Sarnia Arena staff were learning how to use their new electric Zamboni just before the rink was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Facility and Park Operations Manager Trevor Sanderson said the vehicle arrived just before Christmas.
"I believe on the 20th of December we received it and got training from the manufacturer on how it operates, the charging and all of that, so it's been working great," said Sanderson. "We haven't, obviously, been using it that much yet and obviously aren't going to be using it much now for the next little while given the recent announcements with the closing of the arena."
Enhanced province-wide restrictions, including the closure of recreation facilities like arenas, came into effect Wednesday and will remain in place until at least January 26.
Sanderson said the electric Zamboni cost about $136,000, which wasn't much more than a traditional propane-powered Zamboni which cost about $120,000.
"It's got a lot of new technology on it that we haven't had in the past that will make their (staff's) job easier, make the ice quality better, and eventually save money at the end of the day."
The City of Sarnia's electric Zamboni battery at Sarnia Arena. Image courtesy of Trevor Sanderson.
Sanderson said the obvious difference is air quality, there are no emissions, and a lot less noise because there's no engine.
"Obviously, because it's electric, there's no internal combustion engine on it," said Sanderson. "There are electric motors that drive it. There is a charging unit where we store the Zamboni and it's back to 100 per cent battery charge in just about 30 minutes."
