The Town of Slave Lake has had ongoing participation in the Recreation Energy Conservation Program for projects at the Multi-Recreation Centre. Recently, the Town also upgraded to use variable frequency drives (vfd’s) on a number of pumps and installed the REALice system. The VFD’s are a control system that allows pumps to work on demand, varying their speed as required (vs. turning either on or off). The REALice system will allow the Town to use cooler water temperatures for flooding ice (and in the future, will be able to make ice with cold water). While both projects are “behind the scenes,” they are anticipated to provide enough energy savings to provide a return on investment to the Town in 1-2 years. A rebate will be provided by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre to help support these projects.
Starting in 2019, an energy scope audit was completed, identifying opportunities to save energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the MRC. In 2021 an electric ice resurfacing machine (Zamboni) was also brought into service, through a grant program, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
REALice Unit
Heating Glycol Pump Switch