Fort Erie awarded $116,000 Earth Day Canada grant funding to install four EV charging stations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT ERIE (April 16, 2025)—On March 25th, the Town of Fort Erie was approved for$116,000in grant funding through Earth Day Canada Charged for Change Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, a program offered by Earth Day Canada in partnership with Aviva Canada.

This grant supports the installation of Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers in communities across Canada. As part of the grant application, staff proposed installing four double-headed Level 2 EV chargers at key locations throughout Fort Erie.

The approved locations are as follows:

• Site 1 - TownHall staff parking lot (1 Municipal Centre Dr)
• Site2 - Crystal Beach parking lot (4168 Erie Road)
• Site 3 - Crystal Ridge Arena/Library (89 Ridge RoadS)
• Site4 - Jarvis public parking lot (97 Jarvis Street)

These locations were strategically selected to ensure EV charging availability at highly trafficked sites and to provide an even distribution across Fort Erie.

This funding and the installation of EV charging stations represent an important step toward achieving the Town’s strategic goal of environmental sustainability and climate change resiliency. The initiative aligns with the Town’s drafted Climate Change Action Plan and supports the recent approval and introduction of the first electric vehicle in the town’s fleet, a Chevrolet Equinox EV purchased to be used by by-law enforcement staff in early 2025.

“Installing these electric vehicle (EV) chargers is a significant step forward in supporting sustainable transportation options across Fort Erie. By strategically placing them at key community hubs, we ensure availability to residents and visitors alike. This demonstrates our commitment to forward-thinking infrastructure that benefits both the environment and our community."—Chris McQueen, CAO, Town of Fort Erie

“Adding new EV charging stations reflects Fort Erie's ongoing commitment to building a greener future. This grant allows us to expand our efforts to combat climate change. It's encouraging to see our community take tangible steps towards continuedsustainability,such as welcoming our first electric vehicle and enhancing local charging infrastructure.”—Mayor Wayne Redekop, Town of Fort Erie