Nine communities in northwest Alberta considering teaming up to build EV charging network

Alberta isn’t exactly known for being on the forefront of EV adoption. But one small community in northwest Alberta is hoping to change that perception by working with several other communities to build an EV charging network.

The small town of Edson, Alberta (population 8,414) is spearheading the initiative by sending notices to nine other communities in the region.

By doing so, they hope to collectively advocate for various levels of government funding and grants to help build the network.

The ultimate goal, according to a letter from the Town of Edson received by City of Grand Prairie city council, is for the network to help promote long-term economic growth and tourism. The town also wants to see the network built to connect neighbouring towns along the Alberta/British Columbia border.

The initiative estimates the shared funding model would result in each community having to pay about $30,000. That money would be used in the first phase to create a formal plan and complete the necessary paperwork for government funding.

Unfortunately some City of Grand Prairie council members think government should not be the ones getting involved. Instead, councillor Wade Pilat thinks it should be handed over to industry or private sector partners to build the network.

“I think this is a great initiative and I’d love for the city to be a part of it. I’m just not sure if this is our lane that we need to be picking. If this is going to be sustainable for the community long term, I think this is something industry is going to have to step up to, so I’d be curious to have a one-on-one with industry partners.”

As a result, council voted to endorse the request, but only provide up to $1,000 for the initiative. Hopefully the other communities step up and help make this charging network a reality.

The communities that have been asked to participate in the initiative include: