City receives funding to invest in electric ice resurfacers

Thanks to funding from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC), new electric ice resurfacers are on the ice at The City of Calgary’s Father David Bauer and Henry Viney Arenas.

“Modernizing and incorporating fully electric, electric hybrid and other low carbon vehicles and equipment such as ice resurfacers, is one way The City is working to reduce our environmental impact through The City’s Green Fleet Strategy in support of The City’s Climate Strategy to be net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Majid Asefi, director of Fleet & Inventory.

Technology and ice resurfacers have come a long way since being invented by American engineer Frank Zamboni in 1949. The Engo ice resurfacers are emission-free and will replace the natural gas-powered units typically used in City arenas. 

“Replacing our aging ice resurfacers with electric models is a great investment for The City. They are helping reduce our environmental footprint and continue to provide quality recreation experiences,” said Greg Steinraths, regional operations manager for Calgary Recreation.

The cost for two Engo ice resurfacers is approximately $303,000 and is being paid for in part ($89,536) by grant funding through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre. Additional vehicles are being considered as the rest of The City’s ice resurfacing fleet reach the end of their lifecycle.

For more information on The City’s Green Fleet, please visit Calgary.ca/green-fleet or visit mccac.ca to learn more about funding programs through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre.