The more electric vehicles on the road the better, according to the Town of Oliver.
That was the sentiment at a previous council meeting where the Town heard a presentation by Rob MacGregor from Sun Country Highway.
MacGregor is working with MLA Linda Larson and local wineries on a “cool” project that will expand western Canada’s electric vehicle highway infrastructure into Washington State.
The purpose is to attract more Americans to western Canada.
MacGregor said they want to use Highway 97 as the artery, providing the means to connect southern BC and Alberta to the Cascadia corridor.
“By including California, the scope of this project makes this corridor very attractive to the more than 1,000 Tesla owners up and down the Pacific Coast region,” he said.
The only electric vehicle charging station in this area is Black Hills Estate Winery.
Other locations being talked about is Fairview Mountain Golf Course and Oliver Parks and Recreation.
MacGregor said part of Sun Country’s mission statement is assisting regional economic and environmental sustainability.
“Electronic vehicle owners and associations have told us that this new mode of transportation will boost all stakeholders’ profile.”
He pointed out the installation of electronic vehicle infrastructure will drive new business to destinations throughout the Rockies.
MacGregor said the project will connect Interstate 5, US 97 and US 20 to the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 97.
“At the end of the day, US golfers, wine aficionados and eco-tourists will be able to tour BC’s spectacular scenic regions, and vice versa.”
MacGregor said they want to help green Canada’s highways by fostering a culture shift toward greener living.
Mayor Ron Hovanes said Oliver is keeping up with the times by welcoming this opportunity.
“I think this is going to be a much larger industry in the future. People have driven hybrids for years and this seems to be a logical next step.”
Myers Bennett, president of the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce, said he heard a couple of people talking about a charging station and how it was never used.
“I can see them in larger centres for short drives for commuters, but not so sure the time is here for the smaller communities.”
But on second thought, Bennett said maybe they should be promoting the concept and become leaders in this area.
He stated there are actually a lot of short distance commuters in the Okanagan.
