Coldstream Station, where EV charging stations will be located. (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

BC Hydro project

New EV chargers planned for busy Rail Trail stop

Jun 26, 2024 | 5:00 AM

Coldstream will be adding new electric vehicle charging stations sometime in the future.

The district has agreed to a partnership with BC Hydro to install up to six dual Level 2 (moderate charging) and Level 3 (fast charging) EV chargers using up to 13 of the existing parking stalls at Coldstream Station on Kalamalka Road.

As part of the “license of occupation agreement,” BC Hydro will conduct a feasibility study to determine the number of chargers and location at Coldstream Station and a further report will come back to a future meeting of Council

The proposed stalls will not affect visitors to Sun Country Cycle, the food truck area, the washrooms, or to the trail head.

Proposed site along Kalamalka Road for EV charging stations (outlined in red) at Coldstream Station. An accessible parking stall would take up the area marked in ‘blue.’ (District of Coldstream image)

fundraising event

Dancing with the Vernon Stars returns in September, tickets now on sale

6h ago

ultra athlete

Magnifique! Vernon athlete conquers latest endurance test in France

7h ago

IIO investigating

RCMP keeping lid on details around Lavington incident, police watchdog investigating

8h ago

The public will likely have to pay to use the chargers.

Level 2 EV chargers cost users $0-$10 per hour, depending on rates, electrical charge provided and who owns the chargers.

A staff report to Coldstream council said the Regional District of North Okanagan charges a flat $1.00 fee, not an hourly fee, while some stations owned by the City of Vernon are free to use, but users must pay to park in the lot.

Much of the collected fee goes towards paying for the capital cost, electricity, software, and maintenance, with very little being revenue.

“It is common for the stations to work on a cost recovery basis or as a perk to draw customers, rather than from potential to be profitable. Making EV car use easier will ensure uptake in the purchase of zero emission vehicles and will help the province reach its emission goals,” Janis Netzel, Director of Infrastructure Services for Coldstream, stated in the report.