From left to right: Ms. Carol Lyne Lamont, Political Attaché to Ms. Suzanne Roy, Member of the National Assembly for Verchères – Ms. Lucy Leduc, Executive Director of the Centre d’Action Bénévole de Contrecoeur – Mr. Guy Rochefort, Director of IGA Marché Emily Philip Desmarais Inc. – Mr. Pierre Lussier, CEO of Papillons Infrastructure Nature – Ms. Maud Allaire, Mayor of Contrecoeur – Mr. Philip Desmarais, Co-owner of IGA Marché Emily Philip Desmarais Inc. – Mr. Vincent Chouinard-Laliberté, Director of Development and Implementation at Papillons Infrastructure Nature.
Montreal, January 22, 2025 – Building on its success, Papillons Infrastructure Nature, the operator of the EcoCharge IGA network, is celebrating the inauguration of new charging stations at IGA Marché Emily Philip Desmarais Inc. in Contrecœur by announcing the expansion of its network. This growth includes the addition of 20 new locations and 80 new charging ports, proudly bringing the network to 182 ports across 71 sites!
20 New Locations to Meet High Demand
Each of the 20 new EcoCharge IGA sites will offer a charging capacity of up to 200kW and support charging for up to four vehicles simultaneously. These additions will increase the number of charging points available at key locations, meeting the rising expectations of users seeking reliable, accessible, and fast charging solutions while combining their visit to the grocery store. This project is part of Papillons Infrastructure Nature’s commitment to supporting its users in the transition to zero-emission energy. This second phase of the EcoCharge IGA deployment is made possible through $9,000,000 in financial support from the Government of Quebec as part of the Private Sector Support Program for the Deployment of Public Fast- Charging Stations, under the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy.
10 Sites Will Double Their Capacity in 2025
In response to growing demand, Papillons Infrastructure Nature will not only deploy new charging locations but also invest in its current network to reduce wait times at popular sites. In 2025, plans are underway to double the power and the number of charging ports at more than 10 of the 51 sites currently in operation.
Quotes
“The electrification of transportation is a priority for reducing greenhouse ga emissions in Quebec and rapidly decarbonizing our economy. For this to happen, electric vehicle drivers need accessible, reliable, and high-performance charging stations. That’s why I’m thrilled to see the private sector’s enthusiasm for deploying public charging infrastructure in our province. Thanks to initiatives like those of Papillons Infrastructure Nature and the EcoCharge IGA network, we are on track to meet our goals. I would like to thank all the companies contributing to Quebec’s climate transition.” — M. Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region.
“We are delighted to see so many people choosing to charge with us. Amid the challenges surrounding electromobility, our network is a true boost for current and future EV drivers. We never imagined achieving such a high usage rate in such a short time. This success proves we made the right decisions with the right chargers, the right power, in the right places, and at the right time. This growth is made possible thanks to the support of our partners, a business model built on proximity, essential government backing, and our commitment to the community by donating all sales proceeds on the 22nd of each month to local organizations.” — Pierre Lussier, CEO of Papillons Infrastructure Nature.
“The addition of charging stations in our supermarket parking lot is excellent news and represents a real opportunity for our customers, enabling them to easily recharge their vehicles while shopping in a convenient and accessible setting. We are proud to be at the forefront of the network’s expansion, a significant step toward a greener future.” — Philip et Emily Desmarais, Co-owners of IGA Marché Emily Philip Desmarais Inc.
“Since the program’s launch in 2020, we have been proud to continuously add charging stations across Quebec in collaboration with our retailers to facilitate access to sustainable mobility and support the province’s energy transition. As pioneers in the Canadian grocery market to deploy a charging network, we oOer our customers a practical and eco-friendly solution, providing access to green energy while simplifying their shopping experience. This project is a great advancement for the environment and a tangible expression of our commitment to creating a sustainable future for all.” — Geneviève Dugré, Senior Vice-President, Retail Operations Quebec, and National Operations Support.
About Papillons Infrastructure Nature
Founded by the co-founder of Earth Day Canada, Papillons Infrastructure Nature provides expertise in sustainable development, creating innovative material solutions where sustainability and environmental responsibility are at the core of each project, contributing positively to the world of tomorrow. EcoCharge is a program managed by Papillons Infrastructure Nature to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles by making life easier for EV drivers.
About Fonds Éco IGA
The Fonds Éco IGA was established in 2008 by IGA retailers in Quebec, who contribute $1 million annually. It is managed by Earth Day, an organization that helps individuals and organizations reduce their environmental impact. The Fonds Éco IGA finances concrete projects focused, but not limited to, waste management, food waste, and sustainable mobility. Since its creation, it has funded numerous sustainable projects addressing local needs in communities across Quebec and New Brunswick.
Press Contact
Astrid Roussel
aroussel@papillons.io
+1 (514) 821-5867
