A feasibility study for the City of Cold Lake was conducted to potentially swap to electric vehicles for the near future.

The study was conducted and presented to the Council on March 21 with high-level logistics, analysis for installing new infrastructure and reports of cost savings for proposed electrical vehicles and their efficiency. 

The positives and price of installing charging stations were focused on three locations: the Energy Center, City Hall, and the Cold Lake Fire Station. 

The study also showed electric vehicles that can replace the current gas running vehicles. This study focused on emergency vehicles, a municipal enforcement car, and a zamboni.

“We are looking at if for sure, probably will come back in a council meeting in the future,” said Mayor Craig Copeland.

“There are possible savings provided the grants are still there.”

The Government of Canada has set a mandatory target for all new light-duty cars and passenger trucks to be zero-emission by 2035, accelerating Canada’s previous goal of 100 per cent sales by 2040. 

In order to be ready for this transition, the City of Cold Lake is exploring options on several avenues and therefore a feasibility study presented itself as an opportunity to assist with the future transition as per Canada requirements. 

Electric Vehicle for Municipalities (EVM) provides funding to municipalities to assist their transition to an electrically fueled fleet. 

The funding program is managed by Municipal Climate Change Action Center Alberta (MCCAC), which offers a variety of funding options including a feasibility study to help explore potential economic and environmental impacts including transitioning to an electric fleet. 

This funding stream funds 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $6000. 

Council made no immediate decision from this study and will look further for more information and discussion.