost.
Houghtaling noted the county currently has only one station in Parrsboro and the absence of EV stations may keep people with electric vehicles from travelling the rural county roads. The councillor said Springhill and Pugwash are logical points to provide such a service promoting travel within the county.
Part of the review will look at the availability of EV stations in Colchester County to ensure security for tourists.
A Pugwash location would likely be the Farmers Market, a property owned by the Village of Pugwash.
The Village Commission first raised the idea about three years ago when the province was considering EV stations as part of a travel and tourism project. However, the province opted for a network that follows the main highway from Halifax to Sydney.
The village raised the question again this week at its Monday night meeting and heartily endorsed the concept with the county.
At present there are three basic charging stations—a rapid charging system, the more expensive option, an intermediate charging speed, the preferred option for Pugwash based on cost and the time it takes to fully charge a vehicle, and the slow charge which is not deemed appropriate because charging a single vehicle could take all day. The idea is to provide top-up charges while people are visiting or doing business in the community.
Most officials believe EV stations are part of an effective service for residents and visitors alike. Charging an electric vehicle was once a futuristic thought but today’s rapidly expanding EV market makes it a modern necessity—think of how you would attract tourists to a community that has no gas station.
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