Eight EV charging stations are set to come to the parking lot of the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre and according to the mayor it’s a great way to modernize the Town.
In an interview with Acadia News, Brenda Chisholm-Beaton said it’s about making sure that Port Hawkesbury is in a good position to support electric vehicles.
“Whether it’s people living in Port Hawkesbury or near Port Hawkesbury or people coming from other places, whether it’s other provinces or from abroad,” said Chisholm-Beaton.
She said it was earlier this year when they were approached by Tesla to “bridge the gap” for where the company already has charging stations available.
Chisholm-Beaton said it was a good choice.
“Since it’s such a strategic location as you cross the causeway, location wise,” said Chisholm-Beaton. “At the cusp of the entryway to Cape Breton Island.”
In addition to that, she added, the stations won’t cost the Town anything while contributing to economic growth. She said it “signals” that as a Town they are “looking toward the future.”
Chisholm-Beaton referred to a quote by Wayne Gretzky on how they are approaching renewable energy.
“Part of his success as a hockey player is looking to see where the puck is going to go,” said Chisholm-Beaton.
It was March when the idea was presented at Council. However, the timeline for when the eight charging stations will actually be installed still remains unclear.
When they are in place, Chisholm-Beaton said she sees them as an important step in making Port Hawkesbury a destination.
“While they’re charging their electric vehicles, they could be supporting other local businesses,” explained Chisholm-Beaton. “It’s just another reason for people to come.”
