Barrie’s ice is getting a green makeover this winter.
Through the City’s Electrify Barrie Program, all of the ice resurfacers being used at its arenas will transition from gas to electric power with cold water flooding. It's described as another step toward Barrie becoming a low-carbon, net-zero community by 2050.
The electric machines will operate quietly, and feature safety and efficiency upgrades such as quick two-hour recharges, boltless blade changes, on-board diagnostics, seat sensors for emergency shut off, and improved operator comfort.
“These new ice resurfacers provide an opportunity to modernize our arenas while improving efficiency and reducing long-term operating costs,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall in a news release. “This approach helps ensure City facilities remain well maintained and cost-effective for residents.”
A 2022-23 pilot preceded the changes, which replaced two as units with electric ones. Maintenance costs are expected to be reduced by up to 40 per cent or a reduction of $20,000 in annually.
The City says the 10 electric ice resurfacers will eliminate approximately 70 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually and will save around roughly 440,000 kilowatt hours, worth around $25,000 annually and equivalent to the power 16 average Barrie households use per year.
