Metro Vancouver is looking for businesses and non-profit organizations to host electric vehicle charging stations, according to a press release.
Up to 75 hosts will be pre-qualified for the free program, the release stated, with those participating eligible to receive up to $4,000 per charging stall.
Metro Vancouver plans to develop a network of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Lower Mainland. Municipalities involved in the project include Burnaby and New Westminster.
"Our goal is to facilitate the creation of a network of charging stations, installed at places like malls, theatres and tourism destinations," Metro Vancouver chair Greg Moore said in a previous release. "Making charging stations visible and accessible will build confidence in electric vehicles and will promote clean transport and clean air."
Information sessions on the electric vehicle charging station incentive program took place during the past two weeks, with the last one on Monday in Coquitlam in the city council chambers.
Those who are interested in hosting a station should contact Metro Vancouver by Nov. 30 at [email protected] or 604-688-9769 ext. 135.
Potential hosts will need to provide information such as the business or organization's name, nature, location and hours of operation; the number of stations proposed; the proposed cost to the user, if the host plans to charge for the service; and photos or a map of the site, if possible.
Hosts will also need to run a land title search to confirm ownership and also complete a budget worksheet provided by Metro Vancouver.
Metro Vancouver was awarded a grant from B.C.'s Community Charging Infrastructure Fund for the project, and plans to find 75 to 150 highly-visible sites for the charging stations.
"The grant will go toward pursuing private and public sector commitment to host the charging stations," the release stated.
Costs for the stations themselves will be split between the provincial government and regional site hosts.
For more information, go to www. metrovancouver.org/services/air/health/ Pages/ElectricVehicleChargingProgram. aspx.
-By Janaya Fuller-Evans, staff reporter
