Paradise charging ahead with Zamboni replacement

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Paradise is on track to receive a new Zamboni ice resurfacer to replace one of two aging models at the Double Ice Complex, but the rinks will have to make do until the expected delivery date early next year.
Councillor Glen Carew told council last week the complex is often down to one machine making ice for both rinks, rendering the new purchase a necessity. The Town has even had to resort to borrowing a machine from CBS in the past.
“This is something that’s needed,” said Carew. “We know that those two rinks are busy, busy, busy, week in and week out.”
The pair of electric-powered Zambonis that came with the rink 10 years ago are nearing the end of their useful operating life, Carew indicated.
The replacement, the 650Li Electric Ice Resurfacer, quoted by Saunders Equipment at $197,760 plus HST, is an emission free model with a maintenance-free lithium-ion battery. Carew said the environmentally conscious model aligns with the environmental stewardship aspect of the Town’s municipal plan.
Acquisition of the machine is being facilitated by Canoe Procurement, a national purchasing program available to municipalities and public bodies across the country. Carew came across their booth at a Municipalities NL event last year, and discovered usage of the service could offer savings to the Town.
“Canoe has worked to gain partnerships with municipal organizations in each province in order to sanction and roll out programs in each respective region,” Carew said. “For this province, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador was Canoe’s partner association to liaise with the government’s purchasing agency to sanction the use of Canoe by public bodies in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Mayor Dan Bobbett approved of the development.
“It’s all part of asset management, being prepared and bringing in new assets to replace the old ones,” he said.