Electric Vehicle Charging Project

Background

In April of 2021 BC Hydro approached the District of Mackenzie about their upcoming application to the Federal Government’s Natural Resources Canada Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program for funding towards the expansion of their Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Network in Northern BC. BC Hydro approached municipalities in the north to confirm their interest in proceeding with an installation in their community and to include Mackenzie in the application. After this meeting the District of Mackenzie entered the BC Hydro Public EV Infrastructure Program - Phase 5 Project. Following the memorandum of understanding with BC Hydro being approved, staff have been in contact with BC Hydro with regard to a site in Mackenzie for the Direct Charging Fast Charging Station (DCFC).

Costs Associated the Project

Installation Cost

There will be regular maintenance costs with clearing the charging stations in the winter months and will be carried out by Operations staff.

Responsibilities

Prior to installation, BC Hydro has committed to conduct the following:

• Conducting a survey of the proposed site maintaining appropriate setback distances.
• Conducting a utility scan of underground assets both private and municipal.
• Providing a turning radius study to make sure all types of vehicles have adequate space to exit the site safely.

Following Installation, the District is responsible for:

• Regular snow removal
• Keeping the area clean and free of garbage
• Regular maintenance of parking lot i.e. (Pothole patching, line painting replacing lighting)

Following installation, BC Hydro would be responsible for:

Site Choice

To maximize community benefit, BC Hydro wanted sites to be close to amenities, provide opportunities for local economic development, and offer a space for tourists to interact and enjoy. Based on the requirements of the charging stations, District staff proposed several locations on District land close to the downtown core. BC Hydro compared these sites based on the following:

• Access to power source
• Ability to accommodate pull-through charging
• Ability to expand to increase charging capacity in the future
• Proximity to public washrooms and amenities

Site Plan of the Level 3 EV Charger

Traffic

The construction and installation of the EV Chargers will disrupt regular traffic patterns in the area. BC Hydro will provide traffic movement drawings and turning radiuses to help the District determine appropriate signage, line painting, pavement markings, and any barriers/guides that may be required to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians in the parking lot.

Benefits of an EV Charging Station

Think of EV charging as a similar amenity to complimentary coffee or snacks. When individuals visit Mackenzie, they’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a convenient charging station available for them to use. By having it within walking distance of amenities and with the 30-60 minute charge this could lead to additional economic benefits to the surrounding businesses.

Parking

Staff along with BC hydro, looked at areas around Mackenzie and found this location to cause the least amount of disruption and parking space loss. The 616-parking lot will lose a total of 17 spots with this project, but currently has more than 90 parking spots on public lands.

Questions and Comments

District of Mackenzie Council will be considering the final location and license with BC Hydro at the Regular Council Meeting at 7:15 April 11, 2023. A copy of the proposed development and related documentation may be inspected at the Municipal Office, Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30pm or on the Districts public engagement page Lets Chat Mackenzie.

Residents are welcome to provide any feedback, questions, or concerns regarding the application by way of email to info@districtofmackenzie.ca, submit comments on www.letschatmackezie.ca or by written letter delivered to the District Office by 4:00pm Monday April 10^th, 2023.