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ICE MOVE! City-owned rinks shifting to electric Zambonis

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London’s first electric Zamboni has hit the ice, the first step in the city’s plan to transition to a battery-powered fleet.

In addition to the electric Zamboni now in use at the Bostwick Arena, three more battery-powered ice-resurfacing machines will be in service by the fall at two other municipal arenas, city hall officials said Thursday.

“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,” Tim Wellhauser, the city’s director of fleet and facilities, said in a release.

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“This brings London one step closer to being one of the first cities in North America to produce close to zero emissions from its (ice-resurfacing machines).”

Replacing its 13 gas-powered ice resurfacers with electric ones, which have lower maintenance and operating costs, is part of London’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.

“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,” Jon-Paul McGonigle, the city’s director of recreation and sport, said in a release.

“Our goal is to make sure every visit to municipal arenas will be enjoyable and memorable, and sustainability is a large part of that.”

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