OSOYOOS INDIAN BAND LAND – Green Economy – The Osoyoos Indian Band and FortisBC have now officially opened the first publicly available DC fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) stations in a First Nation community in B.C., allowing for emission-free travel through B.C.’s southern interior routes.
“Hosting these two stations helps make our region accessible for electric vehicle drivers and reflects our forward thinking approach to economic development,” said Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band. “Through this positive partnership with FortisBC, we’re supporting clean transportation in our area and sustainable business growth. We’re pleased to contribute to this initiative.”
The two stations, located in Oliver and Osoyoos, are strategically placed to accommodate EV drivers using interior routes to travel between the US and Canada, or southern routes to travel between B.C.’s eastern and western regions. It also allows for clean travel to B.C.’s wine region, which attracts thousands of tourists annually.
The Oliver station is located along Highway 97 in proximity to Senkulmen Enterprise Park, a growing economic hub. The Osoyoos station is located along Highway 3, in proximity to the Spirit Ridge Resort, and other popular destinations for visitors to the region.
The 50-kilowatt stations are designed to provide highway-grade EV charging services for customers who need to charge their vehicles quicker than is possible from a Level-2 charger. The DC fast-charging stations are available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The cost to charge at all of FortisBC’s DC fast-charging stations is 30 cents per minute.
The stations feature unique artwork, created by the Osoyoos Indian Band Youth Council and designed to represent Chief Salmon, one of the four Food Chiefs integral to the traditions of the Syilx/Okanagan Peoples. The artwork represents the connection between water and the creation of electricity in B.C., as well as the importance respecting the natural environment and being mindful of leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
“We’re grateful for the partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band and honoured to feature artwork created by such a talented local artist from the Youth Council,” said Doug Stout, vice president, market development and external relations. “For us, this unique artwork will serve as a permanent reminder of the value of partnership in driving forward our shared goal of a cleaner, energy future.”
These fast-charging stations were made possible through cooperation between FortisBC, the Osoyoos Indian Band, Ecora Properties, the Province of British Columbia and Natural Resources Canada. Under the terms of the agreement, the Osoyoos Indian Band is providing the locations and FortisBC will own and manage the stations.
These are part of 12 fast-charging stations FortisBC has built over the last year with support from municipalities and all levels of government. All 12 stations were 50 per cent funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), 25 per cent by BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the remaining 25 per cent by FortisBC. NRCan provided $600,000 for the twelve fast chargers through its Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, which aims to establish a coast-to-coast network of fast-chargers along the national highway system, natural gas refueling stations along key freight corridors and hydrogen refueling stations in major metropolitan areas. The Government of British Columbia funding is through its CleanBC Go Electric public charging stations program.
