District of Summerland facilities maintenance coordinator Mike Fetterer is pictured driving the new electric Zamboni in this undated photo.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / District of Summerland
October 27, 2020 - 11:50 AM
The District of Summerland has replaced its old Zamboni at the Summerland Arena with an electric version.
The municipality made the decision to purchase the Zamboni 552ACL model, powered by lithium batteries, following economic considerations that included cost savings in electric versus propane consumptions, safety, maintenance and environmental issues, according to a District media release.
“Council and staff have been committed to sustainable operations within all departments over recent years and this is another example of the district’s sustainable outlook, chief administrative officer Anthony Haddad said in the release.
The District has been using the new Zamboni for the past two weeks and staff have found it easy to operate.
Summerland is the first community to purchase this model with the lithium battery, according to supplier Kendrick Equipment.
The Zamboni will reduce Summerland’s carbon footprint by approximately 140 tonnes of greenhouse gases over its lifespan, the District said.
“There are a hat-trick of financial benefits for going electric, including savings on fuel, maintenance costs and reduced strain on the arena’s ventilation system by eliminating carbon emissions,” Summerland's acting Mayor Doug Holmes said in the release.
Summerland doesn't say in the release how much the Zamboni cost taxpayers.
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