VICTORIA — British Columbia has introduced new regulations that will facilitate the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in strata developments.
Effective Dec. 6, these changes are aimed at supporting the transition to a low-carbon future and adapting to climate change, according to a recent press release from the Ministry of Housing.
The regulations, as part of the Strata Property Act, establish a streamlined process for homeowners in strata to request EV charging installations and define a timeline for strata corporations to respond.
Additionally, strata corporations will be empowered to grant owners the exclusive use of a parking stall on common property for up to five years if it involves an EV charging station installation initiated by the owner, a release reads.
Josie Osborne, minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation, pointed out the increasing popularity of electric vehicles in the province and the necessity for adequate charging infrastructure in residential areas.
To support these changes, strata corporations are required to obtain an Electrical Planning Report (EPR). This report will assist in planning for future electrical system upgrades, including the installation of EV chargers, conversion to heat pumps and cooling equipment. However, smaller stratas with fewer than five units are exempt from the EPR requirement.
The implementation of these regulations is staggered, with different deadlines for regions across the province. Metro Vancouver Regional District, Fraser Valley Regional District, and the Capital Regional District (excluding the Gulf Islands) have until late 2026, while other areas have until late 2028.
These new regulations also complement the Strata Property Amendment Act introduced in spring 2023, which reduced the voting threshold for approving the installation of EV charging equipment. This move is in line with the province’s CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, aiming to ensure all new heating equipment sold and installed in B.C. will be 100 per cent efficient after 2035.
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