Returns on April 27th, 2025

The 16^th Annual Sustainability Fair and Market will return to the North Grenville Municipal Centre on Sunday April 27^th from 10am to 3pm.  This free event will bring with it, once again, the popular electric vehicle show in the arena.  Unlike so many car shows, this one invites our friends and neighbours to show their vehicles and share their experiences driving them in our climate.

 Accounting for 1 of every 5 vehicles sold in Canada in Q4 of 2024, and breaking 15% for the calendar year, battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are now a common fixture on our roads. 

 But we are now in 2025, and what a different world we find ourselves in politically.  What has this meant for the unrelenting growth we have seen in recent years?  Well, the rate of growth has slowed, but growth continues in 2025.  There are many true statements to be made – the federal rebates are gone, the CEO of one particular company has made the list of “people-I-will-not-be-sending-Christmas-cards-to” for this author, and tariffs have many of us rethinking our spending, cars included.  Nevertheless, electric vehicles will continue to have appeal to those of us who drive a lot due to the low cost per km and reduced scheduled maintenance & costs.  They pollute less than combustion equivalents.  And consumers now have many more compelling models to consider from various manufacturers.

 Supporting and sponsoring our show this year are Myers Kemptville Chevrolet Buick GMC, Barrhaven Ford, Star Motors (Mercedes-Benz), Otto’s BMW, Capital Dodge, and Donnelly Mitsubishi.  These locally-owned dealers will bring their latest EV and PHEV offerings to show.  This year we are complementing with a showcase of commercial electric power equipment from Weagant Farm Supplies.  And, as mentioned, visitors can talk with owners about their vehicles and experiences.  As in previous years, we are also working to bring back the test drives and visitors are encouraged to sign up early for these since they book up quickly.  Watch our website or Facebook for links to pre-register once available or sign up when you arrive in the arena.

 At noon, Jeff Knapp will present in the theatre.  He will cover all the usual topics like comparisons to combustion-powered vehicles, range, charging, planning trips, towing, regenerative braking, and one pedal driving.  He’ll also bust the myths that continuously show up in social media.  Jeff will compare costs with traditional vehicles – purchasing, insurance, energy, maintenance, warranties – to show how the total cost of ownership compares. 

 Years ago, Tesla was the go-to manufacturer for suitable range, performance, and road-tripping capability.  Now, we have many choices, including some made-in-Canada options.  Come and see for yourself on April 27^th.