Ten more communities across Canada, including one First Nation, will soon receive Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations through the Charged for Change program, a partnership between Aviva Canada and Earth Day Canada. 

In its third and final year, the initiative is expanding for the first time into First Nations territory, with We’koqma’q First Nation in Nova Scotia among the 2025 recipients. 

The latest funding will benefit: 

• We’koqma’q First Nation, NS 
• qathet Regional District, BC 
• Municipality of Neguac, NB 
• Village of Arcadia, NB 
• Municipality of Thames Centre, ON 
• Town of Essex, ON 
• Town of Fort Erie, ON 
• Town of Otterburn Park, QC 
• Town of Gravelbourg, SK 
• Town of Radisson, SK 

Addressing gaps in rural and remote infrastructure 

Since 2021, Charged for Change has provided $3 million in funding to municipalities and Indigenous communities that lack access to public EV charging infrastructure. The program aims to remove barriers to EV adoption by targeting underserved areas. In its first two years, 15 communities received support for charging station installations. 

Pascal Dessureault, chief public affairs, marketing and communications officer at Aviva Canada, said the company is encouraged by the program’s reach.  

“We’re grateful for the enthusiastic response from municipalities to our Charged for Change initiative, and pleased that Aviva has made a positive difference in multiple communities across the country,” said Dessureault. “While this marks the final year of the program, we know there’s still so much more to be done to support the climate transition and we’re eager to explore those opportunities.” 

Earth Day Canada’s executive director, Valérie Mallamo, noted the program’s focus on rural areas. “For three years, Charged for Change and our partnership with Aviva Canada has supported small, rural communities across Canada in making their EV public infrastructure projects a reality,” Mallamo said. “We’re very excited for this final cohort of communities to benefit from the program and to see them support EV adoption for their residents.” 

Community leaders echoed the value of the initiative in furthering local climate goals. Fort Erie mayor Wayne Redekop described the installation of EV chargers as a “tangible” step towards sustainability. “The addition of new EV charging stations reflects Fort Erie’s ongoing commitment to building a greener future,” he said. 

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