District plans to boost electric vehicle charging infrastructure in town as part of a plan that staff will present to council on June 9.
The district intends to increase EV charging in Squamish although it won’t directly enter into any business activity associated with it.
Instead, it will partner with other organisations and find ways to encourage and incentivize EV infrastructure in key locations throughout the community.
District will seek grants, develop new charging infrastructure, and consider such infrastructure as a public amenity while approving development.
District also plans to increase the availability of charging infrastructure on private property and in private buildings through zoning and land use controls.
Another district plan is to buy more electric vehicles.
The plan is part of a Community Climate Action Plan, which calls for emissions in the district to be reduced by at least 45 % from 2010 levels.
One part of this plan is a shift beyond the car, as 53% of emissions in Squamish come from vehicle fuels, according to the district.
Having almost 50% of passenger vehicles in Squamish to be electric by 2030 and 10% of commercial and institutional fleets to be low or zero carbon is a district goal.
“Electric vehicles are key in achieving our climate action goals. They are a complement to, and not a substitute for, increased active transportation and transit,” the district says.
This year, the district plans to issue RFP for potential partnerships and ongoing agreement to enhance EV infrastructure in town.
Next year, it plans to update zoning bylaw requirements to include incentives for new charging infrastructure in residential developments.
