DIDSBURY - Council has approved the purchase of a Zamboni M450 electric model ice surface cleaner for the Didsbury Memorial Complex at a cost of $166,997, with $50,000 in grant funding projected to help offset the cost.
The move came by way of motion at a September council meeting.
The existing Zamboni at the arena is propane-powered and was purchased in 2008.
“The average life expectancy of an ice resurfacing machine is 10 years,” said Ethan Gorner, the town's chief administrative officer. “The repair costs for the current machine has averaged approximately $10,000 per year for the past two years, and much of this repair has focused on the engine, hydraulics, and ice auger.”
The town has the replacement of the Zamboni scheduled for 2023, with a value of $110,000.
The town has qualified for a $50,000 grant through the Electric Vehicles for Municipalities Program from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre.
“In speaking to other arenas that utilize the electric models, they are very satisfied with the decision to go electric,” he said. “It reduces emissions within the building, creating a safer air-quality environment for users and staff, significantly decreases in repair and maintenance have been realized, and low mileage and consistent temperatures offered on these machines within arena environments has not impeded battery life and/or operation.”
Council passed the motion approving the purchase of a Zamboni M450 electric model, value of $166,997.50, and proceed with entering into a funding agreement with the municipal climate change action centre, under the Electric Vehicles for Municipalities Program.”
Due to worldwide supply issues, the lead time for ordering a new ice resurfacer is eight to nine months, council heard.
“If an order is placed in September 2022, the new machine should arrive just ahead of the 2023-24 arena season,” he said.
Council also passed second motions to amend the 2022 capital budget and the multi-year capital plan to reflect the 2022 Zamboni replacement, to be funded by the recreation facilities reserve.
Cemetery pathway project gets additional funding
Meanwhile, council has approved a $17,000 boost to the funding for a pathway replacement project near the local cemetery.
The move also came by way of motion at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.
The project involves the removal and replacement of approximately 190 metres of pathway adjacent to the cemetery. The original budgeted cost of the project was $51,000.
“After receiving the current pricing for the project, the cost to remove and replace the pathway increased to $68,000,” said Gorner. “The cost increase is due to changing market conditions along with additional clay and gravel anticipated, based on depth of top soil in the area.
“The project is based on conservatively estimated quantities at the time of the quote. Actual invoiced amount will be based on placed qualities. Should the quantity be lower, the cost to complete will be lower.”
The approved motion states: “To approve an amendment to the 2022 capital budget for the Deer Coulee/Cemetery Pathway Replacement project, increasing the current amount by $17,000 to a cost of $68,000. The additional amount will also be funded from the Trails and Pathways Reserve fund.”
Deputy mayor Curt Engel chaired the Sept. 13 council meeting, with all councillors in attendance. Mayor Rhonda Hunter is currently on leave from council for personal reasons.
