Council delays electric vehicle charger installation due to budget concerns

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: At the Tuesday, March 18th, City of Kawartha Lakes council meeting, a report from James Smith, Manager of Buildings and Property, recommended the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, to support the city’s fleet transition. However, due to budget constraints, council members voted to delay the project.

The council meeting followed up on the December of 2023 presentation, regarding the City's long-term transition to an electric fleet. A key part of this transition was the establishment of an internal Electric Vehicle (EV) Working Group, tasked with determining the necessary charging infrastructure, to support both municipal staff and public EV users. After months of research and deliberation, the group identified several charging locations and estimated the installation of two 120kW DC Fast EV charging units, at the 180 Kent Street municipal parking lot, at a cost of approximately $450,000.

In his report, Mr. Smith explained the rationale behind this installation, stating, "The transition of our fleet to electric vehicles is an essential step towards reducing emissions and improving air quality. The installation of EV chargers, at our municipal facilities, will play a crucial role in making this transition seamless for our staff and the community."

However, the cost of the installation, which was not included in the 2025 Capital Budget, prompted concern among council members. Deputy Mayor, Charlie McDonald, who moved the motion to defer the installation, expressed his cautious approach: "While the transition to electric vehicles is a priority, we need to be mindful of the financial implications. Deferring the $450,000 installation cost, to a future year, will allow us to better align this project with our capital budget and ensure we are making the right investments at the right time."

Councillor Dan Joyce, who seconded the motion, supported this stance, adding, "This is an important step for sustainability but we also need to prioritize responsible financial management. The deferral will give us time to evaluate our resources and future funding opportunities."

The motion to delay the installation was passed, with a recorded vote of 4-2: councillors recognizing the need to maintain a cautious and flexible approach to the project.

In the discussion, Mr. Smith pointed out the installation could still proceed later, noting, "We are committed to electrifying our fleet, and while this delay may push back the timeline for charging infrastructure, it will not halt the transition process. We will proceed with purchasing five hybrid vehicles in 2025, which still aligns with our environmental goals."

The delay in charging infrastructure does not impact the broader City Fleet’s EV Strategy, which includes the purchase of 116 electric vehicles over the next nine years. Mr. Smith reassured, the phased approach would allow for ongoing assessment of technology, demand, and funding opportunities.

Mayor Elmslie, who voted in favour of the deferral, emphasized the importance of balancing the City’s sustainability goals with fiscal responsibility. "This is about making smart investments which align with both our long-term environmental goals and our current budget realities," he said.

The City’s move toward electric vehicles is part of a broader initiative, to improve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. With the infrastructure delay, council members remain focused on maintaining progress while ensuring the city’s financial stability.

Though the charging station installation is postponed, Kawartha Lakes councillors remain committed to the City's overarching goal, of transitioning to a greener, more sustainable fleet, for both municipal operations and public use.