Claresholm selected for electric vehicle charger

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer

Claresholm has been identified as one of the communities that will have a charging station for electric vehicles in a network that will eventually cover highways across Southern Alberta.

At its Nov. 13 meeting, council reviewed information from Jen Grebeldinger of the Community Energy Association.

She said the association has secured funding for the Peaks to Prairies Electric Vehicle Charging Network and Claresholm has been identified as a strategic location in this network to host an electric vehicle charging station.

This project will ultimately create a clean transportation network that will increase electric vehicle adoption and enhance tourism opportunities across the region.

This project has been collaboratively designed by the Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance, City of Lethbridge, SouthGrow Regional Initiative, City of Medicine Hat, Medicine Hat College, and City of Calgary.

Claresholm is part of Phase 1 of the project that proposes charging stations installed at Canmore, Chiniki, Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Nanton, Claresholm, Fort Macleod, the Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Lethbridge, Taber and Medicine Hat.

The charging station itself is the most common type found in communities, businesses and homes. It will take from six to nine hours to charge and cost between $1,000 and $10,000, with an average cost of about $2,500.

However, there will be no cost to the town. The association will cover all costs, aside from some staff time to work through licensing and site selection.

An independent vendor has been identified by the association who will install, operate and maintain all charging station equipment.

The next step is to identify and finalize a location for the charging station that maximizes benefits to the community.

The site will be selected on a number of criteria including:

• The station is easy to see and find, and is accessible from all directions;
• There are amenities within walking distance, for both economic benefit and enjoyment of the driver;
• The demand for parking does not create conflict for a dedicated space;
• Land is owned by the municipality;
• Location supports an even distribution of chargers throughout the community;
• Opportunity to bolster local tourism and local economy;
• Satisfies technical viability, that is access to three-phase power.
• The association noted examples such as the Claresholm Public Library, in front of the Claresholm and District Museum and behind it at the exhibit hall.

However these are just examples of the qualities the association is looking for.

The timeline is to maybe have one charging station installed in the fall of 2018, with the remainder through the spring, summer and fall of 2019. The end date is targeted for December of 2019.

Mayor Doug MacPherson suggested a spot that can expand the station area into a rest stop.

He proposed, as a possibility, the old Turbo gas station on Highway 2 by Tirecraft.

That spot gives a traveller a chance to stop, and walk around town.

Coun. Lise Schulze suggested the new town office and community multi-use building which is located on the highway.

She added if the intent is to make it a destination or community landing spot, the charging station is a good fit.

Council then directed administration to look into possible site options and to invite the Community Energy Association to be a delegation at a future council meeting.