Through Canada’s LC3 Network, cities are unlocking innovative, equity-focused approaches to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The Atmospheric Fund’s (TAF) implementation of the EV Station Fund is a standout example of how bold local action can reshape urban infrastructure and deliver wide-reaching benefits.
Expanding EV charging in the GTHA
Transportation is one of the biggest sources of emissions in urban areas, particularly in regions like the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). To help reduce reliance on gas-powered vehicles, TAF launched the EV Station Fund to speed up the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and make charging more accessible for more people. The program was supported through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP).
Through this program, TAF supported the installation of 841 EV chargers across the GTHA. Most were placed in multi-family buildings, where access to EV charging has been especially limited, but the program also included several public charging projects. By focusing on local needs, the program helped address key barriers to installation, such as high upfront costs and technical complexities.
The program’s practical, site-specific approach helped participants manage challenges unique to their properties. Participants appreciated the support TAF provided, in partnership with technical experts, to help them work through installation hurdles and expand access. While not every project was straightforward, the experience offered valuable insights for future efforts to expand EV infrastructure in dense urban settings. As cities continue to ramp up their EV efforts, programs like these could drive deeper emissions cuts across the country.
“TAF operated as a delivery organization through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Infrastructure funding, which allowed us to scale up quickly and reach parts of the city where EV charging has typically lagged—particularly in multi-family buildings, where installing and accessing chargers can be a major challenge. It made it possible for more people to charge their EVs where they live, making lower-emission transportation a more convenient and affordable choice.”
— Amanda Mosca, Manager, Electric Vehicle Charging Program, The Atmospheric Fund
Multiplying benefits for people and the climate
The benefits of the EV Station Fund extend beyond the individual EV user or any single charger installation. By improving access to EV charging, the program supported healthier air, quieter streets and greater transportation equity. It also helped shift public perception, build demand and raise the profile of sustainable mobility options.
For cities with bold climate plans, the growing presence of charging infrastructure signals real progress in cutting emissions and improving daily life for residents. This program delivers on both fronts: reducing greenhouse gases and supporting more livable, equitable cities.
“We received lots of positive feedback from residents within the city. This project creates awareness of the need to reduce GHG emissions, promotes cleaner energy, and aligns with the city’s strategic goals and objectives. It shows the city’s commitment to being environmentally responsible and will generate momentum for others to follow.” — City of Oshawa, EV Station Fund recipient
Getting EV charging right
TAF’s experience surfaced several practical recommendations for cities, building owners and others working to expand EV infrastructure:
- Plan for future demand. It’s more cost-effective to install the necessary electrical infrastructure for EV charging during a building’s construction than to retrofit later. This “EV-ready” approach means equipping each parking space with a nearby electrical outlet so that chargers can be easily added in the future. Planning for EV charging from the start avoids piecemeal upgrades and helps buildings meet future demand more efficiently.
- Choose high-impact locations. Prioritize charger placement in areas with high traffic and visibility, such as publicly accessible lots and residential areas with rideshare drivers, to maximize use and impact.
- Prioritize reliability. Monitor chargers regularly so that if they stop working, issues can be fixed quickly. Keeping chargers up and running builds user trust and ensures they’re actually used.
- Support enabling policies and tools. Municipalities can play a key role by adopting EV-ready requirements for new construction, incentivizing EV-ready planning and upgrades (for example, through programs like the City of Calgary’s ChargeYYC pilot), piloting charging-as-a-service models, and developing tools that help housing providers understand and pursue EV upgrades.
These and related lessons from TAF’s experience point to the importance of pairing financial incentives with thoughtful planning, strong policies and user-focused design.
The message is clear. Getting EV charging right isn’t just about hardware — it’s about removing barriers, building trust and making adoption easy for everyone.
Learning from leaders
As part of the national LC3 network, TAF’s work shows how local Centres can drive high-impact climate innovation where it matters most. Programs like the EV Station Fund demonstrate that supporting community-led innovation can spark measurable progress and help build public momentum for even bigger shifts to come.
What works in one city could work in many — and LC3 is in the business of helping good ideas travel. Learn more about how LC3 is helping cities turn climate ambition into action.