Council for the RM of Ritchot is eyeing a project that would make the municipality just a little greener.

Mayor Chris Ewen says he is pushing for electric car charging stations in four of their communities.

"Council agrees one hundred ten per cent that we're starting to see a change and a shift in greener sustainable development throughout the world," notes Ewen. "The younger generations are really looking for alternatives to traditional fuels and one of the things that I've wanted to see is electric charging stations in Ritchot."

Ewen says his Council is looking into a partnership with Eco-West. They are hoping to put up one charging station in each of their four communities of Ste. Agathe, St. Adolphe, Ile des Chenes and Grande Pointe. The Mayor says Council has given the go-ahead to find the right contractors and funding opportunities to make this happen.

"I'm really excited about that," says Ewen. "I can't talk highly enough about this."

According to Ewen, they have not yet established where in these communities the charging stations would be set up. He notes their focus is to install them on municipal-owned lots and in an area where motorists can turn off the highway, and get a quick charge.

"Maybe it will create some economic stimulation, they can buy a snack or something while their vehicle is charging," he says.

In the event that municipal-owned property is not possible, Ewen says they would look to partner with businesses.

Ewen says he acknowledges that the shift to electric cars has been slow in Canada. From what he has heard, about three per cent of the population owns an electric vehicle. Yet, he thinks we are trending towards growth in this industry, especially within the younger generations. And, Ewen says if Ritchot can offer charging stations throughout the entire municipality, it may act as an incentive for more people to make the change.

"I'm thinking of buying an electric vehicle as soon as possible because of this," he hints.

Ewen says the total cost to put up charging stations in four communities is about $50,000. He notes funding would come from the municipality, plus potentially some federal dollars. Ewen says once they hit the consulting phase with Eco-West in February he expects to learn more information, including the monthly cost to operate.