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City EV Charging Stations
The City of Orillia has installed two Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Orillia Recreation Centre. These charging stations are open to the public and can be accessed 24/7 to charge electric vehicles.
The City will unveil two new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for public use at the Orillia City Centre on May 1, 2023. These stations are being made available for public use as part of a one-year pilot program.
The publicly available EV charging stations align with the City’s Strategic Plan and the Climate Change Action Plan, Orillia's Climate Future.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
There are many benefits of electric vehicles:
- EVs don't release air pollution from their exhaust which leads to better air quality for everyone. Air pollution can cause health impacts such as asthma, cardiovascular or immune system problems.
- EVs don't contribute greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere which reduces the impact on climate change.
In Ontario, transportation is one of the biggest sources of GHGs emissions and is a key target area for reduction.
- EVs are very quiet when driven because the electric motor doesn't make noise.
- Using electricity to fuel your car is much cheaper than buying gasoline or diesel for your vehicle. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, EVs are up to 8 times cheaper to fuel than gasoline cars!
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the price to charge a vehicle and how did the City determine the rate? |
| The $2/hr flat rate for charging was determined based on municipal comparators and fees for other public charging stations. The rate will be continually assessed and evaluated as use at the stations grows. |
| Can non-electric vehicles park in the parking spot? |
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Only electric vehicles that are plugged in and charging may park in the designated spots. All other vehicles may be subject to a fine of $125 under section 30.2 of the Highway Traffic Act.
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| Can I reserve a charging station? |
| Currently this capability is not set up but can be re-assessed in the future with increased demand. |
| Do these stations offer fast charging? |
| No, the charging stations are Level 2 which means that they will take two to three hours for a full charge. |
| Do electric cars have a smaller carbon footprint than a 2021 small 4 cylinder car? |
| Based on life cycle analysis – which evaluates the environmental impact of a product's life cycle through production, use, and disposal – EVs have smaller carbon footprints than their fossil-fuel powered counterparts. The biggest difference in carbon emissions between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is during the 'use' stage when they're being driven on the road. Electric vehicles emit less greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) than conventional gas or diesel cars because there are very few emissions from Ontario's electricity grid. |
Image credit: Ontario Ministry of TransportationLearn more about EVs
Visit the following external websites to learn more about electric vehicles:
Plug 'n Drive is a Canadian non-profit committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in order to maximize their environmental and economic benefits. Learn more about EV driving, charging, and purchasing a used EV.
Sustainable Orillia EV Information Portal
Sustainable Orillia has an interactive electric vehicle information portal with information about local charging stations and testimonials from Orillians who have switched to electric vehicles.
Media Coverage
| Orillia's EV chargers featured in the media |
Related Projects
| Climate Change Action Plan |
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The City of Orillia has officially adopted its Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), entitled Orillia's Climate Future, in principle. The plan targets Net Zero Emissions for corporate operations by 2040 and Net Zero Emissions for the community by 2050. Orillia's Climate Future charts the course for the municipality to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and play its part in fighting climate change. |
| City of Orillia Energy Use |
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In accordance with Ontario's Green Energy Act, 2009 (O.Reg 397/11) the City must prepare, publish, implement and make available to the public an energy management plan. The regulation also requires a summary of the annual electric and natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for City facilities and operations. |
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Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan |
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The City of Orillia completed the Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan (MTMP) in 2019. It reflects increased interest and emphasis by the public on transportation beyond a private vehicle, such as walking, cycling, and public transportation. The purpose of this study was to create a city-wide multi-modal transportation plan that not only identifies improvements within the City’s urban areas, but also considers opportunities to integrate the City’s emerging growth areas within and beyond Orillia in a manner that preserves the quality of life and character of the community. |
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Parking in Orillia |
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Learn more about the Orillia parking system. |
