Charged up: Saanich’s first on-street EV chargers come online

News Release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich, in-partnership with the Capital Regional District (CRD), are unveiling 14 new EV charging stations to complement the existing public charging network located at Saanich parks and facilities.

The new stations are part of the CRD’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network Project, which will see up to 576 Level 2 chargers installed across the region by 2028. Funding was provided by the provincial and federal governments through the CleanBC Communities Fund and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund.

“The completion of these new public EV chargers in Saanich is an important step in building a connected, accessible charging network across the region,” said Rory Tooke, Environmental Innovation Senior Manager. “Through strong partnerships with municipalities like Saanich, the CRD is helping to make cleaner transportation options a more convenient and viable choice. This is part of a broader regional effort to reduce emissions, support sustainable growth, and build a cleaner future for our communities.”

Charging station locations

These new stations will expand public access to EV charging in neighbourhoods with a high proportion of multi-unit residential buildings, where adding the electrical infrastructure to enable at-home charging can be complex and expensive.

New on-street charging stations are now available at the following locations:

• Wascana Street, north of Gorge Road W (two public charging stations)
• Earl Grey Street, north of Gorge Road W (two public charging stations)
• Garnet Road, east of Shelbourne Street (three public charging stations with one stall dedicated to a Modo car share vehicle)
• Scotia Street, west of Glasgow Avenue (three public charging stations with one Modo stall)

Additionally, a dual-port charging station on Allenby at Richmond, including one Modo-designated stall, is currently under construction and is expected to be operational this summer.

"Modo is delighted to bring shared electric vehicles to this project in Saanich. EV charging infrastructure is an important part of the puzzle, and yet access matters too. By pairing charging with carsharing, more people can experience the benefits of electric vehicles without the cost and responsibility of ownership.”

 

EVs in Saanich

While demand for Saanich EV chargers has been growing by an average of 42% per year since 2021, personal vehicles in Saanich remain the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 38% of community-wide emissions (over 184,000 tCO₂e in 2024).

These new chargers will help reduce congestion at existing chargers and help ensure a high-quality user experience.

“We know electric vehicles can help households save money over time, and we’re excited to be expanding the charging network in new ways to make EVs more accessible for a greater number of residents”, says Maggie Baynham, District of Saanich Sustainability Project Manager. “We’re thankful for the CRD’s support in helping us work towards expanding EV adoption in Saanich and the wider region.”

More access to public EV charging supports objectives set out in Saanich’s Climate Plan and Electric Mobility Strategy.  

All Saanich EV charging stations are subject to a three-hour time limit and a $1.50 per hour fee to recover the costs of operating the chargers.

Learn more

For more information about Saanich’s climate and transportation initiatives, visit saanich.ca/sustainability.

For more information about the CRD’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network Project, visit crd.ca/projects.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca