PEMBERTON, BC – The Village of Pemberton has been successful in securing $100,000 in funding through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program to go toward the purchase and installation of two new electric vehicle (EV) chargers for Pemberton’s downtown.
“We are very pleased to have secured the funding for these two new EV fast chargers,” said Mike Richman, Village of Pemberton Mayor. “More and more residents and visitors are transitioning to electric vehicles, so it is essential we provide quick, convenient, and reliable EV charging for electric vehicle drivers in Pemberton.”
The Province of British Columbia has also provided $50,000 in funding toward the project through the CleanBC Go Electric Program.
“More and more communities in British Columbia are taking the steps to switch to Electric Vehicles. With our CleanBC GoElectric programs, we continue to support British Columbians by providing them with the necessary tools and financial support to make this transition, including more public charging stations.” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “With the highest EV adoption rates in North America, B.C is a leader in the movement for a clean and sustainable future.”
The new electric vehicle chargers will be Level 3 Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) which enable most EVs to charge to 80% in under an hour. They will be installed on Aster Street, adjacent to Pioneer Park in Pemberton’s downtown core.
“The installation of the fast chargers at this location will significantly improve the EV charging network in our region,” said Mayor Richman. “This will be the first public Level 3 DCFC in Pemberton establishing an important link in an underserved area of Canada’s National Highway System.”
“We’re making electric vehicles more affordable and charging more accessible where Canadians live, work and play,” said Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson. “Investing in more EV chargers, like the ones announced today in Pemberton, British Columbia, will put more Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future and help achieve our climate goals.”
Passenger vehicles are the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the Village of Pemberton so facilitating the switch to electric vehicles is a priority for the Pemberton community and a key strategy of the Village’s Community Climate Action Plan.
“We are grateful to Natural Resources Canada and the Province of British Columbia for their contribution toward this essential infrastructure and for helping us to meet the Village’s emission reduction targets.”
“Thanks to policy and incentives from both the Province and the Federal Government, British Columbia has the highest electric vehicle adoption rate in Canada and the entire continent,” said Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country. “Canada is investing in charging infrastructure in Pemberton so that the fast-growing amount of new drivers of electric vehicles will be able to quickly charge their vehicles, easing travel and contributing to lowering emissions from transportation.”
To find out more about the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, visit nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-alternative-fuels/zero-emission-vehicle-infrastructure-program/21876.
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About the Village of Pemberton
Pemberton is one of the most desirable communities in BC and home to family farms, fresh outdoor adventures and stunning vistas. With over 3,400 residents and just 30 kms from Whistler, Pemberton prides itself on its creative and collaborative approach with the business community, local volunteer groups, neighbouring communities and key business and tourism partners such as Tourism Pemberton and the Pemberton & District Chamber of Commerce. Pemberton’s mild winters, warm summers and unique pioneer heritage provide an ideal place to enjoy arts, culture, history, recreation, dining, shopping and comfortable lodging.
Media inquiries to be directed to
Vinka Hutchinson
Communications and Grant Coordinator
Village of Pemberton
Phone: 604.894.6135 x 230
Email: vhutchinson@pemberton.ca