Pointe Claire clears air with new Zamboni

Pointe Claire city officials say they have taken another stride toward being more ‘green’ with the acquisition of an electric Zamboni machine to clear the ice at their arena.

Although the air quality at Bob Birnie Arena is well within the norms set by Montreal health department officials regarding carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, Mayor Bill McMurchie said emission levels are always a concern at the arena. The city has taken steps over the years to improve air quality, including new detectors and a better ventilation system. The city used propane and then natural gas-fuelled ice resurfacers prior to their new electric one. “We’re following technological changes in the industry,” the mayor said.

McMurchie recalled a problem with the air quality at the arena several years ago due to a malfunctioning part on the ice resurfacer. When tests indicated pollution levels were above permissible limits, the problem on the machine was detected and repaired.

The emission-free Zamboni Model 552, which has a large battery that has to be recharged, cost the city about $125,000, McMurchie said.

Meanwhile, Dollard des Ormeaux officials will monitor the performance of Pointe Claire’s new electric ice resurfacer. “We will be looking at this option in the next year or two when we need to replace one of our present Zambonis,” said Mayor Ed Janiszewski. “The Pointe Claire experience will certainly prove helpful in our decision.”

Beaconsfield will certainly consider an electric ice resurfacer once their current machine, which is “still in good shape,” needs to replaced, said Mayor Bob Benedetti.

Dorval has been using an electric one at the Dorval Arena since the middle of the 2007-2008 season, according to a city official.

Meanwhile, Kirkland has had an electric model Zamboni machine in use since 2004.