KITCHENER -- The Region of Waterloo has received a grant to install 33 electric vehicle charging stations across the area.

The stations are expected to serve 66 public parking spaces in the three cities and four townships of the region.

The funding was awarded from Natural Resources Canada.

“This funding helps support our environment and climate action goals,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “It also means all the local municipalities can work together to make it easier to drive an electric vehicle - helping reduce pollution and our contribution to climate change.

"It feels like a bit of a Christmas gift."

Seven municipalities have partnered with the region by matching funds to help install the stations at 66 publicly owned facilities.

Eco Courier co-owner Nathan Russell is particularly excited for the upcoming installations.

"Say we're downtown doing deliveries and we need a quick charge," he said. "Now we'll be able to do that."

Intended locations for the charging stations include: community centres, recreation facilities, arenas, municipal administrative buildings, rural libraries, and the Region of Waterloo Airport.

"It does take longer to get a charge," said David Bradshaw, who charges his electric vehicle at his home like most owners. "You have to think in advance where you're going tomorrow and how much charge you need, but there are apps to tell you where the stations are, how long you have to stay and charge, and how much of a charge you need to get where you're going.

"It makes all the sense in the world to go electric."

The grant money comes after the province cancelled a $1,400 rebate to electric vehicle buyers, which saw sales plummet.

“In Waterloo Region, about half of our greenhouse gas emissions are from transportation,” said Sue Arndt, Plan Manager for ClimateActionWR. “We know that electric vehicles are a big part of the solution for reducing our emissions. This expansion of the public charging network will make it easier for people to be part of the solution by choosing more sustainable options when they buy a car.”

ClimateActionWR is leading the creation of a long-term strategy to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent below 2010 levels by the year 2050.

"People get it now," said Redman. "It's a new kind of behaviour for people and they need to be able to depend on infrastructure so they can get from where they are to where they're going."

The region expects these new charging stations will be up and running in about a year.