From the office of Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith
Ontario is building 109 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Parry Sound-Muskoka. This marks a major milestone in the province’s plan to increase access to EV chargers outside of large urban centres and support the electrification of transportation across the province. As the province continues to see substantial job creation and investment in the growing EV and EV battery manufacturing sector, these new charging stations will provide critical supporting infrastructure in communities across the province, including for EVs made right here in Ontario.
“Our government is taking strong action to make life more affordable and convenient for drivers,” said MPP Graydon Smith. “For EV drivers, finding a charging station that’s close by and available can mean the difference between a quick stop and a time-consuming detour that takes time away from work, school or family,” Smith said. “I’m proud to be delivering over 100 new EV charging stations for communities across Parry Sound-Muskoka to make life easier and more convenient for residents.”
You can also click HERE to see the locations.
These new chargers are part of the government’s $63 million EV ChargeON Program Community Sites Stream.
“With more than 201,000 electric vehicles on the road in Ontario, we’re putting shovels in the ground to build more charging stations and make life easier for drivers,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “That includes a focus on smaller and underserved communities across our province where we are providing more certainty for parents and workers during their commutes.”
Each new EV charging site will include Level 2 charging stations, Level 3 charging stations, or a combination of the two. The government has also launched a new Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Price Plan and is exploring options for an Electric Vehicle Charger Discount Electricity Rate to further support EV adoption and reduce emissions. The new Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Price Plan is helping customers who use more electricity at night, including those who charge their electric vehicle, save up to $90 per year.
“Improving EV charging infrastructure is essential to ensuring drivers are confident in electric vehicles,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “By focusing on smaller and medium-sized communities, we’re filling gaps in underserved areas to build a more connected charging network for everyone in Ontario.”
QUICK FACTS
The government is investing a total of $91 million through the EV ChargeON program which consists of two streams: the Community Sites Stream and the Government Sites Stream. Through the Community Sites Stream the government is building over 1,300 chargers. Requests for bids for the Government Sites Stream closed in September 2024.
Businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, and broader public sector organizations (such as hospitals, universities, and colleges) were invited to submit funding applications for the Community Sites Stream.
As of October 2024, there were more than 201,000 EVs registered in Ontario, including both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. By 2030, over one million EVs are expected on Ontario’s roads.
This initiative builds on Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector, a government plan that includes measures aimed to encourage EV uptake across Ontario.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Ontario Tackles Energy Demand by Introducing Affordable Energy Act
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The Real Person!
The Real Person!
This is great news. The lack of easy access to charging stations has limited the ability to explore further northern locations with confidence for EV owners. This is a very positive use of our tax dollars.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
“I’m proud to be delivering over 100 new EV charging stations for communities across Parry Sound-Muskoka to make life easier and more convenient for residents.” – Once again I would like to clarify that in general, you DO NOT NEED A HIGH SPEED CHARGER NEAR WHERE YOU LIVE. Or any public charging really. This will not provide much benefit to residents. It will benefit tourists. I am glad they are doing it, but lets be clear on who it is for. It amazes me how many companies, politicians, and reporters keep getting this wrong. Sure, if you are unprepared or have an emergency, a high speed charger near where you live could be useful. We have been using our EV in Huntsville for over two years (and I love it) and I have NEVER used a high speed charger closer than Orillia. Anyone with a house should get a 220v RV outlet installed for their car charger (most cars come with a level 2 charger that can plug in to an RV outlet) and charge any time they want. You can always charge to full overnight (and it costs almost nothing), even if your battery is dead. For those living in a condo or apartment building, access to a level 2 or high speed charger is more important, but I would not purchase an EV unless you have access to a level 2 charger near your home. The high speed chargers are too expensive. Hopefullly this plan includes level 2 chargers near high density housing – but really anyone putting in high density housing should be putting in RV outlets or level 2 chargers now anyway. Public charging stations are used almost exclusively by travelers and tourists (and possibly for some commercial use). The beneifts are primary for the people who are visiting Muskoka – not the people in Muskoka.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
We have had a electric hybrid since 2018 and honestly its the best car ive ever owned. We also have our own charger, charge overnight and its dirt cheap.
Richard Marwood says
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