The Green Delivery pilot will provide both economic and environmental benefits and is an excellent demonstration of local partners working together to support local businesses and startups and Halifax’s climate action goals,” said Wendy Luther, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership. “Halifax is well positioned through the municipality’s climate action plan, HalifACT, and the Halifax Innovation District to support a green, innovation and entrepreneurial driven economic recovery in our city and province.”
Haligone and a number of local retailers, will participate in the one-month pilot project, switching from using gas powered to electric vehicles to deliver products to customers. The electric vehicles (EVs) are being supplied by Nova Scotia Power. Clean Nova Scotia has signed on to train the EV delivery drivers on how to use the vehicles, where the fueling stations are and how best to plan travel and fueling routes. Downtown Halifax Business Commission, North End Business Commission, Quinpool Business Commission and Spring Garden Road Business Commission are also partnering to co-create and deliver the pilot to their retail members.
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing a portion of a $100,000 non-repayable contribution from the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) to support the green delivery service pilot project. The pilot is aimed at reducing 1 tonne of Greenhouse Gas Emissions(GHGs) while addressing the delivery needs of retailers and supporting the prototyping process of local startups and established organizations.
