The municipality has replaced its ice resurfacing machine with an electric vehicle.
Members of municipal staff say the existing ice resurfacer was due for replacement, being kept as a spare replacing the 1976 model.
The municipality chose to purchase an electric lithium ion machine instead of replacing the machine with the traditional propane resurfacer or the lead acid electric version.
Considerations including savings through low cost electric charging in comparison to the cost of propane consumption, safety issues with filling, transporting, and storing propane, reducing strain on arena ventilation system, the low maintenance costs, and becoming a more eco-friendly arena were key factors in decision making.
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Historically, the Zamboni used around 120 litres of propane each ice season.
The Zamboni 552ACLI model with lithium battery power was selected. This model uses new technology and was offered on the bigger models this year.
Summerland was the first community to have this model with the lithium battery on the ice, according to Kendrick Equipment supplier.
“Council and our staff have been committed to sustainable operations within all departments over recent years and this is another example of the district’s sustainable outlook,” said Anthony Haddad, Summerland’s chief administrative officer.
“We look forward to welcoming the community back into the arena to see the Zamboni in action once provincial pandemic protocols allow.”
The new Zamboni has been in use for the last two weeks and arena staff have commented on how easy it is to operate.
The machine uses about 13 per cent of battery life per clean with the arena running 18 hours a day, plugging it in halfway through the day and at the end of the night keeps it charged above 50 per cent.
The lithium battery has a life cycle of up to four times that of a lead acid battery while delivering a consistent output.
The Climate Action Reserve Fund provided some funds to support the project. A reduction of approximately 140 tonnes of greenhouse gases is expected over the lifetime of the equipment.
This project helps support the municipality’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and is in line with recommendations from both our Official Community Plan and the Corporate Energy and Emissions Plan. The project also qualifies for Plug-In BC’s Special User Vehicle Incentive Program rebate.
“Once again Summerland scores in our efforts to transition to a low-carbon future,” said acting mayor Doug Holmes.
“There are also a hat-trick of financial benefits for going electric: the district saves on fuel, on maintenance costs, and on the reduced strain on the arena’s ventilation system due to the elimination of carbon emissions.”
The arena also purchased a REALice water treatment system in November 2017 which eliminates the need for hot water when building and resurfacing ice which has resulted in less dehumidifier run time and facility utility cost savings.
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