When it comes to putting in user fees for EV stations, Mayor Martin Ritsma is certain it’ll move forward.
Council received a report from Deputy Clerk Audrey Pascual recommending that they approve fees for using the 14 city-owned electric vehicle charging stations.
Proposed fees include a $2.50 hourly rate for Level 2 stations, and a $16.50 hourly rate for the Level 3 Station in Erie Street Parking lot.
Related: Residents may get a charge out of city council decision on EV stations – My Stratford Now
Ritsma says he and council asked Pascual to prepare necessary amendments to the current 2025 fees and charges and traffic and parking bylaws to allow proposed changes to happen.
“A little while ago, council did refer this back to staff to bring back a report with regards to EV charging, particularly EV charging around the recouping of dollars spent on electricity, and also maximizing the use of,” Ritsma told MyStratfordNow.
“We’re giving the go ahead. The idea is that municipal parking lots are exempt from overnight parking restrictions, and what staff will do is prepare an amendment to these bylaws to accommodate that.”
The amendments come as, according to the report, residents are asked to pay for parking while charging their vehicles for free, with rates ranging from $1.25 to $1.50.
Ritsma says the proposed user fees are based on Pascual’s research within different municipalities from Guelph, London, Kitchener and Waterloo, adding that “it’s a combination of parking fees and recuperation of electricity costs.”
“I am certain that will move forward,” said Ritsma.
“We know that one of the biggest challenges is EV charging and the ability to use those around the clock, whether it’s for local residents or for tourists. We need to maximize all use.”
He says the change would generate revenue for the city.
Ritsma adds they’ll expect a follow-up report at a meeting this September, with the city still working on building out their EV charging capacity.
