EV Charging Project Moves Ahead in Lake of Bays

New charging stations will installed this spring around the municipality

Lake of Bays Council received an update on the Township's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project at its April 14, 2026, meeting.

Staff outlined the Township’s progress on the installation of public EV charging stations at municipal locations.

According to the report, staff have been working with Bracebridge Generation Ltd. (Lakeland EV Charging) to install public EV chargers on Township-owned properties, following earlier Council direction. Lease agreements have now been finalized for two initial sites: the Township of Lake of Bays Municipal Office in Dwight and the Lake of Bays Community Centre and Arena in Baysville.

In Dwight, Lakeland EV Charging will install two Level 3 fast chargers in the municipal office parking lot. These chargers will be capable of serving up to four vehicles at the same time and can charge a vehicle from approximately 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes, depending on battery size. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in May and will align with ongoing renovations and expansion at the Dwight Community Centre and Library. The Dwight chargers are expected to be operational by mid-to-late 2026.

A second installation is planned for the Lake of Bays Community Centre and Arena and Baysville Fire Hall on University Street. While the exact placement of the chargers is still being determined, the installation is expected to require four parking spaces. Construction timelines for this location have not yet been finalized, but the chargers are anticipated to be operational by spring 2028 or earlier.

The project stems from Council approvals in 2024, when the contract was awarded to Bracebridge Generation Ltd. at no cost to the Township. Additional direction later that year authorized staff to proceed with site-specific planning and enter into lease agreements for the selected locations.

Funding has since been secured by Lakeland EV Charging to support the installation at both sites. The report notes that the EV charging infrastructure will be installed and operated at no direct cost to the Township, while providing expanded access to public charging options for residents and visitors.

The update was presented for information purposes, providing Council and the public with the latest timeline and details as the project moves toward construction and eventual operation.

Council inquired about enforcement for charging stations being used longer than the recommended charging times.

Staff indicated that disincentives, such as skyrocketed rates after the charging times, are being considered “so they’re not used as parking spots.”

They added that municipality by-laws can also be explored regarding fines.