Zero Emissions Transit Fund Secured for Feasibility Study
The Town of Collingwood is pleased to share that it successfully secured $69,552 from the Government of Canada through the Zero Emissions Transit Fund (ZETF) to complete a Battery Electric Bus Feasibility Study. The study, which is currently underway, will aid in determining the feasibility of incorporating Battery Electric Transit Busses into Collingwood’s transit fleet.
The consultants completing the study, HDR, were retained through a Metrolinx joint procurement partnership involving 13 Ontario municipalities with similar projects. The study involves desktop modeling of existing routes to determine battery and charging requirements, a transit facility site assessment, and a proposed transit fleet electrification plan for the Town to consider.
“We are excited to receive this funding from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada to learn about the requirements of bringing electric transit buses to Collingwood,” says Mayor Hamlin. “Understanding the costs and benefits of transitioning to battery electric buses will help Council make an informed decision on the future of our transit fleet over the next 15-20 years”.
Collingwood Council unanimously declared a Climate Crisis in October 2019 to demonstrate the Town’s commitment to protecting the community, economy, and ecosystems from the effects of climate change. By building its fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles and EV charging infrastructure, the Town is working towards greener operations.
The Town currently owns and operates seven hybrid SUVs and 3 fully electric pickup trucks as part of its efforts to lower energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas production. The Town also operates six electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for public use in the Pine Street parking lot and an additional 4 EV charging stations in the Ste Marie Street parking lot adjacent to the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena. Parking is included in the charging cost while an electric vehicle is actively charging.
This project combines furthering the Town’s commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing accessible transit to all. The study is expected to be completed in 2025 and will be presented to Council for discussion.
To learn more about Town Green initiatives, please visit the Greener Collingwood page of the Town's website and stay tuned for future engagement on the Community Climate Change Action Plan.