RTO7 GoEV Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that FAQs will be updated on a regular basis to reflect questions received.

Jump to a particular frequently asked question, or scroll through the questions below to familiarize yourself with all aspects of the program:

Who is eligible?
Is a sole proprietorship eligible for funding?
Are home businesses eligible for funding?
Are Indigenous businesses eligible for funding?
Where can EV chargers be installed?
Can I install a charger on a site I don’t own?
Are communal parking lots at condos or parking garages in residential settings eligible for funding?
I own a marina and we have some customers with electric boats – can I install charging facilities for that?
How many eligible applicants will be selected as part of RTO7’s GoEV Program?
What criteria will you use to choose the applicants selected for funding?
Where geographically can the charging stations be located?
What if I have multiple properties? Can I submit one application?
Can one organization have multiple applications for chargers on one site?
Can one corporation have multiple applications for locations in various parts of the municipality?
Are replacement EV chargers eligible for funding?
Is there a minimum number of chargers that need to be installed in order to qualify for funding?
My charging station has 2 outlets for EV charging – is this one or two connectors?
Is it possible to charge usage fees for the chargers, and are there any requirements on the usage fees?
Can you provide a listing of EV charger providers and associated suppliers?
Is the grid able to support a program like this?
What do I need to know about my electrical service in order to install EV charging equipment?
What if an Applicant needs to make upgrades to the grid to support a proposed charging station – does that come out of the funding or is that separate?
What degree of involvement/work should I anticipate in my project?
There are other funding programs out there - what makes RTO7’s GoEV Program different?
Can RTO7’s GoEV Program funds be stacked with other funding programs?
What reporting will be expected of me upon project completion?
What happens if I am unable to complete the project in the timeline agreed to?
What will happen if I do not include all the documentation needed/requested in the application?
We have contracted with a supplier to install chargers. Are they eligible to apply on our behalf?
How will I know if my application is selected so that I can move forward?
How quickly will I receive reimbursement?
I am installing chargers right now and have no other government funding, am I eligible for this funding?
What is an ‘Incentive Payment’ in the Agreement?
Can I sell or lease the charger in the following years? If so, what are the conditions of sale or lease?
If I am planning to sell or close my business between now and three years from now what is required of me?
Who should I contact if I have further questions?

Who is eligible?

Organizations incorporated or registered in Canada including for profit and not-for-profit organizations such as:

Tourism businesses (including sole proprietorships)
Indigenous and community groups
Provincial, territorial, regional or municipal governments or their departments or agencies (the federal government or its agencies is not eligible)
Industry associations
Other businesses
Research associations
Academic institutions
Condominium corporations
Property management groups
Electricity or gas utilities
Standards organizations

Note: Eligible applicants must be an organization and not an individual. It is also important to note that Federal Government entities, such as Federal Departments, Federal Crown Corporations or Federal Agencies are ineligible for this funding. For a complete list of federal organizations not eligible, please consult: https://appointments.gc.ca/lstOrgs.asp?type-typ=1&lang=eng

Is a sole proprietorship eligible for funding?

Yes, any organization that is legally registered in Canada (i.e. has a valid business or CRA number) is eligible.

Are home businesses eligible for funding?

No, private residences, even if a business is registered at the location, are not eligible.

Are Indigenous businesses eligible for funding?

Indigenous businesses and communities (not-for-profit organizations, associations, bodies or groups of any kind that can clearly demonstrate their Indigenous status or belonging to an Indigenous group) are eligible for funding. Status is demonstrated via a listing in the Indigenous Services Canada’s Indigenous Business Directory or Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s First Nation Profile. Chargers do not need to be on Indigenous lands.

Where can EV chargers be installed?

The location of the charging station must fit into one of the following categories:

Public Places: Public places are defined as parking areas intended for public use. Parking areas can be privately or publicly owned and operated. Examples of public places include, but are not limited to, retail, restaurants, arenas, service stations, libraries, medical offices, parking lots, etc.
On Street: On-street charging is considered curbside charging infrastructure for public use and is managed by local governments.
Workplaces: A workplace is defined as a location where employees perform duties related to a job. Charging infrastructure must be primarily used by the employees.
Light-Duty Vehicle Fleets: A light-duty vehicle is considered as having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than or equal to 3,856 kg. Light-duty fleet vehicles are owned or leased by an organization and used in support of organizational or business operations and activities. Light-duty vehicle fleets are composed of multiple vehicles and are managed by common ownership. Examples of light-duty vehicle fleets include a fleet of taxis, car rentals, municipal vehicles, delivery vans, car sharing, etc.
Multi-Unit Residential Building (MURB): MURB charging is defined as infrastructure in parking spaces where people live. For the purpose of the program, to be designated as a MURB the building must include a minimum of three (3) dwelling units.

NOTE: Charging infrastructure installations at a detached or semi-detached private residence, even if a business is registered at the same address, are not eligible and are not part of the MURB category.

Can I install a charger on a site I don’t own?

You must be either the registered owner of the Project Site(s), a tenant of the Project Site(s) with the property owner’s expressed written consent, or have obtained the necessary authority to access the land for the purposes of fulfilling the obligations in the Program’s Project Agreement. When signing the Project Agreement, you will need to submit written documentation of property site ownership or authority to access the property in question for the purposes of this project.

Are communal parking lots at condos or parking garages in residential settings eligible for funding?

Yes, provided that it is a communal parking space and not a privately owned parking space.

I own a marina and we have some customers with electric boats – can I install charging facilities for that?

This program is intended to provide charging for ‘on-road’ vehicles so while installing chargers for your customers on road vehicles would be eligible, chargers for boats, watercraft and ATVs would not (same is true for behind-the-gate vehicles, Zambonis, tractors, forklifts, etc.)

How many eligible applicants will be selected as part of RTO7’s GoEV Program?

The number of applicants selected in the program will depend upon the number of charging stations applicants are proposing and the cost of the proposed stations (Level 2 or 3 chargers). We anticipate heavy demand for this project and recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible as there are limited funds available.

What criteria will you use to choose the applicants selected for funding?

RTO7 engages thorough project analysis, assessment and ranking in terms of project technical proposal, development risk analysis, project rationale, applicant implementation team qualifications and experience, and anticipated community and tourism benefits.

Where geographically can the charging stations be located?

RTO7’s priority is installation of stations within the region – within the Counties of Bruce, Grey & Simcoe. If our regional objectives are met, consideration may be given to adjacent/corridor applications that strategically advance RTO7’s mandate.

What if I have multiple properties? Can I submit one application?

Yes, you may submit one application with multiple property locations providing the participant listed in the application is the same for each property. The program funding is limited to $100,000 per application. If choosing to combine multiple properties under one application, payment will not be made until all installations have been completed and paid for.

Can one organization have multiple applications for chargers on one site?

I would like to install chargers that in total will exceed $300,000 on my property in multiple locations (that are spread out) can I submit two or more applications under one corporation, that is, can one corporation have multiple applications for chargers on one site?

The maximum reimbursement per site is up to $100,000. The intent of the GoEV program is to fairly distribute EV charging infrastructure funding across the Program’s regions and communities of interest. Applications intended to host large-scale EV charger deployments at one specific location (e.g. shopping mall parking) should consider applying directly to NRCan’s ZEVIP funding program. If an applicant has several sites, located in distinct areas for public service, they may submit funding applications for each, for a maximum funding value up to $100,000 each.

Can one corporation have multiple applications for locations in various parts of the municipality?

For example, a municipality installs chargers at town hall $100k, on the street $100k, etc.?

Yes. Refer to previous question.

Are replacement EV chargers eligible for funding?

No, in order to be eligible, the installed equipment must be a permanent installation, and be new equipment or an expansion of an existing infrastructure. Replacement of failed equipment is not eligible for funding associated with this program.

Is there a minimum number of chargers that need to be installed in order to qualify for funding?

There is no minimum number of chargers for this phase of the program.

My charging station has 2 outlets for EV charging – is this one or two connectors?

A connector is the ‘plug’ on the power cord that connects the power supply to the EV. “Connector” and “plug” may be used interchangeably. In this example, it is two connectors and each connector would be eligible for funding if vehicles can be charged simultaneously from each plug.

Is it possible to charge usage fees for the chargers, and are there any requirements on the usage fees?

Yes, you can charge usage fees, and no, there are no requirements on usage fees of the EV charging equipment.

Can you provide a listing of EV charger providers and associated suppliers?

The RTO7 GoEV Program neither endorses nor recommends any specific EV charger providers or suppliers. It is your responsibility to conduct thorough background research to determine the most suitable options for your needs. The Program Manager may offer commentary upon request, drawing from previous project experiences.

Is the grid able to support a program like this?

Yes. In fact, such programs aid utilities in their capital planning, system upgrades and asset optimization. Please verify capacity with your local utility.

What do I need to know about my electrical service in order to install EV charging equipment?

Two things are important. The capacity of your service equipment and the peak demand of your facility. If you are not aware of the capacity of your service, consult your municipal utility or your selected project service provider.

If it’s determined that an upgrade to your service is required, you may consider this cost in your GoEV project application as an eligible project expense.

What if an Applicant needs to make upgrades to the grid to support a proposed charging station – does that come out of the funding or is that separate?

Selected projects will need to fund any required utility service upgrades specific to their proposed installation(s) with the knowledge that such direct project costs are eligible for reimbursement under this Program as part of the maximum $100,000 reimbursement.

What degree of involvement/work should I anticipate in my project?

This is your project. RTO7’s GoEV Project Manager has years of relevant engineering, municipal planning and EV charging installation experience and will provide project oversight with a view to ensuring that all eligibility requirements are fulfilled in order to reimburse project expenses. While the Project Manager will do their best to assist in answering your questions, it will be your responsibility to lead your project, secure the charging station and equipment, ensure adequate electrical capacity and planning permissions, etc. If you do not have this skill set or capacity internally, you may wish to consider working with an established EV charging station installation company or consultant who will act as your representative on the project.

There are other funding programs out there - what makes RTO7’s GoEV Program different?

There may exist other government (e.g. municipal or provincial) funding programs supporting EV charging installations from time to time. Check availability and eligibility for potential fund “stacking” with the GoEV program.

As the third highest visited four-season destination in Ontario, BruceGreySimcoe’s allure lies in its many outdoor adventures, scenic landscapes and cultural experiences. RTO7’s GoEV Program helps to advance EV charging infrastructure to ensure that our greatest source of visitation, a couple of hours to the south, remains confident in travelling to the region.

Can RTO7’s GoEV Program funds be stacked with other funding programs?

If proponents have applied to and been approved for a specific dollar amount through other funding programs (e.g. Ontario’s ChargeON program) prior to application to the RTO7 GoEV Program, there is a potential funding ‘stacking’ opportunity which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What reporting will be expected of me upon project completion?

Within 30 days of project completion you will be expected to provide

Vendor in-service verification of connectivity, ESA certification, photo documentation demonstrating the station(s) is operational;
Detailed invoicing listing all eligible expenses related to the purchase and installation of the station;
Documentation supporting the request for reimbursement including records, invoices, receipts, proof of eligible cost payments; and
Other documentation that may be requested.

What happens if I am unable to complete the project in the timeline agreed to?

On a case-by-case basis, GoEV will review each project’s circumstance for potential extension, however, all Program funding ceases after June 30, 2025.

What will happen if I do not include all the documentation needed/requested in the application?

The Program Manager will follow up with you to fill in any missing information; if information remains outstanding, the application would be moved to a lower selection priority.

We have contracted with a supplier to install chargers. Are they eligible to apply on our behalf?

Yes, however you must be the applicant of record (whether you complete the application details or not). In the application you may name a representative that will be your main point of contact for conducting this project (which could be your supplier/contractor if they have agreed to take on this role).

How will I know if my application is selected so that I can move forward?

In Step 1, following submission of a completed application and responses to any follow-up questions, you’ll receive an email indicating selection (or not) of your application. This will typically happen promptly (within a week or so of application submission).

How quickly will I receive reimbursement?

Reimbursement is typically processed within 3-6 months of submission of completed project documentation. It is recommended that applicants NOT base their project financing on timing expectations for reimbursement.

I am installing chargers right now and have no other government funding, am I eligible for this funding?

The intent of this program is to fund new projects. If selected projects were started after January 18, 2024, then the project and its applicable project costs would be eligible for funding.

What is an ‘Incentive Payment’ in the Agreement?

The ‘incentive payment or funding’ refers to available funding for reimbursement of Eligible Expenditures that have been approved by RTO7 in accordance with the Project Agreement.

Can I sell or lease the charger in the following years? If so, what are the conditions of sale or lease?

If during the eligibility period of the 3 years following, you sell/lease the charger, RTO7 must be notified immediately in writing and you may be required to share with the funder of claimed eligible costs or "incentives" the sale/lease proceeds in the same ratio as the incentive (not exceeding the incentive).

If I am planning to sell or close my business between now and three years from now what is required of me?

If you are currently planning to sell or close within 3 years, you would not be considered a preferred candidate for this program. If you are not planning this but it does transpire, a transfer of ownership would be required with prior approval from the Program Funder.

Who should I contact if I have further questions?

Our Program Manager would be pleased to provide you with more information. Please contact us by email at goev@rto7.ca. We will get back to you within 2-3 business days.