Of the 454 new charging locations to be built in B.C. as part of the $2.7 million community charging infrastructure fund, 10 will be in Maple Ridge.
“One of the cornerstones of the Maple Ridge community vision is carbon neutrality and the use of leading edge environmental technologies,” said Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin.
Charging stations have already been built as part of the upgrades to Maple Ridge Fire Hall No. 1 and the new Maple Ridge Community Animal Shelter, built in partnership with the B.C. SPCA.
Six of the eight new stations will be built and managed by the district, while Fraser Health will manage the other two at Ridge Meadows Hospital.
“Maple Ridge has been a leader in alternate fuel technology with 28 hybrid vehicles in our fleet in addition to the electric truck. It’s good for the environment, and with soaring fuel costs, it’s been a solid business decision to control costs,” Daykin said.
Eight charging connections will be deployed at four locations in Maple Ridge, including the District of Maple Ridge Operations Centre, Dewdney Trunk Road in front of municipal hall, 224th Street in the town centre and multiple outlets in the underground parking facility that serves the Leisure Centre, the Maple Ridge Business Centre, and the Maple Ridge Arts Centre Theatre.
The Level 2 charging stations allow electric vehicles to recharge more quickly than traditional power outlets.
The goal is to have the stations operational by March 2013.
“A local doctor who owns a Nissan Leaf talked to staff about how charging infrastructure in places like Granville Island and other areas of the Lower Mainland influence his choices when planning a family shopping trip or night out,” said Laura Benson, district manager of sustainability and corporate planning.
“Part of the decision to place charging stations in the Maple Ridge town centre, both in the underground parking and on surface streets is to ensure that our business community can attract customers who are making the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles,” she added.
“Just as our community is dotted with gas stations, over time we will start to see charging locations become part of the landscape.”