MOU paves way for EV charging stations at Crystal Ridge library
January 14, 2026 at 3:31 AM
Patrons of the Crystal Ridge branch of the Fort Erie Public Library will soon be able to charge their electric vehicles (EV) while they’re browsing for the latest book or movie to borrow.
The Town has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the library that paves the way for electric vehicle charging stations to be installed at the Ridgeway branch. Fort Erie received a grant last year to help pay for the installation of four electric vehicle charging stations, including the one planned for the library.
Councillors approved the MOU with only a few technical questions, including one from Mayor Wayne Redekop about what would happen if the MOU is terminated. Breanna Antonio, the Town’s intermediate policy planner, said that was unlikely since the MOU is in the best interest of both parties.
However, the Town will retain ownership of the stations.
“It is our asset, we would be able to remove them if we needed to remove the stations,” she said.
The MOU establishes how the station will be operated and responsibilities. Because the charging station at the library will draw power from the library’s hydro service, the MOU was required in part to outline how it will be reimbursed for the electricity used.
Under the plan, drivers will pay to use the charging station. That money will go to the charging station manufacturer FLO, then transferred to the Town, who will in turn reimburse the library.
Last year, Earth Day Canada provided the municipality with $116,000 to fund the installation of four charging stations. In addition to the library, the grant also helped pay for stations at the town hall staff staff parking lot, public parking lots on Erie Road in Crystal Beach and Jarvis Street in downtown Fort Erie.
“Adding new EV charging stations reflects Fort Erie’s ongoing commitment to building a greener future,” Redekop said last year when the grant was announced. “It’s encouraging to see our community take tangible steps towards continued sustainability.”
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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