A proposal to establish two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Hamlett of Nordegg, has made progress to move forward.
EVenture Northwest AB has approached Clearwater County with the opportunity to install two Level 2 charging stations in Nordegg.
EVenture Northwest AB is described as a regional electric vehicle charging network strategy for the Central- and North-west region of the province.
During Clearwater County council’s meeting on Aug. 23, 2022, council asked for more information on what liability there would be for the County, if this subsidizes a private business and what would happen if there is vandalism at the EV charging station.
An EVenture official said, liability would be negotiated as part of the lease agreement between the County and the electricity service provider and would be part of the insurance required for the service. Officials add, there are no gas or oil contamination concerns at the site.
As for liability, EVenture Northwest AB said they provide grants to install charging stations as an incentive to bring a service to a community where it is not currently available. However, EVenture notes that the private electricity provider takes ownership of the equipment that the grant pays for. The County would still own the land and the electricity line.
EVenture adds for Nordegg, having this service removes an obstacle to visiting the area that they have heard from potential travelers, especially as Nordegg is the last location where public access is possible going into the national parks.
Officials said vandalism would be part of the negotiated lease agreement. Typically, the electricity provider takes care of vandalism to their equipment, and the municipality takes care of vandalism to the land.
Councillor Michelle Swanson said, “I do believe we need some sort of EV charging station in Nordegg, its part of the loop that attracts tourism during the summer and it’s a needed requirement.” Swanson added, however, she is okay with approving the motion for the EV charging station.
Councillor Sydney Graham, meantime, really likes the idea of the EV charging station and sees the benefit it would have to Norgegg, but said, “I really want to be in favor of this, I just can’t be. I feel that we’re using our taxpayer’s dollars to subsidize this company.”
Reeve Daryl Lougheed notes, “This is one of the costs with putting Nordegg on the map. I think it brings a whole other group of people to discover our beautiful backcountry which is something we’ve been trying to promote.” Lougheed added that he would be supportive of the idea if a motion was made.
Councillor Gennifer Mehlhaff put a motion forward that council approve a 10-year lease of two parking spots at the Discovery Centre at no cost for the installation and use of two electrical vehicle charging stations.
The motion was carried in a 5-2 vote with Councillor Graham and Deputy Reeve Jordan Northcott voting against.
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