New electric vehicle charger coming to Batchawana Bay next year

The provincial government is accepting applications for the building and operation of publicly accessible charging stations across the north, including one such station at the Batchawana Tourist Information Centre that is expected to open next year.

In a press release, the Ministry of Transportation said it has issued a Request for Bids to build and operate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in 15 new underserved and remote areas across the province.

"Expanding the charging network will make it easier and more convenient for drivers to charge EVs outside of large urban centres, reducing range anxiety and supporting the electric vehicle manufacturing industry in Ontario," said the ministry in the press release.

The successful bidder will design and install the charging infrastructure and be responsible for its operation and maintenance for five years, with the possibility of two additional one-year extensions. The Request for Bids is available through the Ontario Tenders Portal, with interested bidders having until Aug. 13, 2024, to submit applications.

"Expanding vehicle charging stations to Ontario Parks means more people will get to enjoy the great outdoors," said Andrea Khanjin, Ontario's minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. "Thanks to our clean electricity system, we are powering more EVs while protecting our environment and growing our economy."

The majority of the 15 new sites will be built in northern Ontario, including one at the Batchawana Tourist Information Centre, part of Batchawana Bay Provincial Park. The first EV chargers to be built under the program are expected to be ready for use in 2025.

According to PlugShare.com, there are currently three EV chargers in the Batchawana Bay area at the Voyageur's Lodge & Cookhouse. The next two chargers north along Hwy. 17 are at Agawa Bay Campground outside of Wawa, Ont.

The following northern rest areas were identified for charging stations: Argon Park Rest Area, Batchawana Tourist Information Centre, Marten River Rest Area, Ontario/Manitoba Border Rest Area, Ryland Rest Area, Klotz Lake Rest Area, Terrace Bay Rest Area and the Watershed Truck Rest Area.