CommunityCouncil

More Zamboni repairs push Paradise over its ice maintenance budget

By Mark Squibb \ May 5, 2023

A second round of Zamboni repairs in as many months has pushed Paradise $13,000 over its ice maintenance budget.

“Zamboni A has been making a loud noise during operation, and an inspection found that the gearbox is in need of repairs,” said councillor Larry Vaters during the April 18 public meeting. “The cost of the parts from Saunders Equipment is $8,720, plus HST. Labour to install the gearbox was quoted between $3,200 and $4,800, plus HST, depending on the hours required to complete the repairs. The cost to transport the Zamboni out of the arena for service is $300 plus HST.”

All told, the repairs will cost approximately $14,000, and Vaters recommended council approve the “unplanned and unbudgeted” repair work.

He said the Town had budgeted $32,000 for ice maintenance in 2023, and he hopes staff will find savings in the operational budget to make up the difference.

Earlier in the meeting, council approved a reallocation of recreation funds left over from the purchase of bleachers for the Milton Road ball field to be used for future Zamboni repairs.

Staff had budgeted $20,000 for the bleachers, and the quote came in at $14,219. The remaining $5,780 will be used for ongoing Zamboni repairs throughout the year.

“Both Zambonis at the arena have been in operation since September 2014,” said Vaters. “It is projected that the repair costs of the Zambonis will increase through the remainder of their life cycle. The reallocation of funds from other budgeted items will be required to keep the machines in working order until they are replaced.”

Back in March, council approved replacement of a battery for one Zamboni, which had been in service for five years, at a cost of $21,581, HST included.

Going back a year to May, 2022, council spent $23,000, HST included, to replace a rear end and axle on one of the machines.

Council purchased the two electric Zambonis in January 2014, at a cost of $300,128, HST included.

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