The City of Sarnia is investigating what the future need of electric vehicle plug-ins will be as the city grows.
Council has asked planning staff to compile a report on the topic and specifically look into the ability of mandating a minimum number of electric vehicle plug-ins in new build multi-residential developments.
Councillor Mike Stark thought it was a good idea and said the technology is already being considered where he lives.
"I recently moved into a condominium development that does not have these kinds of facilities and the reality is that they should have these facilities and our condo agreement is now moving towards installing them, the question is when," said Stark.
The outlets are needed for both electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, to keep the battery full.
"We have to move with the times," Stark said. "We have to realize that electric cars are going to be here, they're going to be a function of our environment by the year 2030 as a standard practice. So, we need to get on with it and recognize that electric plug-ins are required."
Mayor Mike Bradley said the city really needs to "up its game."
"When you look at where the market is going and the sale of vehicles and the future in the next 10-20 years of the auto sector, if we do not have a really strong electric plug system throughout this community, we're going to be left behind by people not coming here."
Councillor Margaret Bird voted against the motion.
