THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government has announced plans to install electric vehicle charging stations at several locations in Northwestern Ontario.
The province announced Wednesday it has issued a Request for Bids to establish and operate EV stations in 15 underserved and remote areas of the province.
In the Northwest, these sites include:
- Terrace Bay Rest Area
- Klotz Lake Rest Area near Longlac
- Argon Park Rest Area near Upsala
- Ontario/Manitoba Rest Area
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said: "We're increasing access to electric vehicle charging stations, particularly in rural and northern communities, so we can help more drivers go electric with confidence."
The successful bidder for all 15 locations will be responsible for designing and installing the charging infrastructure, and will operate and maintain it for five years, with the possibility of two additional one-year extensions.
According to the government, there are currently 3,550 public EV charging stations across Ontario.
About 150,000 electric vehicles are currently registered in the province.