FORT ST. JOHN -- The City of Fort St. John may be installing electric vehicle charging stations in the Pomeroy Sports Centre parking lot.
Discussing the matter in today’s meeting, the council stated that the proposed fast charger bank will be located in the middle of the parking area south of the sports centre. The charging station is part of B.C. Hydro’s network of electric vehicle stations across the province.
According to the city council, the charging station will support businesses by providing recreational, shopping and dining opportunities for drivers charging their vehicles.
Several sites were discussed including public parking lots near Festival Plaza and around the recreation campus. The site must accommodate trailers and located near large-capacity electrical lines. It was then chosen to be located at the sports centre to meet the criteria.
The city says the design will be able to meet future demands as the popularity of electric vehicles grows.
The city will receive a utility-grade charger that will be built and operated by B.C. Hydro at no cost. B.C. Hydro will install and operate high-power DC (Level 3) fast charges which are capable of rapidly charging multiple vehicles. They are valued to cost $300,000 to $500,000.
It will cost drivers to charge their vehicles. The parking spots will be dedicated to electric vehicles only. The city says it may cause inconveniences to others during peak times.
The city will be speaking to B.C. Hydro before making a decision to pursue the construction.
