Manitoba

Winnipeg airport to get 8 electric-charging stations for vehicles

The James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is on a journey to becoming a carbon-neutral facility.

Stations in line with Manitoba's plan to fight climate change, says Premier Greg Selinger

An electric bus was part of the announcement that Winnipeg's airport will get eight public charging stations. (Samuel Rancourt/CBC)

The James Armstrong Richardson International Airport has installed eight public electric-charging stations as part of its a journey to becoming a carbon-neutral facility.

The stations will electrify vehicles at the airport, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said in a news release Friday.

"Thanks to our clean, green hydroelectric power, we are well-positioned to be a leader in the conversion to electric vehicles, which do not emit greenhouse gases," he said.

"This partnership will result in creating opportunities for everyone, from members of the public to taxi drivers and airport employees, to make greater use of electric vehicles." 

With the province's support, as many as six more charging stations could be installed in the future, enabling airlines and ground-handling operators to convert gas baggage tugs to electric tugs, the premier said.

The announcement was made the day after the province released its plan to fight climate change and protect the environment.

The climate change and green economy action plan released Thursday supports the expansion of electric transportation, which lowers operating costs in individual vehicles and reduces greenhouse-gas emissions and fossil-fuel imports, Selinger pointed out in Friday's news release.