The Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) Board of Management has written a letter of support to city council for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations downtown and throughout the city.
The BIA says it is so excited at the prospect of having the stations, it's willing to help pay to make it happen.
In the letter, the BIA says it feels the current offer from Tesla for the charging stations along the waterfront is so important to securing that the organization would be willing to consider a sponsorship/partnership for the hydro operational costs in order to make it a reality.
"It's something we feel that to have it down here is of value and probably be worth an investment," said BIA Managing Director Craig Stevens. "We haven't determined exactly what that is or how that looks but we're definitely willing to come to the table and consider some sort of support, if needed."
Stevens notes the potential economic benefit of having charging stations within the downtown core as a 'great opportunity' for businesses.
"Unlike a gas station, the owners of these cars have to stay for a period of time," Stevens said.
"With current charging time ranging from an hour to upwards of a couple of hours, this provides the owners of these vehicles the opportunity to support our local businesses while experiencing an enjoyable time in our downtown and waterfront area."
Barrie city councillors recently deferred a motion regarding the installation of Tesla Motors Canada charging stations in prime areas of the city.
Tesla wants to install the Level 2 charging stations at locations such as Centennial Beach, Heritage Park and the Collier Street Parkade but was willing to discuss other options.
Level 2 stations can only be used by Tesla vehicles but the company is willing to install universal charging stations at each site - with a ratio of 12 for Tesla and four generic.
Tesla approached the city in May with a proposal to install the charging stations and foot the bill at no capitol cost to the city.
Some councillors wanted to explore the possibility of other car companies joining the initiative.
Stevens says the providers don't matter to the BIA but the charging stations will give Barrie 'brand credibility.'
"Whether it's Tesla or Universal or a combination of whoever the providers are, I think it's about the charging stations in general," Stevens said. "This will help put Barrie on the map as a progressive and open for business' community."
The BIA management board says the electric vehicle charging stations compliment the Meridian Place Memorial Square partnership development, the City's Waterfront Master Plan and future opportunities that are being worked on including the Transit Terminal transition to a Public Market and Farmer's Market and our new Dunlop Street Streetscape.
The matter will be discussed on Nov. 13.
