OVERVIEW
As part of the MCCAC’s Electric Vehicles for Municipalities (EVM) Program, the Municipality of Jasper purchased a new electric Polaris Ranger side-by-side to perform seasonal ice removal at the arena and curling rink. This project was completed in March, 2021.
APPROACH
This unit replaced a diesel John Deer Tractor which was previously used to remove the ice in the hockey rink, generating toxic fumes in both the arena and curling rink. Municipal staff determined that the emissions from the diesel tractor were too high and dangerous to the health of staff while using it indoors, which accelerated the move to an electric alternative.
RESULTS
By switching to electric, the Municipality will be eliminating any operational emissions, leading to a reduction in environmental impact, as well as health and safety improvements for both staff and patrons. The electric side-by-side also takes only an hour to clear the ice, where the tractor took three hours. The unit comes equipped with a custom-made squeegee attached to the side-by-side to remove the melted ice in the arena. The Municipality also plans to use their new EV for snow removal around the facility.
“We’re very excited about the addition of the electric side-by-side to our operation. It is incumbent upon
Richard Ireland, Mayor, Municipality of Jasper
us to be a community leader in environmental stewardship, and integrate these values into our
organization whenever possible. Our goal is to achieve zero emissions whenever possible. This is one further step on that important path.”
56% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a fuel equivalent vehicle
Here’s what Peter Bridge, Arena Manager from the Municipality of Jasper had to say about the project and participating in the Electric Vehicles for Municipalities Program:
“The electric Polaris Ranger has performed beyond our expectations and we are so grateful for the
Peter Bridge, Arena Manager, Municipality of Jasper
opportunity to purchase it with the support of the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre grant. We
hope that this is just the beginning of the Municipality of Jasper moving towards the use of electric
vehicles in an effort to lower our greenhouse gas emissions.”
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