Greener Transportation in Mississauga Gets a Boost from New Strategy

The City of Mississauga continues to charge ahead with more actions aimed at reducing local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Today at General Committee, Council endorsed the proposed region-wide Peel Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy in support of Mississauga’s role for implementation. Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) can produce no tailpipe emissions, resulting in improved air quality and mitigating the effects of climate change. They include battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles.

The Peel ZEV Strategy aims to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from the transportation sector
• Improve business and resident knowledge on the benefits and costs of ZEVs
• Increase ZEV driving experiences, availability and ownership
• Enhance planning processes and access to charging infrastructure
• Promote local job creation and economic development

To achieve its goals and enhance ZEV uptake in the community, the strategy has 16 actions grouped under five focus areas.

The proposed ZEV strategy was developed in collaboration with the Region of Peel, City of Brampton, Town of Caledon, Credit Valley Conservation and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority through the Peel Climate Change Partnership. These member organizations work together to leverage economies of scale to coordinate climate change mitigation and adaptation projects across Peel Region.

Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), has recently provided $525,000 to the Region of Peel to install 69 Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers throughout the area.

Since 2019, NRCan’s ZEVIP has provided nearly $1.18 million to the Region of Peel to support Peel Climate Change Partnership and the installation of 192 public and fleet EV chargers, including 59 EV chargers to support Mississauga in this transition. This includes EV chargers for public use in locations such as the Sheridan College Hazel McCallion Campus and in Streetsville.

Mississauga will continue to collaborate with the Region of Peel and the Government of Canada to install more EV chargers in selected parks, sports fields and community centres.

ZEV sales are set to increase rapidly over the next decade as consumers respond to new, mandatory Government of Canada emissions targets. By 2035, 100 per cent of new light-duty cars and passenger truck sales must be zero emission vehicles, with interim targets beginning in 2026. Implementing this strategy in Mississauga will help achieve the federal target while supporting residents and businesses through this transition.

The ZEV strategy aligns with the City’s Climate Change Action plan (CCAP) Action 18-3: Develop a zero emission vehicle strategy to accelerate the adoption of zero emission vehicles. This is an important step in addressing the City’s transportation-based emissions and reaching the 2030 GHG emission reduction targets.

The City has also approved changes to its off-street parking regulations in the Zoning By-law to require a minimum number of electric vehicle-ready parking spaces in new developments and redevelopments.

Check here for quick facts about ZEVs.

Learn more about the Peel Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy.

Quotes:

“We are proud to be expanding Mississauga’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and I want to thank the federal government for their support to make today’s announcement possible. Together with the Peel Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, Mississauga is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and make progress toward our climate change goals. Transportation accounts for 33 per cent of the City’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the strategy will enhance the infrastructure our City needs to support the transition to zero emission vehicles. Our work to support electric vehicles in our city complements our broader actions to support sustainable transit, including public transit, cycling and walking.”

• Mayor Bonnie Crombie, City of Mississauga

 “We’re making electric vehicles more affordable and charging more accessible where Canadians live, work and play. Investing in more EV chargers, like the ones announced today in Peel Region, will put more Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future and help achieve our climate goals.”

• The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources  

“The Government of Canada is actively supporting the deployment of clean and affordable electric vehicle infrastructure. That is why I am pleased to see our government’s investment of $525,000 to install 69 EV chargers in Peel Region, including in Mississauga. This investment will support Canadians in making the switch to an electric vehicle, while fighting climate change and improving our local air quality.”

• The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Mississauga Centre

“The City’s role in the Peel Climate Change Partnership shows our commitment to building capacity for zero emission vehicles across the Region. The City of Mississauga acknowledges ZEV adoption is key to meeting our community’s climate change targets and protecting our environment.”

• Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services and Chair of the Peel Climate Change Partnership 

Tags

• Climate Change
• Plans and Strategies