TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: January 12, 2026 Report No. P&R-26-001
TO: Council
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: EV Charging Infrastructure and Partnership
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council endorse the proposed partnerships and direct staff to enter into 10-year agreements with:
1. BC Hydro, for installation and operation of 5-6 Level 3 EV chargers located at Archie Browning Sport Centre; and
2. CRD for the installation and operation of EV level 2 chargers in various Parks in the Township of Esquimalt.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the proposed partnership with BC Hydro and the Capital Regional District (CRD) for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers within the Township. This initiative aims to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the accessibility of EV charging infrastructure.
BACKGROUND:
The transition to electric vehicles is a critical component of our Township’s commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. As the number of EVs on the road increases, the demand for accessible and reliable charging infrastructure also rises. BC Hydro and the CRD have expressed interest in collaborating with the Township to expand the network of EV chargers.
Environmental, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (EPRAC):
Staff presented the BC Hydro Draft proposal for comments at the September 25, 2024 EPRAC:
• Committee members noted that the proposal would be a positive addition to the Township and align with climate action goals.
• Committee members raised a question about the number of proposed level 3 EV charging stations, being twelve, and wondered if this was too many and if a reduced number would be a better fit for the location. Staff noted that they will pass this information on to BC Hydro.
• Committee members voiced their support for EV parking in the municipality but also recognized the loss of traditional parking. Committee members emphasized the importance of a holistic approach involving active transportation to address climate goals while continuing to serve the community.
ANALYSIS:
The proposed partnership involves the installation of 5-6 Level 3 DC fast chargers by BC Hydro at Archie Browning Sports Centre (Draft location Appendix A) and 10 Level 2 chargers by the CRD at proposed strategic locations throughout the Township (Draft location Appendix B Map). The partnerships include the TOE licencing parking spaces for EV charger installation.
Key Benefits:
1. Environmental Impact: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of electric vehicles.
2. Economic Growth: Attracting EV drivers to our municipality, potentially increasing local business revenue.
3. Convenience: Providing residents and visitors with accessible charging options, encouraging the adoption of EVs.
4. Infrastructure Development: Enhancing our municipality’s infrastructure to support future growth in EV usage.
The proposed partnership with BC Hydro and CRD represents a significant step forward in our municipality’s efforts to promote sustainable transportation and reduce our environmental impact. By investing in EV charging infrastructure, we can support the growing number of EV users and position our municipality as a leader in sustainability.
Both BC Hydro and CRD will provide technical expertise, support for the installation, maintenance and funding of the chargers proposed in this report:
• Invest all capital & operating costs to build charging stations and maintain & operate the stations (electricity costs, maintenance, customer support, repairs, end-of-life equipment).
• Demonstrated sustainability initiatives and climate action leadership.
• Provide technical and maintenance support 24/7. Reliable services with high customer satisfaction ratings and accessible sites.
• Rates are kept as low as possible and are based on cost-recovery to make the service affordable for all British Columbians (not profit-driven).
• Chargers are accessible to all EV drivers, regardless of the make of their vehicle. Two accessibly sized stalls are added at all BC Hydro charging locations.
• Reliability, both organizations will aim to repair all out of service stations within 48 hours.
• Built with safety in mind. All sites are well lit with additional lighting installed where required.
The Township will be responsible for maintaining the dedicated EV parking area to the same standard as currently provided. This includes tasks like stall painting, asphalt patching, and snow clearing.
The installation of EV charging stations will have limited impacts on parking and customer experience. Locations have been carefully selected to balance accessibility with power availability, minimizing disruption to existing parking patterns.
Some Township parking lots host special events throughout the year. These events have been flagged during planning, and while temporary closure of chargers (maximum 4 days a year) is possible under the terms of the agreements, this approach is not recommended as it reduces service availability.
Overall, the reduction in parking spaces is minimal and manageable, and the long-term benefits of EV infrastructure significantly outweigh this short-term impact of loss of parking spaces.
Environmental Impact:
Electrifying our transportation system is one of the key ways Esquimalt can reduce GHG emissions. In 2024, 43% of community GHG emissions in Esquimalt came from transportation, especially resulting from the operation of cars and trucks. The installation and operation of new EV level 2 and 3 chargers aligns with the Climate Action Plan, namely Objective 4 (Electrify Passenger Transport) and Strategy 1.1 (design, fund, and build a public EV charging network).
OPTIONS:
1. That Council endorse the proposed partnerships and direct staff to enter into 10-year agreements with:
• BC Hydro, for installation and operation of 5-6 Level 3 EV chargers located at Archie Browning Sport Centre; and
• CRD for the installation and operation of EV level 2 chargers in various Parks in the Township of Esquimalt.
2. That Council provide alternate direction to staff.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Climate Resilience & Environmental Stewardship
Strong Relationships & Partnerships
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The partnerships with BC Hydro and CRD will involve entering into a license agreement to provide specific parking space for charging infrastructure for a 10-year period. All capital installation and maintenance costs are funded via BC Hydro and the CRD. Financial risk to the TOE is low and limited to provision of parking space and general lot maintenance. This initiative is not expected to have a financial impact to the Township of Esquimalt.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Should the project be approved, all partners will work together to ensure the public is informed efficiently and effectively. Staff have also shared draft plans and have spoken to businesses that border the parking area at Archie Browning Sports Centre.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
Implementation Plan:
BC Hydro’s timeline for construction is typically 8-12 months from the date of the signed agreement. With strong interest in the program, the program is almost fully booked for the next construction year.
1. Site Selection Complete: Strategic locations have been identified for the installation of EV chargers, prioritizing high-traffic areas and underserved regions.
2. Community Engagement: Plans have been shared with Esquimalt Plaza and McDonalds to gather feedback and ensure community support for the project.
3. Installation: Collaborate with BC Hydro and CRD for the technical installation of the chargers.
4. Maintenance: Establish a maintenance plan to ensure the chargers remain operational and reliable.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assess the usage and performance of the chargers to inform future expansions and improvements.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
2. Sarah Holloway, Manager of Corporate Services, Reviewed
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
Appendix A: BC Hydro level 3 Archie Browning Sports Centre
Appendix B: CRD proposed level 2 locations