We’re thrilled to announce that a Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging station is being installed at the Marysville Eco Park! This marks the first EV charging station in Marysville while adding to the three existing stations in Kimberley.
We sat down at the Eco Park with Troy Pollock, Manager of Planning at the City of Kimberley, to capture the story behind this project.
A Perfect Fit
The Marysville Eco Park is located across the road from Marysville Falls, adjacent to Mark Creek and the downtown Marysville core. A wall-mounted EV charging station will be installed in front of the park’s brand new public washroom facility on 303 Ave. It will be easily accessible from Highway 95A and perfectly situated for those who wish to stretch their legs or picnic in the park, explore Marysville falls, or visit Marysville businesses while their vehicle is charging.
Andrea Chapman, Branch Manager at Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook, brought the park to the attention of the City of Kimberley because the concept of an EV charging station aligns perfectly with the meaning of the park. The Marysville Eco Park was transformed from a gravel pit to a community park in 2004. It was established using native plants, including shrubs that overhang the creek, to create an excellent fish habitat and enable the re-introduction of Westslope Cutthroat Trout to Mark Creek. Furthermore, there is no use of pesticides or herbicides in the park; invasive weeds are controlled using hand-pulling.
Today, the park features updated picnic benches and trout sculptures by local artist Tony Austin. We hope that the new EV charging station will draw even more visitors to enjoy and appreciate all that the Eco Park has to offer.
A Team Effort
There are many people to thank for bringing this project to life. It would not have been possible without the City of Kimberley and its members, particularly Troy Pollock, Steve Herman, Brett Piggin, Nik Morisette, Rob Topping, Chris Mummery, Scott Somerville, Mayor Don McCormick and City Council.
Additional funding partners on this project include Accelerate Kootenays, the Community Energy Association, and Kootenay Rockies Tourism.
Stay Tuned
Parts have been ordered and construction is slated to begin in the coming weeks. We’ll share an update once construction is completed. In the meantime, come on down and enjoy the park. Mark Creek is very rambunctious and all kinds of native plants are on the verge of sprouting!
Curious about electric vehicles? Read about Common Concerns Over Buying Electric Vehicles.