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The City of St. Catharines is driving toward a greener future by introducing a new fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) for its municipal by-law services.
The City is rolling out the new EVs this month, marking another step forward in advancing goals under the Environmental Stewardship and Organizational Excellence pillars in the 2023-2027 City of St. Catharines Strategic Plan. Particularly, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve day-to-day operations for by-law officers.
“The new EVs support a cleaner, greener, and more efficient St. Catharines,” says St. Catharines CAO David Oakes. “As part of our Strategic Plan, we’re working towards reducing emissions across the corporation and ultimately reaching net zero by 2050. Transitioning our fleet to electric vehicles demonstrates our commitment to climate action and sustainable service delivery.”
By-law Services is the first City division to fully convert its fleet to all-electric cars. Funded by the Administrative Monetary Penalty System and not from property tax dollars, the seven new vehicles, 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EVs, are customized to meet the needs of modern by-law enforcement.
Paul Chudoba, the City’s By-law Enforcement Services Manager, says digital tools are streamlining service delivery and the new EVs, outfitted with laptop mounts, Internet access and other specialized equipment, serve as remote workstations and allow officers to work more efficiently. While out in the field, officers can receive complaints, conduct follow-ups, input notes into the City records database, issue compliance orders or administrative penalties, and more without having to return to the office.
The connected systems are also enhancing compliance by giving residents a stronger link to officers. Instead of routing inquiries and leaving messages at City Hall, residents can reach case officers directly for clarification or more information.
“This is more than a fleet upgrade, it’s another step in the shift in how we deliver by-law services to our community,” says Chudoba, adding the branded EVs will add to the department’s, and City’s, image as professional, responsive and service-oriented.
“Our officers are on the City’s front line and this initiative is helping us build confidence, build trust and connect with residents like never before. These new tools and methods of effective service delivery help us to achieve better customer service excellence by promptly making connections with residents, alerting them to issues and working together to resolve them.”
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