What to Expect from EV Charging Projects in Strata and Multi-Family Buildings

Electric vehicles are no longer the future—they’re here, and demand for charging is growing across B.C. Strata corporations and townhouse complexes now face new provincial requirements, but there’s also generous funding available to help get ready. At Western Summit Electric, we’ve partnered with Maben Consulting to make EV charging projects simple, compliant, and cost-effective from start to finish.

Here’s what strata councils, property managers, and contractors need to know.

New Requirements for Strata Corporations in B.C.

The province has introduced a new requirement for an Electrical Planning Report (EPR):

• Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Capital Regional District (excluding islands only accessible by air/boat): Deadline is December 31, 2026
  
  
• All other areas of B.C.: Deadline is December 31, 2028
  
  

The EPR is more than a box to check. It becomes part of your strata’s permanent records, must be disclosed on Form B, and will be visible to owners, buyers, and lenders.

After these deadlines, stratas must also follow a legislated process to review and respond to EV charging requests from owners within set timelines.

Why Act Now?

Strata councils may be tempted to wait—but early action pays off.

• Funding is limited and first-come, first-served. Waiting too long could mean missing out on rebates.
  
  
• Pre-approval takes time. Some rebates require utility data and approvals, which can add weeks.
  
  
• Avoid rush costs. Contractors, utilities, and consultants will be in high demand closer to the deadlines—driving up costs.
  
  
• Plan for the future. Early planning lets you coordinate EV charging with other upgrades, like cooling and heat pumps, reducing the risk of costly service upgrades later.
  
  

Available EV Charging Rebates

BC Hydro Service Territory
If your building is in BC Hydro’s service area, you may qualify for:

• EV Ready Plan: Up to 75% of costs, to a maximum of $3,000 per complex.
  
  
• EV Ready Infrastructure: Up to 50% of costs, capped at $600 per stall or $120,000 per project.
  
  
• Level 2 Chargers: Up to 50% of costs (typically $2,000 per charger, or $1,400 per charger if you’ve already claimed EV Ready Infrastructure), with a maximum of $14,000 per complex.
  
  
• Municipal Top-Ups: Additional rebates may be available in municipalities such as Saanich, Squamish, and Whistler.

FortisBC Electric Service Territory
Buildings in FortisBC Electric territory may qualify for significant rebates:

• Incentives typically cover up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $2,000 per Level 2 charger. (Note: The previously cited figure of $1,920 per charger and a limit of 7 per site may be outdated or from a temporary promotion.)
  
  
• Projects also have access to an EV Advisor, who can provide up to five hours of expert guidance to support your project from planning through installation.

Heat Pump Integration: Planning Ahead

Many residents are also asking for cooling and heating upgrades, and it makes sense to plan these alongside EV charging. An EPR can include strategies for:

• Heat pump installation: More efficient than electric baseboards, safer than gas, and supports cooling needs.
  
  
• Load management: Coordinating electrical capacity across EV chargers, HVAC, and other electrification upgrades.
  
  
• Stacked incentives: Rebates are available for both EV and heat pump projects, and planning together helps maximize funding.
  
  

Risks of Delaying

Postponing an EPR or EV planning has real consequences:

• Legal compliance: Missing the EPR deadline contravenes the Strata Property Act.
  
  
• Insurance challenges: Non-compliance can raise premiums or complicate renewals.
  
  
• Sales friction: Missing records on Form B can reduce buyer confidence and delay closings.
  
  
• Higher costs: Contractors and consultants will book up closer to deadlines, driving “rush” premiums.
  
  

How Western Summit + Maben Consulting Make it Easy

We’ve created a turnkey process so strata corporations, councils, and contractors can move forward with confidence:

1. Electrical Planning Report (EPR): Utility peak-load data request, site assessment, demand analysis, practical recommendations.
   
   
2. EV Ready Plan: Designing for future-proofing with at least one EV-ready stall per dwelling.
   
   
3. Rebate Strategy & Applications: We handle pre-approvals and paperwork.
   
   
4. Installation & Commissioning: Licensed electricians from Western Summit manage safe, compliant installs.
   
   
5. Owner Communication: Templates and meeting support to make resident approvals easier.
   
   
6. Optional Bundles: Integrate cooling/heat-pump planning with your EV readiness to save time and money.
   
   

Start Planning Your EV Charging Project Today

Deadlines are coming, funding is limited, and demand for electrification upgrades is only growing. Whether you manage a strata, townhouse complex, or multi-family building, the best time to start is now.

Contact Western Summit Electric today to schedule your Electrical Planning Report and learn how to maximize rebates for EV charging, heat pumps, and other electrification projects.