Dufferin County’s Electrifying Back Roads project has been granted funding through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emissions Vehicles Awareness Initiative, which supports projects that aim to increase awareness, knowledge, and public confidence in zero-emission vehicles and public charging infrastructure through outreach, education and capacity-building activities.

The Electrifying Back Roads project is designed to enhance understanding and awareness of electric vehicle (EV) options among rural communities in Dufferin County. With the Government of Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard requiring 100 per cent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035 for all new light-duty vehicles, this initiative aims to provide residents with accessible, reliable and engaging information to support their transition to EVs.

In 2025, Dufferin County will host a series of electric vehicle test-drive events and distribute educational resources specifically tailored to rural residents. To ensure these efforts effectively address local needs, the County is inviting community members to participate in two surveys:

• For current EV owners: Residents are encouraged to share their experiences with EVs, insights on how they use their vehicles and what influenced their decision to go electric to assist others in making the switch.
• For non-EV owners: The County is seeking input from those who are curious, hesitant or exploring their EV options to help shape the development of resources to empower informed decisions about electric vehicles.

Residents who complete the survey will have the chance to win a $250 gift card to a locally owned restaurant of their choice. The survey is available at joinindufferin.com.

As part of its 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan, Dufferin County is committed to implementing action items outlined in the Dufferin Climate Action Plan to establish the organization as a leader in climate action.

The vision of the Dufferin Climate Action Plan is to create a net-zero and resilient community for current and future generations. The County continues to act to support active, shared and public transit modes, expand electric vehicle (EV) charging networks and accelerate the transition to EVs.

• Join in Dufferin
• Zero-Emissions Vehicles Awareness Initiative
• Charge Up in Dufferin

“We are excited to launch Electrifying Back Roads and are grateful for the support from Natural Resources Canada. This initiative is a pivotal part of our strategy to advance electric vehicle adoption in Dufferin County and to provide our residents with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their transportation choices.”

-Darren White, Warden, Dufferin County

“The transition to zero-emission vehicles will play a key role in achieving the County’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050. By actively seeking feedback from both current and potential EV owners, we can ensure that our educational resources and events are aligned with the real needs and interests of our community.”

-Sonya Pritchard, Chief Administrative Officer, Dufferin County