The City of Burlington is implementing a policy for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on City property (PWS-06-26). Starting Oct. 1, 2026, hourly fees will be introduced for using City-owned EV charging stations. The fee structure will vary based on location (downtown vs. community facilities), time of day and charger type (Level 2 vs. Level 3)
Fee Structure
Level 2 Chargers
- Downtown: $2/hour for the first four hours, $4/hour after four hours, $0.50/hour overnight (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
- Community Facilities: $1.50/hour for the first four hours, $4/hour after four hours, $0.50/hour overnight (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
Level 3 Chargers
- 10$/hour at all times
- The City’s EV chargers can warn drivers of the increasing charge rate after four hours via email and/or text.
- A 20-minute grace period will be implemented before the second level fee begins.
- A $100 upset limit will be implemented at all Level 2 Chargers.
- The additional lower overnight rate is meant to encourage residents living close to the chargers to be able to continue to use the chargers overnight
- The fee structure is still subject to all other portions of the Parking and Idling Bylaw including during snow events.
FAQs
Where are the City’s EV chargers located?
There are several public charging stations throughout Burlington. Visit the City’s Electric Vehicle page for a full list of locations.
What do other municipalities charge for their charging stations?
As part of an industry scan, staff reviewed online data for municipal charging fees in 22 municipalities in southwestern/central Ontario (Appendix B to Report PWS-06-26).
- Seventeen municipalities (77%) charge an hourly charging fee, ranging from $1.00 – $3.00 per hour (for Level 2 chargers).
- Eight out of 17 (47%) charge $1.50 – $2.00 per hour. Six municipalities implemented a secondary charge, meaning a higher hourly rate is applied following a certain number of either free or a lower hourly rate.
- Four municipalities offer free charging (but parking fees apply where applicable).
Do I still have to pay for parking?
Yes. Regular parking fees still apply where applicable.
What is the City going to do with the funds collected from the EV chargers?
The net funds collected will be seperated into revenue collected by the downtown chargers and community chargers. These funds would be used to pay for the liscening fees per charging head, administration fees to the EV station provider, electricity, maintenance, and repair of each group of charging stations.
How will these fees impact downtown economic development?
By offering free charging at the City’s EV charging stations, there is no urgency to move a vehicle even after it’s fully charged. Data from the City’s downtown charging stations shows that vehicles are being left plugged in beyond the four-hour maximum time. The City’s Downtown Parking Master Plan (PWS-05-26) shows that more vehicle turnover means more people are visiting downtown businesses. Introducing an EV charging fee is expected to improve availability at the City’s chargers by encouraging drivers to move their vehicles once charging is complete, freeing up spaces for other EV users. Private businesses may also be encouraged to install charging stations on private property as they will no longer be competing with free charging.
What is the City doing to inform EV owners of the new fees?
- Information videos on the charging stations
- Lot signage
- Social media campaign
- Web updates
- Get Involved Burlington newsletter
- Take Action Burlington blog post
- Community partner promotion
Climate Connections
Since adopting its 2014 Community Energy Plan, the City of Burlington has significantly expanded EV charging infrastructure through public and private investment. EV charging infrastructure supports the City’s goal of becoming a net carbon neutral community by 2050. Staff track EV ownership data published by the Ministry of Transportation and since 2019, ownership of battery electric vehicles (full electric) in Burlington has increased by almost 500 percent. Local EV test drive events with Plug’n Drive have also helped to promote the benefits of electric mobility. It is estimated that just over 500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been saved through the use of the City’s EV charging stations.
Take Action Burlington! If you must drive, electrify your ride to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Collectively, we can make a difference.
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