District of Taylor reports over $16k in energy savings at Ice Centre

TAYLOR, B.C. — The District of Taylor said it has reduced its energy usage at the Taylor District Ice Centre after installing a new water treatment system. 

During the June 23rd, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting, Mike Farquharson, Director of Community Services, discussed an opportunity for the district to use funds from the Local Government Climate Action Fund to use REALice technology to improve ice quality at the arena, while providing cost savings. 

The system was expected to reduce the centre’s costs and remove air bubbles and impurities from the water used for resurfacing the rink. 

Farquharson addressed the council with an update on the technology in the June 1st Committee of the Whole meeting as part of the Community Services Departmental Update.

According to a staff report presented by Farquharson, the district saved 60,960 kilowatt-hours, equivalent to $1,600.96 from BC Hydro, and 450 gigajoules of piped natural gas (PNG), equal to $ 16,753.72 in 2025/26 compared to 2024/25. 

During the July 7th, 2025, Council Meeting, the District of Taylor Council passed a decision to purchase REALice Technology for $41,529.60. 

“The director of community services brought forward, as recommended by the June 23rd committee of the whole, the request to adopt the purchase of a REALice System for the district arena,” according to Council minutes. 

“Council adopted the resolution and noted that it looks forward to the benefits and cost savings that this investment from the Local Government Action [Fund] will bring to the operation of the arena,” the minutes said. 

The District Ice Centre is located at 9880 Cherry Ave W and is open to the public for ice rentals, which can be booked by contacting the Community Services Hub at 250-789-2828, extension two. 

Ice times are subject to availability on a first come first serve basis. Prices range from $85 an hour for youth to $125 an hour for adults.