Town of Picture Butte – Olympia Millennium Model E

OVERVIEW 

As part of the Electric Vehicles for Municipalities program, the Town of Picture Butte purchased new fully electric Olympia Millennium Model E ice resurfacer. The Town received a $50,000 rebate for the project to help cover the $169,769.00 purchase price.

This project was funded by the Government of Alberta.

APPROACH 

The new electric ice resurfacer will replace an outdated 2002 propane fueled Zamboni. The Olympia will be used within the North County Recreation Complex.

RESULTS 

The purchase of the new electric ice resurfacer not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also offers economic benefits by reducing maintenance costs. The Town can expect:

Having an electric ice resurfacer boasts several benefits compared to the Town’s old, propane fueled unit as it will be:

1. Quieter – The new Olympia does not have a combustion engine and will thus be quieter to operate;

2. Cheaper – Electric ice resurfacer will run more efficiently and require less maintenance. Less maintenance on air circulation units and monitoring for greenhouse gases is also a benefit;

3. Safer – The new Olympia will not emit any greenhouse gas emissions into the arena and;

4. Cleaner – The new Olympia does not produce any greenhouse gases during operation and will have a reduced impact to the environment.

The new electric ice resurfacer reduces overall emissions from the previous propane model as much as 66% after accounting for the greenhouse gases from the electricity sourced from Alberta’s electricity grid.

We’re happy, excited and honoured to have the new Olympia in Town and for the generous support we had from Schooten and Sons, Serfas Farms, MCCAC and the Government of Alberta. I am looking forward to seeing the machine in action and take comfort knowing that this machine will be better for the environment, more cost efficient, thus saving our residents money and safer for our users and staff with no greenhouse gases being emitted from the new machine.

Cathy Moore, Mayor

As a parent, I know that how important arenas are to communities, and how much energy they can use. Energy efficiency upgrades can carry a high price tag, which is why we’re pleased to help fund this project. This Olympia Ice resurfacer will help lower utility costs while reducing emissions and supporting family fun at the rink.

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas