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PEAKS TO PRAIRIES ELECTRIFIES THREE MORE COMMUNITIES FOR EV TRAVEL
November 1, 2019
For Immediate Release
November 1, 2019
PEAKS TO PRAIRIES ELECTRIFIES THREE MORE COMMUNITIES FOR EV TRAVEL
Pincher Creek/Nanton/Longview, AB – The Peaks to Prairies Project accelerated the deployment of its Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Network today by celebrating the electrification of charging stations in Pincher Creek, Nanton and Longview. These stations, owned and operated by ATCO further support regional travel by Albertans and tourists alike.
Peaks to Prairies is a community-driven, collaborative initiative that was developed by Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance, SouthGrow Regional Initiative, The City of Calgary, City of Lethbridge, City of Medicine Hat and Medicine Hat College. The purpose of the initiative is to establish an EV charging network across southern Alberta, connecting communities from Crowsnest Pass to Medicine Hat, Pincher Creek to Calgary, and west to Canmore. The full network will see 20 DCFC and Level 2 co-located stations installed by the end of 2019, resulting in over 1,100kms of highway connected for EV travel. The network will facilitate travel to and within the region, positioning southern Alberta communities to benefit from increased electric vehicle tourism.
Like all stations in the Peaks to Prairies network, these have been strategically located within the towns to ensure easy access to amenities and attractions unique to each community, as well as the incredible natural beauty and rich history of the region.
Pincher Creek Mayor, Don Anderberg, noted: “The downtown core of Pincher Creek is off the main highway, so we are thrilled that this infrastructure will encourage EV travelers to explore the many great eateries, cafes, shops and cultural landmarks the community has to offer. We are pleased to be part of this collaborative project, which promotes tourism, local renewable energy and economic co-benefits.”
The location of these stations offer EV drivers convenient charging options for their travels to the unique attractions in the southwest corner of the Province, and to the state of Montana. The region boasts incredible natural beauty in Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park and rich cultural and historical amenities and events in both Longview and Nanton.
Nanton Mayor, Jennifer Handley noted, “Nanton has many great attractions that celebrate Alberta’s history and culture. With the surrounding open prairies to the east, picturesque rolling hills to the west, Nanton can offer visitors so much more than you see from the highway. We’re really glad the station is sited right downtown so visitors can easily find these gems!”
Village of Longview Mayor, Kathie Wight, echoed the sentiment that visitors will certainly enjoy the unique beauty of the region. “Longview is a small but vibrant community with a family-friendly park and a variety of galleries and dining. The addition of this fast charging station offers one more reason to visit
and experience our community – we host one of a kind events throughout the year, making it worth the electric drive to Longview.”
All Peaks to Prairies stations will be installed, owned and operated by ATCO as a long-term commitment to the Alberta communities that host the stations. Further, ATCOenergy will be powering the charging stations with the equivalent of 100% of the electricity coming from renewable sources so that EV drivers are consuming clean electricity.
“Low carbon transportation and affordable electric vehicles are becoming a reality. When ATCO made its first investment in the public fast charging corridor along Highway 2 last year, it was a tremendous step forward. At ATCO, we see it as part of our ongoing commitment to creating a clean energy future for the communities we serve. It’s just one of the energy efficient, innovative and valuable solutions we’re exploring for homes and businesses across Alberta. We are very proud to be working with our partners in southern Alberta to establish a robust charging network in the province,” said Marshall Wilmot, President ATCOenergy and Chief Digital Officer.”
The 2-year, $2.2 million project is funded by Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance, SouthGrow Regional Initiative, The City of Calgary, City of Lethbridge, City of Medicine Hat and Medicine Hat College in partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program. The project is facilitated by the Community Energy Association.
For more information visit https://peakstoprairies.ca/
FAST FACTS
• DC fast charging stations allow a vehicle to charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. Level 2 charging stations take four to six hours for an 80% charge.
• The charging stations will be powered with the equivalent of 100% renewable energy sourced locally.
• The federal government launched its zero-emission vehicle incentive on May 1st which provides Canadians with up to $5,000 off the purchase of an eligible electric vehicle. For more information visit canada.ca/zero-emission-vehicles
Media Contacts:
Nazima Rayani
Senior Advisor, Marketing & Communications
ATCO, Electricity Business
Nazima.Rayani@atco.com
Megan Lohmann
Project Manager, Peaks to Prairies
Community Energy Association
