Fort Erie receives $116K grant to install electric vehicle charging stations

Brent Jones
April 16, 2025 at 11:31 AM

The Town of Fort Erie has been awarded $116,000 in grant funding from Earth Day Canada to install four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at sites across the community.

Approved through the Charged for Change EV infrastructure program, the grant supports the installation of Level 2 EV chargers and is offered in partnership with Aviva Canada.

According to a news release issued Wednesday, double-headed Level 2 charging stations will be installed at the following four municipal locations:

Town hall staff parking lot (1 Municipal Centre Dr.)
Crystal Beach parking lot (4168 Erie Rd.)
Fort Erie Public Library — Crystal Ridge (89 Ridge Rd. S)
Jarvis Street public parking lot (97 Jarvis St.)

Town officials say the sites were chosen to provide broad and convenient access to charging infrastructure in areas with high foot traffic.

The project supports Fort Erie’s broader environmental goals, according to the town, including its draft Climate Change Action Plan and the recent addition of a Chevrolet Equinox EV to its municipal fleet.

The electric SUV, acquired earlier this year, is used by bylaw enforcement officers.

“Installing these electric vehicle chargers is a significant step forward in supporting sustainable transportation options across Fort Erie,” said chief administrative officer Chris McQueen. “By strategically placing them at key community hubs, we ensure availability to residents and visitors alike.”

Mayor Wayne Redekop also noted the chargers are part of the town’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

“Adding new EV charging stations reflects Fort Erie’s ongoing commitment to building a greener future,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see our community take tangible steps towards continued sustainability.”

Earth Day Canada’s Charged for Change program aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs in Canadian communities by funding local charging infrastructure.