The City of London’s first electric Zamboni is now operating at Bostwick Arena, and is a first step towards the City transitioning to a fully battery electric Zamboni fleet in our arenas. The move is part of an ongoing effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and find operational cost savings and efficiencies. Three more electric Zambonis will be in service this fall at two additional City arenas.
“With these electric Zambonis, our goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, produce cleaner air in recreation facilities and set the stage for future opportunities for renewable energy production,” says Tim Wellhauser, Director of Fleet and Facilities at the City of London. “This brings London one step closer to being one of the first cities in North America to produce close to zero emissions from its Zambonis.”
On April 23, 2019, London City Council declared a climate emergency in London for the purposes of increasing our commitment to protecting our economy, ecosystems and community from climate change. The transition to a fully electric Zamboni fleet improves health and wellness at the City’s arenas, and is an important response to climate change as the City continues to develop its Climate Emergency Action Plan. As part of the transition, the City will also begin exploring future conservation opportunities like roof-top solar-power generation to support the energy needs of these Zambonis.
The electric Zambonis are expected to have lower operating and maintenance costs as well as a longer service life than natural gas Zambonis.
“An electric Zamboni reduces 19 tonnes of emissions annually, so this transition creates a cleaner space for City staff and arena users while also reducing our environmental impact,” says Jon-Paul McGonigle, Director of Recreation and Sport at the City of London. “Our goal is to make sure every visit to municipal arenas will be enjoyable and memorable, and sustainability is a large part of that.”
Prior to adding the first electric Zamboni to the fleet, the City operated 13 natural gas Zambonis to maintain the ice at 18 ice pads in City arenas and the skating trail at Storybook Gardens. Over the next four years, 12 of the City’s natural gas Zambonis will reach or exceed the end of their 10-year, optimal life cycle where they will then transition to a fully electric fleet.