Two expenses were given an advanced green light for the 2026 budget at tonight’s Smithers council meeting.
Those are a new knife aerator for $50,000 and installing a REALice system for $26,000.
The staff report said installing the new ice system was being looked at as part of the town’s Community Energy and Emissions Plan to both reduce carbon output from the arenas and reduce overall operating costs going forward.
“Sometimes, there is a hesitancy to do anything that may be a bit more environmentally friendly but when you look at the brass tax, sometimes it makes sense financially,” said Councillor Sam Raven.
One of the main draws to the new system according to the report is removing the need to heat the water used to flood the rink with an estimated annual saving of $22,267 between the arenas.
Staff were also able to secure rebates from Pacific Northern Gas ($43,800) and BC Hydro ($15,935) to cover about 75 per cent of the installation total.
Another advantage to the new system brought up by Councillor Laura Leonard is the REALice system would also mean faster ice freezing times.
It was brought up for advanced approval as the BC Hydro rebate requires the system be operational by March 6th.
The knife aerator was put up for early approval as there are limited suppliers with anticipated delays in having it delivered and staff wishing to have it ahead of the upcoming field maintenance season.
It is used for maintaining turf health, improving drainage, and extending sport field lifespans according to the report.
Funding for the aerator would come from the town’s Machinery & Equipment
Replacement Statutory Reserve.
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