Barrie city councillors have deferred a motion regarding the installation of Tesla Motors Canada charging stations in prime areas of the city.
Tesla wants to install the Level 2 charging stations at locations such as Centennial Beach, Heritage Park and the Collier Street Parkade but was willing to discuss other options.
Level 2 stations can only be used by Tesla vehicles but the company is willing to install universal charging stations at each site - with a ratio of 12 for Tesla and 4 generic.
The issue sparked a lively debate at Monday night's general committee meeting.
Tesla approached the city in May with a proposal to install the charging stations and foot the bill at no capitol cost to the city.
Councillor Doug Shipley was concerned about allotting the parking spaces in prominent areas and wondered if other companies wanted to jump in.
"We haven't shaken the bushes. I’d like to defer this for two weeks. I hope Tesla doesn’t take this a slap. I just want to make sure we’re covering our bases," Shipley said.
"We're either open for business or we're not," said Mayor Jeff Lehman. "It’s always a challenge when a company comes forward with a donation and wants something for it from us. Commercial advantage in return for a donation. That's the judgement call that's in front of you."
Councillor Sergio Morales was concerned that Tesla could take its offer elsewhere.
"There is the risk if we delay on taking this donation they’ll say lets go to Orillia. They have a waterfront," he said.
Morales argued that other car manufacturers have had the same opportunity to come forward following a 2016 staff report on electric vehicles.
But Councillor Steve Trotter was firm in his position to defer the matter and explore other options.
"In my opinion every one should be universal," Trotter said. "If they’re not willing to do that and there’s no rush I think we should be looking for other opportunities. I don’t think we should leave any rock unturned on it."
Mayor Lehman, Councillors Arif Khan, Sergio Morales and Mike McCann voted against the deferral.
