15 Mar Nanaimo makes the switch
VANCOUVER – March 15, 2017 – The City of Nanaimo has completed its evaluation process to equip the Nanaimo Ice Centre (NIC) Twin rinks Arena with an ice water treatment system and chose to make the switch to REALice.
“By using unheated water to resurface both our ice sheets at NIC, we are estimating to reduce the City’s carbon footprint by approx. 80t of CO2 per year. This is in line with our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases by 33% below 2007 levels as a corporation by 2020”, says Scott Pamminger, Manager Infrastructure, Planning and Energy for the City of Nanaimo.
By making the decision to switch to a REALice System, all the micro air bubbles from water, giving the same effect as extremely hot water has for resurfacing — but without the hot water expense — will be removed.
With no moving parts, filters, membranes or additional energy requirements, the maintenance-free REALice system will make a dramatic reduction on an arena carbon footprint and reduce the natural gas consumption by 79% and the hydro consumption by 10% – 12%.
“The City of Nanaimo is committed to further lower its greenhouse gas emissions and on successful outcome of converting NIC, plans are to convert all Nanaimo ice arenas to using unheated water in the near future. This will save even more greenhouse gases and tax payers money on utility costs,” Pamminger adds.
Arena No. 6 on Vancouver Island using REALice
The Nanaimo Ice Centre will be the 6th arena on Vancouver Island using the REALice system, after Pearkes Arena in Saanich, Oak Bay Rec Centre in Oak Bay, Kerry Park Rec Centre in Mill Bay, Island Savings Centre in Duncan and Fuller Lake Arena in North Cowichan.
