Ms. Heidi Dueck, President, Board of
Directors, and Ms. Isabel Kolic, Executive Director, the
Heights Merchants Association (HMA), appeared before the Committee regarding
policies for electric vehicle charging (eCharging) stations.
Ms. Kolic advised that the HMA has
330 diverse businesses with more than 2,000 employees, which generate approximately
$127 million dollars per annum excluding the Safeway, Honda and McDonalds.
The speaker noted that 30,000 to
35,000 vehicles travel through the Heights District on a daily basis. According
to the International Monetary Fund, 90% of private vehicles in developed
countries could be electric by 2040. Purchases of electric vehicles in British
Columbia have increased by 74% from the second quarter of 2016 to the second
quarter of 2017. Although the City’s policies require that 10% of parking
stalls in new developments accommodate electric vehicles, there is no such
requirement in the Heights. The speaker noted this may discourage residents
from spending time or moving to the neighbourhood.
Ms. Kolic encouraged the City to
implement the following policies:
·
mandate
that all
future developments require eCharging stations in residential and commercial
buildings;
·
install
solar-powered eCharging stations in future and/or current City parking lots;
and,
·
install
three to six revenue-generating paid eCharging stations along Hastings Street
as a pilot project.
The suggested policies are
compatible with the goals of the City’s Environmental Sustainability
Strategy. In conclusion, Ms. Kolic advised that the HMA wants to be a part of
the City’s social and economic vitality, a leader in green initiatives, and
for current and future citizens to see the Heights as their community.
The Committee inquired regarding the
implementation of eCharging stations in the City’s parking lots.
Staff advised they are developing
the Electric Vehicle Policy and have conducted an initial investigation
regarding the eCharging stations in the parking lots; however, the cost and
operations need to be considered.
The Committee noted that staff will
present more information regarding the Electric Vehicle Policy and Clean
Building Policy in the future.
Arising from discussion, the
following motion was introduced:
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CALENDINO
SECONDED BY MR. BRASSINGTON JR.
THAT the delegation’s presentation
be REFERRED to staff for review.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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