A proposal to establish two electric vehicle charging stations in the Hamlett of Nordegg, have been put on hold for now.

EVenture northwest AB has approached Clearwater County with the opportunity to install two Level 2 charging stations in Nordegg.

According to Jerry Pratt, Economic Developer for Clearwater County, EVenture northwest AB would cover the cost of the pad and charging stations and identify the best and most qualified organization for the installation, ownership, and ongoing operations and maintenance of the co-sited Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) DCFC/Level 2 charging stations.

Pratt says a site in Nordegg would join a growing number of stations across Alberta. Currently, electric vehicles tend not to make the trip to Nordegg from either Edmonton or Calgary as Nordegg is at the upper end of their range, adds Pratt.

Under the proposal, Clearwater County would provide the land at no cost with a 10-year lease agreement, and provide basic site maintenance, such as snow removal, and litter clean-up. Clearwater County would also pay for connecting the required power to the installation.

Pratt says the estimated cost to get power running to the charging stations could cost up to $20,000.

Administration proposes using two adjoining parking spots in the southeast corner of the Discovery Centre’s parking lot. Pratt says this is close to the power lines, close to traffic, out of the way for Discovery Centre traffic and parking, and located in Nordegg, midway between commercial properties near the entrance into the Hamlet and the new Main Street development.

Peak to Prairies in Southern Alberta installed 19 stations across southern Alberta in 2019, and is looking at getting the service installed in more communities in 2023, say County officials.

Pratt says there are no other charging stations in the neighbouring towns of Caroline or Rocky Mountain House, but he notes, there used to be one at the Peavy Mart in Rocky Mountain House. It was taken down, however, after repeated acts of vandalism.

Councillors Sydney Graham and Gennifer Mehlhaff suggested getting more information on the subject, such as, if the money is going to a profit or a non-profit organization.

Mehlhaff noted, “If this is a profit organization, I don’t think we should be building this. Perhaps we should get grants and we (Clearwater County) build it at that point.”
Councillor Michelle Swanson, meanwhile, requested the motion be postponed until the County gets further clarification, which Pratt agreed to provide.

Graham feels the project could be a great addition to Nordegg, however, would also like more information before approving the charging stations.

Councillor Swanson then put forward a motion to postpone the decision until council receives further clarification in regards to the ownership and future liabilities of the proposed project. That motion was unanimously approved by council.