Yellowknife — October 12, 2023
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is contributing an additional $3.6 million to support an electric vehicle (EV) charging corridor in the territory.
As committed to in the 2030 Energy Strategy, the $3.6 million will support the completion of a zero-emission corridor with the installation of Level 3 charging stations in Fort Providence, Enterprise, Hay River, Buffalo Junction and Fort Smith. Level 3 chargers can fully charge an EV in approximately half an hour.
Investment in EV charging infrastructure in the NWT will make buying and operating an EV more viable for NWT residents, businesses and governments. This investment also supports one of the strategic objectives of the 2030 Energy Strategy – reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation by 10 per cent per person by 2030.
This investment is from a combination of sources:
- New funding under the GNWT’s 2022-25 Energy Action Plan ($1.76 million)
- The GNWT’s GHG Grant Program, which is supported by the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund ($1.5 million)
- The GNWT’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which is supported by the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program ($350,000)
The GNWT previously provided $360,000 in funding to Northland Utilities to support the installation of two Level 3 chargers in Yellowknife, one of which opened to the public on October 4, 2023. The GNWT also provided $468,000 in funding to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) to support the installation of a Level 3 charging station in Behchokǫ̀. That charging station is expected to be in operation by the end of summer 2024.
NTPC will be responsible for installing and operating the EV charging stations in Behchokǫ̀, Hay River, Buffalo Junction and Fort Smith. Northland Utilities will be responsible for installing and operating the EV charging stations in Enterprise, Fort Providence and Yellowknife.
Quotes
“This investment will make owning and operating an electric vehicle more viable for NWT residents, businesses and governments, allowing consumers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions along the way. The creation of a zero-emissions corridor is an important step toward fulfilling the objectives of the 2030 Energy Strategy, and I look forward to seeing this project positively impact how Northerners travel and do business.”
- Diane Archie, Minister of Infrastructure
“More EV charging infrastructure will ensure Northerners can charge their EVs when and where they want. NTPC is confident that installing these Level 3 charging stations in these new locations will encourage more travel in the NWT by electric vehicles. We are pleased to be involved in the development of an electrified transportation corridor for the NWT and appreciate the funding support we are receiving from the GNWT for these EV charging stations.”
- Cory Strang, President and CEO, NTPC
“Northland Utilities is proud to support GNWT’s initiative to establish an EV charging corridor in the North. This collaboration underscores Northland’s commitment to supporting local infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and is a testament to the power of partnerships. Installing charging infrastructure in the communities where we live and operate paves the way for electric transportation options while helping us achieve our shared goal of reducing emissions.”
- Jay Massie, Vice-President Northern Development & Indigenous Relations, Northland Utilities
Quick facts
- The EV charging stations in Fort Providence, Enterprise, Hay River, Buffalo Junction and Fort Smith are expected to be operating by the fall of 2024.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories