Kawartha Lakes to continue exploring greener options for municipal fleet

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles are already part of the City of Kawartha Lakes fleet, but electric vehicles remain on the table as the municipality looks ahead to future vehicle replacements.

Council received an update, on the city’s Municipal Fleet Greening Program, during its Tuesday, September 22nd meeting, following a report from, Public Works Director, Zayden Alganabi.

The report outlines the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, from municipal fleet operations, while ensuring vehicles remain reliable and capable of meeting the demands of municipal services.

According to Mr. Alganabi, the city has already incorporated hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into the fleet, as part of what the report describes as a “phased approach to reducing emissions, while maintaining operational reliability and service delivery requirements.”

The update follows a September 10th meeting, between city staff and the Environmental Advisory Committee, where members reviewed the progress of the fleet greening program and discussed potential opportunities for further emission reductions.

The committee supported the city’s efforts to modernize its fleet and encouraged staff to continue investigating emerging technologies.

Looking ahead, the city will continue moving suitable vehicles toward lower-emission technologies, “where operationally and financially feasible.”

Electric vehicles are also expected to receive another look, as the technology continues to develop.

The report noted, the city will “re-explore electric vehicle (EV) solutions, as advancements in battery technology, vehicle range, charging infrastructure, and overall market offerings continue to develop and improve.”

Rather than committing the city to one particular technology, they plan to conduct a broader review of the available options, before future fleet replacement decisions are made.

That review will look at the full cost of owning and operating different types of vehicles, including: purchase prices, fuel and energy costs, maintenance and repairs, vehicle lifespans, charging and other infrastructure requirements, operational reliability, and potential greenhouse gas reductions.

Available grants and funding opportunities will also be considered.

The review will help ensure future decisions are based on “sound financial analysis, operational requirements, and the City's environmental objectives.”

The approach reflects the rapidly changing nature of vehicle technology, while also recognizing municipal vehicles have different operating requirements than passenger vehicles.

Staff will continue monitoring the performance of the city’s existing hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with lessons learned, from those units, to be incorporated into future fleet planning.

The city also plans to continue pursuing grants and partnerships which could help reduce the cost of fleet greening initiatives, electric vehicle infrastructure, and other emerging technologies.

There is no immediate financial impact associated with receiving the report. Any future capital requests, infrastructure costs, or vehicle replacement recommendations will come back to council, through future reports and budget submissions.

The fleet greening program supports the city’s Healthy Environment strategic priority, by seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency, while also supporting its Good Government priority, through long-term asset management and financial analysis.

Council received the report, on a motion moved by Councillor Pat Warren and seconded by Councillor Mark Doble.