John Dance
The City of Ottawa’s two electric vehicles (EV) charging stations on Main Street in front of Watson’s Pharmacy were used 279 times last year, about a third as much as the City’s most used charging stations at City Hall and about four times as much as a charging station near the Ottawa Hospital.
Infrequently used electric vehicle charging stations on Main Street have had the effect of reducing available parking in OOE’s modest commercial centre. Photo by John Dance
According to a CBC report, “Raymond Leury, president of the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa, called last year’s usage ‘disappointing,’ but added the slow uptake is a ‘chicken and egg’ problem.” The City of Ottawa originally installed a total of 24 EV charging stations across 16 sites spread throughout the city and more are planned.
The Main Street location for the EV charging stations were not consulted on even though their installation meant the removal of two regular parking spots in the heart of OOE’s modest commercial heart. Because the spots may only be used for vehicles that are being charged, they often remain empty even though they are ideally located for those who are picking up prescriptions at Watson’s or food at Sula Wok.
