Photo courtesy of the City of Vernon

By Liam Verster

Retrofitted and New Machines

Ice resurfacers added to Vernon’s electric fleet

Sep 18, 2024 | 12:25 PM

The City of Vernon has new electric ice resurfacers to maintain the local rinks.

The city has purchased a new electric machine, and has converted two from propane-powered to electric.

The city estimated the new ice resurfacers would reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 17 to 19 tonners per machine.

“Fossil fuel-powered vehicles are the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the City of Vernon,” Mayor Victor Cumming said.

“By bolstering our electric vehicle fleet, including the conversion of ice resurfacers from propane to electric, the city is taking another important step in meeting our climate action goals laid out in our Climate Action Plan. This transition will not only reduce emissions but also improve air quality in our arenas.”

Drought Level 2

Drought conditions at Level 2 for third straight week

1h ago

Emergency Preparedness Funds

Climate adaption projects in the North Okanagan, other area communities, receiving funding boost

8h ago

UBCM Asset Management Award

Kelowna wins municipal award for infrastructure planning and management

22h ago

The ice resurfacers were added to the City of Vernon’s electric fleet, which also consisted of nine fully electric vehicles, three hybrids, six e-bikes, and a utility terrain vehicle.

The conversion of the two propane ice resurfacers to electric-powered was partially funded by the B.C. Government through the CleanBC Commercial Vehicle Pilot Grant Program.

“British Columbians are committed to tackling climate change, and we are taking action to support their efforts,” Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne stated.

“The CleanBC Go Electric programs make it more accessible and more affordable to transition to clean, electric transportation. Initiatives like Vernon’s electric ice resurfacer fleet show how local governments and industries can work together to reduce emissions while creating sustainable economic opportunities for people.”

The retrofit of the two propane-powered machines cost $115,653.46, with $37,664.67 funded through the grant program. The city purchased the new electric machine at a cost of $206,590, which was funded through the Recreation Equipment and Vehicle Replacement Fund.