Electrify Barrie Program

• EV Charging Stations on Municipal Property 
• EV Charging Stations Map
• Electrifying the Barrie Transit Fleet
• Electrifying the City’s Fleet

With funding provided from Natural Resource Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, the Electrify Barrie program supports EV education and awareness events in the community. Electrify Barrie includes a series of activities: 

• Raising awareness of electric vehicle (EV) and EV charging stations within Barrie 
• Conducting research to understand potential barriers to EV ownership and utilization 
• Assessing the current state of Barrie’s EV charging stations 
• Hosting in-person education/awareness events 

Did you know?  There were 875 electric vehicles registered in Barrie as of December 2023 (0.73% of all vehicles). Of these EVs, roughly 75% are battery electric vehicles and 25% are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Past Events

EV owners typically charge their vehicles where they are parked for longer periods, such as at home overnight or at workplaces during the day. Public charging is generally used for longer trips or when home or workplace charging is not available.

Most electric vehicles are capable of meeting the daily driving needs of the average driver. Actual range can vary depending on temperature, driving behaviour, terrain, and use of heating or air conditioning systems.

EV charging time depends on the type of charger used. Level 1 charging uses a standard household outlet and is the slowest option, Level 2 charging is commonly used for home and workplace installations, and DC fast charging provides the quickest charging for longer-distance travel.

Installing an EV charger at home may require an electrical assessment to confirm whether the existing system can support additional load. In some cases, electrical upgrades may be required and should be completed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Public EV charging infrastructure is expanding across Ontario through municipal, utility, and private-sector investments. Availability varies by region, with higher concentrations in urban areas compared to rural communities.

While upfront vehicle costs may vary, EVs often have lower operating costs over time due to reduced fuel and maintenance requirements. Overall savings depend on driving patterns, electricity pricing, and vehicle type.

Plug’n Drive is a Canadian non-profit organization that provides educational resources about electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Residents can access information on EV ownership, vehicle comparisons, charging options, incentive programs, and total cost of ownership considerations.

Natural Resources Canada provides information on electric vehicle technologies, charging systems, public charging infrastructure, and federal incentive programs. The website also includes guidance related to home charging, cold-weather performance, and EV readiness.

CAA offers consumer-focused information about electric vehicle ownership, including guidance on charging, vehicle range, winter driving, trip planning, and operating costs. These resources are intended to help residents better understand practical considerations associated with EV ownership.

ChargeHub provides mapping and route-planning tools for electric vehicle charging stations across Ontario and Canada. Residents can use this resource to locate public charging stations, compare charging networks, and review charging connector information. 

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) provides information regarding the safe installation and use of EV charging equipment in Ontario. Residents can access guidance related to permits, inspections, certified charging equipment, and working with licensed electrical contractors.

Electric Autonomy Canada is an independent Canadian media and information platform focused on electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, transportation policy, and emerging mobility technologies. The website includes news articles, research, case studies, and educational resources related to electric transportation in Canada. 

The Electric Vehicle Society – Barrie-Orillia Chapter is a local non-profit group of EV owners and enthusiasts that promotes public education and awareness about electric vehicles. The chapter participates in local events and community outreach activities related to EV ownership and charging.

Alectra Utilities provides general educational information on EV charging considerations for homes, workplaces, and fleets. The resource includes guidance on electrical capacity, charger types, installation considerations, and coordination with property owners and electrical contractors.

Ontario’s condominium legislation supports the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging systems in condominiums by creating a framework that limits unreasonable refusals by condo corporations. These rules are established under the Condominium Act, 1998 and Ontario Regulation 48/01. While the term “right to charge” is commonly used, it is not the formal legal title.

The legislation generally applies to condominium unit owners and condo corporations where residents wish to install EV charging equipment in privately owned parking spaces. The framework is intended primarily for condominiums and may not apply in the same way to rental apartment buildings or freehold homes.

Condominium owners may apply to install EV charging stations, associated electrical wiring, and metering equipment connected to their parking spaces. Condo corporations are required to review these requests and cannot refuse them arbitrarily.

A condo corporation may refuse an application only in limited circumstances. Refusal may be permitted if the installation would violate safety requirements, breach the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, negatively affect the building’s structural integrity, create a serious risk to persons or property, or substantially interfere with the use and enjoyment of the property by others. Professional evidence may be required to support a refusal.

In most cases, the requesting owner is responsible for costs related to the EV charging installation. This may include the purchase of equipment, electrical upgrades, installation work, maintenance, electricity usage, legal agreements, and registration costs.

Yes. Condo owners must submit an application and receive approval from the condo corporation before installation work begins. Applications typically include technical plans, electrical specifications, contractor information, and proof that the proposed installation will comply with applicable safety standards.

Ontario’s regulations establish timelines for the review process, including acknowledgement of applications, review periods, and responses from the condo corporation. Owners should consult their condo corporation or property manager for details regarding building-specific procedures and requirements.

Before installation proceeds, the condo corporation and the owner will typically enter into a written agreement outlining responsibilities related to ownership, maintenance, electricity billing, insurance, liability, and future removal or replacement of the charging equipment. This agreement is commonly registered on title to the unit.

Condo corporations may choose to install shared EV charging infrastructure for residents or visitors. Ontario’s framework also helps streamline approval processes for corporations pursuing broader building-wide EV charging projects.

Before applying to install EV charging equipment, owners should consider the building’s electrical capacity, parking space ownership, installation costs, future charging demand, and compatibility with any broader EV charging strategy adopted by the condominium. Older buildings may require additional electrical studies or load management systems.

Residents are encouraged to contact their condo corporation, property manager, or a licensed electrical contractor for guidance regarding EV charging installations. Additional information is available from the Condominium Authority of Ontario and the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).

Fleet Electrification Solutions

Alectra Energy Solutions provides turnkey fleet electrification services, including planning, financing, installation, and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure. The program is designed to support organizations transitioning light-, medium-, and heavy-duty fleets to electric vehicles while managing costs and operational requirements.

eMobility Solutions

Alectra’s eMobility program supports municipalities and businesses with end-to-end EV charging infrastructure solutions, including site assessment, infrastructure design, installation, and energy management. The program also highlights experience delivering municipal and transit fleet charging projects across Ontario.

EV Charging Rate (EVC Rate)

The Alectra Utilities EVC Rate page outlines a specialized electricity rate designed for commercial EV charging stations, including eligibility criteria and load requirements. It is relevant for organizations planning high-use public or fleet charging infrastructure.

Workplace Charging and Fleets

Plug’n Drive provides fleet-focused support through its workplace charging and fleet advisory services. These resources help organizations explore fleet electrification options, including charging infrastructure planning, employee or depot charging programs, and connections to appropriate suppliers and partners. The program is designed to support organizations at early planning stages through to implementation of EV charging solutions. 

Fleet Electrification at Industry Events (Truck World / Commercial EVs)

Plug’n Drive participates in commercial vehicle and fleet-focused events such as Truck World, where fleet operators can explore electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and speak directly with EV advisors. These initiatives are designed to support education and engagement for organizations considering electrification of commercial fleets.