OVERVIEW
As part of the MCCAC’s Electric Vehicles for Municipalities (EVM) Program, the City of Brooks purchased their first fully electric Zamboni to resurface the ice at the Centennial Regional Arena, home of the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). The new vehicle will be used to ensure good quality ice while reducing fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions. This project was completed in December 2021.
APPROACH
In 2018, City Council made a strategic goal to review projects and purchases through a climate change lens to promote sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint. Endeavors such as replacing a fossil fuel dependent vehicle with an electric vehicle fit within this commitment and represent progress towards Brooks’ sustainability goals. The City added the electric Zamboni to its fleet in September 2021 and estimates it will produce significant fuel and maintenance cost savings from the previous model. The unit comes with sealed lithium-ion batteries that are expected to last 10-12 years.
RESULTS
With this electric vehicle, the City’s fleet is helping to reduce the environmental impact by reducing fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and maintenance costs. There will also be a health and safety improvement for both staff and patrons due to the lack of any operational emissions. This EV is expected to reduce overall emissions by 66% compared to a conventional propane ice resurfacer.
“The purchase of an electric ice resurfacer makes our operations more efficient and cost effective. Not only are we reducing emissions and improving indoor air quality in our arena, but we will be saving on fuel and maintenance costs as well. This is a great initiative to move us into more sustainable operations”
Rani McPhillips, Manager, Recreation Services
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