ChargeYYC is Making EV Charging Accessible for More Calgary Residents

Source: Chibueze Ebii | · DEC · | August 2025

Living in a condo, apartment, or townhouse shouldn’t mean giving up on the dream of driving electric. Yet, for thousands of Calgarians in multi-unit buildings, the lack of accessible EV charging has been a major roadblock to making the switch to electric vehicles. The City of Calgary is changing that narrative with ChargeYYC, an innovative pilot programme designed specifically to tackle the unique challenges faced by residents in shared buildings.

Why EV Charging in Multi-Unit Buildings is So Challenging

While single-family homeowners can easily install a charging station in their garage or driveway, residents of condos, apartments, and other multi-unit buildings face a complex web of challenges. These can range from shared electrical systems, complicated approval processes, technical limitations, and cost-sharing among multiple stakeholders, all of which can make EV charger installation feel impossible.

Most EV owners want to charge at home because it’s convenient, cost-effective, and allows one to start each day with a full battery. However, for those in condos, apartments, and other multi-unit buildings, navigating condo boards, shared infrastructure, and engineering assessments can turn that simple goal into a significant hurdle.

While single-family homeowners can easily install a charging station in their garage or driveway, residents of condos, apartments, and other multi-unit buildings face a complex web of challenges.

How ChargeYYC is Levelling the Playing Field

ChargeYYC tackles these challenges head-on by providing both financial support and expert guidance to residents and building owners. The programme recognises that successful EV charging installation in multi-unit buildings requires proper planning, technical expertise, and community coordination.

The initiative is in two phases.

Phase 1: Building Your EV Charging Roadmap

The programme’s first phase focuses on creating solid foundations for successful installations. Eligible residents and building owners can receive up to $4,000 (or 50% of costs, whichever is lower) to hire a qualified engineer to develop a comprehensive “EV Charging Road Map” for their building.

This isn’t just a basic assessment; it’s a detailed technical blueprint that examines your building’s electrical capacity, recommends appropriate charging solutions, and creates both short-term and long-term implementation strategies. Think of it as a personalised guide that takes the guesswork out of EV charging installation.

To be eligible for Phase 1, your building must:
• Have three or more units
• Be fully constructed
• Use shared electrical services
• Have explicit approval from the property owner or condo board

Phase 2: From Planning to Reality

This phase offers substantial financial support (up to $100,000 in rebates per property) to help buildings actually install their EV charging infrastructure based on the technical roadmaps developed in Phase 1.

This significant funding boost demonstrates the city’s serious commitment to making EV charging accessible across Calgary’s multi-unit residential landscape. Industry professionals are already praising the programme’s comprehensive approach, with Glen Gordon, CEO of Unico Power (a DEC member), noting that ChargeYYC “is as good as we’ve seen” among similar federal and provincial programmes.

This significant funding boost demonstrates the city’s serious commitment to making EV charging accessible across Calgary’s multi-unit residential landscape.

Why This Matters for Calgary’s Future

What sets ChargeYYC apart is its pragmatic, long-term planning approach. Unico Power, a DEC member and industry expert who has implemented EV charging solutions in over 170 condo and rental buildings across Canada, is already working with Calgary buildings to leverage their experience and help residents benefit from proven strategies.

Transport accounts for a significant portion of Calgary’s greenhouse gas emissions, and ChargeYYC is a crucial piece of the city’s broader climate strategy. With substantial funding for Phase 2 now confirmed, the programme has the potential to dramatically accelerate Calgary’s transition to cleaner transport by making EV ownership more accessible to residents of multi-unit buildings.

But the benefits extend beyond environmental impact. The programme also promotes fairness and equity in the EV transition, ensuring that housing type doesn’t determine access to clean transport options.

Conclusion

ChargeYYC represents a forward-thinking approach to one of the most practical barriers facing EV adoption in urban environments. By providing both financial support and technical expertise, the programme is helping Calgary residents in multi-unit buildings join the electric revolution.

Whether you’re a condo owner frustrated by charging limitations, a property manager looking to add value for residents, or simply someone who believes everyone should have access to clean transport options, ChargeYYC offers a pathway forward.

Learn more about the ChargeYYC programme, including complete eligibility requirements, technical guidelines, and application materials, by visiting the official programme page here – https://www.calgary.ca/environment/programs/chargeyyc.html