Two Level 2 chargers are in operation at the Métis Nation of Ontario office in Thunder Bay with more to follow across the province
The Métis Nation of Ontario is now offering EV charging at their Thunder Bay office. Photo: Google Maps
There is a new electric vehicle charging opportunity available in northern Ontario thanks to the Métis Nation of Ontario.
The Nation’s Thunder Bay office has been operating two Level 2 EV charging stations since June, giving a much appreciated boost to public charging options in the city’s downtown core as EV adoption begins to pick up momentum.
“Up here in the north, compared to gas-powered vehicle fuel costs, the annual savings for charging are significant, with potential savings of over $2,500 per year,” says Tim Sinclair, provisional council Métis Nation of Ontario regional councillor and associate provincial secretary for Environment, Emergency Preparedness and Climate Change, in a press release.
The Métis Nation says it anticipates rolling out more chargers at its offices across Ontario.
“It’s our responsibility to ensure we are leaving an environment that future generations will inherit in better condition than today,” says Sinclair.
The Thunder Bay chargers received funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund — specifically the Indigenous Leadership Fund branch.
The Indigenous Leadership Fund aims to provide up to $180 million through 2029 to “Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects,” reads the website.
Due to high demand the fund is now closed to new applicants.
It’s unclear at this time if future Métis Nation of Ontario charging sites will be able to access the Indigenous Leadership Fund.