This year also marks the first time the program will fund EV infrastructure projects on First Nations territory.
The recipients are: We'koqma'q First Nation, NS; qathet Regional District, BC; Municipality of Neguac, NB; Village of Arcadia, NB; Municipality of Thames Centre, ON; Town of Essex, ON; Town of Fort Erie, ON; Town of Otterburn Park, QC; Town of Gravelbourg, SK; Town of Radisson, SK.
Charged for Change is an initiative aimed at addressing barriers to EV adoption in communities that lack adequate access to public charging infrastructure. Since 2021, this C$3m partnership has enabled municipalities and Indigenous communities to apply for funding to install Level 2 EV charging stations. In its first two years, the program successfully provided funding for public charging stations to 15 municipalities across Canada.
“We’re grateful for the enthusiastic response from municipalities to our Charged for Change initiative, and pleased that Aviva has made a positive difference in multiple communities across the country,” stated Pascal Dessureault, Aviva Canada’s chief public affairs, marketing and communications officer. “While this marks the final year of the program, we know there’s still so much more to be done to support the climate transition and we’re eager to explore those opportunities.”
Valérie Mallamo, executive director of Earth Day Canada, added: “For three years, Charged for Change and our partnership with Aviva Canada has supported small, rural communities across Canada in making their EV public infrastructure projects a reality. We’re very excited for this final cohort of communities to benefit from the program and to see them support EV adoption for their residents.”
Wayne Redekop, Mayor of the Town of Fort Erie one of the recipients, said: “The addition of new EV charging stations reflects Fort Erie's ongoing commitment to building a greener future. This grant allows us to expand our efforts to combat climate change. It's encouraging to see our community take tangible steps towards continued sustainability, such as welcoming our first EV and enhancing local charging infrastructure.”
