Two new EV charging systems coming to Huntsvillle

Councilors approved new chargers at the CSC at McCulley Robertson Sports Park

Huntsville Council agreed to support the installation of 2 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, in the November 24^th, 2025, meeting.

Lakeland Solutions approached Council requesting approval to install EV charging stations in two municipal parking lots – one at the Canada Summit Centre and one at McCullley-Robertson Sports Complex (20 Park Drive and 288 Williams Street), and support for an application for provincial funding for the project.

The Town’s Climate Action Strategist, David Zilkey, advised that earlier this month the provincial government reopened the ChargeON funding program to support installation for EV charging infrastructure, and he has since been communicating with Lakeland about the potential new stations.

According to the staff report the provincial funding for the program was created “to offset the cost of installing public EV charging infrastructure.”

They added that accessible charging infrastructure “is critical for the adoption of EVs and the transition away from fossil-fuel burning transportation.”

Zilkey indicated that Huntsville is part of the Northern region for the funding program, and that 75% of funding will be covered for the Town, and Lakeland will cover the remaining 25%.

Deputy Mayor, Dan Armour, inquired about whether trees would have to be removed for one of the sites being considered.

Zilkey advised that although one of the lots might be converted to 4 spots it wouldn’t require tree removal. And they will continue to consider options that won’t require them having to “modify landscapes.”

Councillor, Scott Morrision, expressed the convenience of being able to charge cars while watching your kids play baseball. He also asked about how much the downtown charging site is being used and whether they need more.

Lakeside advised that “people are spending time in the community and spending money,” with the busiest month for usage being in August.

He added, “Other locations will serve other needs in the community and don’t compete with the downtown site.”

He indicated that approximately $50,000 has been generated from the downtown site, however, “the expenses are high too.”

Council also authorized the Director of Development Services to sign Site Access Verification forms and to endorse Lakeland’s application with a supporting letter to the provincial government.

Staff will continue to work with Lakland on planning for the installation of the charging infrastructure, once the funding application is submitted, which must be prior to December 12^th.

They will also report back about the outcome of the application and further details about the lease agreements for the charging sites.