The Kootenay Rockies region is the first in Canada to implement a
community-driven strategy to build a clean transportation network in a rural setting
through the Accelerate Kootenays initiative.
The region’s strong Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger network provides a smooth and worry-free EV touring experience and allows environmentally-conscious travellers to enjoy the wonders this region offers year-round.
In alignment with the 10-year Destination Development Strategy, Kootenay Rockies Tourism recognizes the opportunity that Electric Vehicle travel presents for advancing these specific goals:
- Develop strategies to adapt to climate change and to reduce the contribution of the tourism industry to greenhouse gas emissions
- Become a leader in inter-modal transportation and rural connectivity
We encourage our stakeholders to learn more about the opportunities that lie within the EV travel market, help promote the travel itineraries for the region and explore the funding and rebates available to install charging stations on your business premises.
The Growing Opportunity
of EV Tourism
A Community Energy Association Presentation created and presented by Jen Grebeldinger, Communications Lead, Community Energy Association.
View Presentation
CEA SUPPORTED UP TO 90 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS
In May 2022, Natural Resources Canada announced a $1 million investment in the Community Energy Association (CEA). This supported approximately 40 EV Charging Stations across the Kootenay Rockies region. The EV Chargers were installed in public places, multi-unit residential buildings, on streets, at workplaces or at facilities for servicing light-duty vehicle fleets by October 2023. This new program builds off of the Accelerate Kootenays project as Accelerate Kootenays 2.0. Read News Release
Accelerate Kootenays
Canada’s first community driven strategy to build a clean transportation network. The CEA facilitated the Accelerate Kootenays project from early feasibility and while the project started as a way to address the technical barrier to EV adaptation, it became an opportunity for tourism, economic development and emissions reductions.
VIEW FINAL REPORT
Plugshare
EV users can plan their trip by using the Plugshare website and see which towns, cities, accommodation properties and service providers offer charging stations. Who are EV Drivers?
Do you already have charging facilities at your business? Let us know!
We would like to include the information in your business listing on our consumer website KootenayRockies.com
to ensure EV Travellers are informed and can access your location easier.
Contact: Karen Cook
Manager, Stakeholder & Corporate Communications
Ph: 250-427-4838 Ext. 5
Destination Level 2
EV Charging Infrastructure
Kootenay Rockies Tourism partnered with the Community Energy Association (CEA), Fernie office, to support the expansion of EV charging stations to support increase low carbon travel across the region.
Building on our Road Trip itineraries, this project seeks to grow the network of EV charging infrastructure through installation of charging stations at key tourism assets that are municipally, Indigenous or non-profit owned.
Strengthening the network provided an opportunity for the up-and-coming EV consumer market to tour the region and access the many signature experiences including hot springs, golf courses, Nordic clubs, visitor centres, museums and campgrounds.
This project contributed to market diversification, namely attracting an urban market from BC and the Pacific Northwest, which will support the tourism region’s COVID recovery.
KRT and CEA funded and supported the planning and installation of at least ten EV charging stations between 2021 and 2023.
Clean BC
/ Go Electric BC
Clean BC Roadmap to 2030
EV partnerships with Fortis BC & BC Hydro
EV Advisor Service for Strata and Workplaces is provided under the Clean BC Go Electric Home and Workplace Charging Program. This non-financial offer provides up to five hours of free advice to an eligible participant for multi-unit residential buildings, workplaces and Indigenous individuals and organizations.
Rebates and applications are not administered by Plug In BC. When you are ready to apply, applications for the Clean BC Go Charging Program must be submitted to your relevant utility provider: Fortis BC and BC Hydro.
