As the world shifts towards greener and more sustainable living, it's no surprise that electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular. In Toronto, Tesla and other EVs have become a common sight on the streets. However, for those who live in condos across the GTA, the lack of electrical charging stations presents a significant challenge.Condominium buildings have been slow to adopt electrical charging stations due to various obstacles. Installing charging stations can be costly and complex, especially for older buildings. Additionally, the process of retrofitting an existing building with charging stations may require significant upgrades to the building's electrical infrastructure.However, the benefits of installing electric charging stations in new and existing condominiums are numerous. For EV owners, it means easy and convenient access to charging facilities, which can increase the appeal of the building and potentially increase its property value. Moreover, providing charging stations in condo buildings aligns with Toronto's green initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.The city of Toronto has recognized the importance of EV charging stations and has put in place a series of incentives to encourage their installation. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Rebate Program (EVIRP), an initiative by the Ontario government that aims to support the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the province, offers rebates of up to 50% of the installation costs of Level 2 EV charging stations up to a maximum of $5,000 per charging station. Additionally, the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) has recently released a guide for condominium corporations that outlines the steps and considerations necessary for installing charging stations.To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet certain criteria, including being located in Ontario, having a metered connection to the electricity grid, and having a licensed electrician install the charging station. Additionally, the charging station must be publicly accessible and available for use by all EV drivers, not just residents of a particular building (an interesting concept that could affect building security, in theory).For an older condo building that needs significant electrical infrastructure upgrades, the cost of installing charging stations can be higher. However, the rebates offered through programs like EVIRP can help offset some of the costs, making it more accessible for condo corporations to embrace the EV revolution and provide charging facilities to residents. Installing EV charging stations in an old condo building will depend on various factors, including the size and age of the building, the number of charging stations required, and the complexity of the installation process. Typically, the cost of installing a single Level 2 charging station can range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the type of station and the installation requirements.It's important to note that while installing charging stations may require an upfront investment, it can also potentially increase the value of the building and attract EV drivers who are looking for convenient and reliable charging options. Despite these incentives and guides, the process of installing charging stations in condo buildings is not without challenges. One of the primary challenges is navigating the regulatory landscape. Condo corporations must comply with local regulations and bylaws, and in some cases, they may need to obtain permits from the city.The role of the condo building is critical in the installation of electrical charging stations. It is the responsibility of the condo board to make informed decisions that benefit the condo community as a whole. Installing charging stations is a significant investment that requires careful consideration and planning. Boards should work with experienced and qualified professionals to ensure that the process is done right.In Ontario, Canada, changes were made to the Condominium Act in 2018 to make it easier for EV owners to install charging stations in their buildings. The new provisions establish a process for both condominium corporations and owners to obtain approval to install electric vehicle charging systems (EVCSs).If the condominium corporation is doing the installation, all costs associated with the EVCS installation are consideredcommon expenses of the corporation. Therefore, all owners will be responsible for paying for the costs associated with the installation and ongoing maintenance, based on the statement of the proportions in which they contribute to the common expenses, as set out in the condominium corporation’s declaration.The board of the condominium corporation must first assess the costs to the corporation for the proposed installation of the EVCS. Based on the results of the assessment, the condominium corporation must then determine whether it can proceed with the installation without a vote of the owners, or whether it must provide the owners with an opportunity to requisition a meeting to vote on the proposed installation.If the proposed installation meets two conditions, i.e., the estimated cost to the corporation is not greater than 10 % of the annual budgeted common expenses for the corporation’s current fiscal year, and the board believes that the owners of the condominium corporation would not consider the installation of the EVCS as causing a material reduction or elimination of their use or enjoyment of the units they own or the common elements, then the corporation can follow the process described under the "Option 1: No Vote by Owners" heading.If the estimated cost to the corporation is greater than 10 % of the annual budgeted common expenses for the corporation’s current fiscal year, or the board believes that the owners would consider the installation of the EVCS to be a material reduction or elimination of their use or enjoyment of their units or the common elements, then the corporation must follow the process described under the "Option 2: Possible Owner Vote" heading.Once the condominium corporation has determined the option they will follow, they must send a notice to all owners containing details of the proposed installation, a statement of estimated costs for the installation of the EVCS, and any other information that the by-laws of the corporation require.If the corporation can proceed with the installation without a vote of the owners, they can do so after at least 60 days have passed since the notice was sent to the owners. If the corporation must provide the owners with an opportunity to requisition a meeting to vote on the proposed installation, the owners can requisition a meeting within 60 days to vote on the proposed installation. If at least 60 days have passed since the notice was sent and the owners have not requisitioned a meeting, the corporation can proceed with the installation of the EVCS.As more and more people switch to electric vehicles, the need for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) has become increasingly important.&nbsp;If you live in a condominium and wish to install an EVCS, there are certain steps you need to follow. In this article, we will outline the process of applying for the installation of an electric vehicle charging station in a condominium.Step 1: Creating the ApplicationThe first step is to prepare an application that identifies the owner and their address for service, and includes drawings, specifications, or information relating to the proposed installation. This application must be in writing and signed by the owner submitting it. To assist owners in creating their applications, the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) has developed an EVCS application template, which is available on their website.If the owner requires information, permission, or authorization from the condominium corporation to provide the required drawings, specifications, or information relating to the proposed installation, they can request this information in writing. The corporation must provide this information as soon as reasonably possible. If there are any issues in obtaining the required records, owners may make a formal request for the records, as explained on the CAO’s Records Issues page.Step 2: Submitting the ApplicationOnce the owner has created their application, they must then send it to their condominium corporation. The application can be sent in one of the following ways:For paper applications, sent by mail, courier, or deposited in the mail box:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>At the address for service for the corporation, the property manager, the property management provider, or any other person responsible for the management of the property; or,</li><li>At an address that the board has decided is the address for receiving the delivery of applications for the installation of an EVCS.</li></ul>For electronic applications, sent by fax, email, or any other method of electronic communication (but only if the board has decided that this method of delivery is acceptable); or sent in any manner that the corporation and the owner agree to in writing.Step 3: Response from the Board of DirectorsOnce the condominium corporation has received an application from an owner, the board of directors must determine if the application is complete and meets the requirements listed in Step 1 and Step 2 above. If the application meets the requirements, the board must respond to the owner in writing indicating whether the board has accepted or rejected the application within 60 days (or any other time period that the board and the owner agree to in writing).If the application does not meet the requirements, the board must notify the owner in writing and describe why the application does not meet the requirements. To assist boards in responding to applications from owners, the CAO has created three templates that boards can use:Response: Application ApprovedThis template can be used to respond to an owner whose application has been approved, and where the board does not require the installation to be carried out in an alternative manner or location.Response: Application RejectedThis template can be used to respond to an owner whose application has been rejected.Response: Alternative Manner or LocationThis template can be used to respond to an owner whose application has been accepted, but where the board requires that the installation be carried out in an alternative manner or location.What if the Board Accepts an Application?If the board accepts an application and does not require that the proposed installation be carried out in an alternative manner or location, then the board’s response must include a statement of that fact.What if the Board Rejects an Application?The board can only reject an application if it has obtained a report that clearly states that the proposed installation:In conclusion, installing electrical charging stations in condominium buildings across the GTA is a critical step towards a greener and more sustainable future. Although challenges may arise, it is essential to consider the long-term benefits of providing charging facilities to residents. With government incentives and resources available, now is the time for condo corporations to embrace the EV revolution and lead the way towards a more environmentally friendly future.

Electrical Charging Stations: The Future of Condo Living in the GTA

In Toronto, EVs have become a common sight on the streets. RIFO outlines the process of installing the EV charging stations in condominiums across GTA in 2023

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