Canlan Ice Sports Corp.

"Installing brine pump pony motors and controls at our ice rinks provides impressive energy cost savings, and the BC Hydro Product Incentive Program incentives make the paybacks even more attractive."

— Mark Faubert, vice-president of Western Operations, Canlan Ice Sports Corporation

The situation

Canlan Ice Sports Corporation is the world leader in ice sports facility ownership and operation, with 20 facilities and 56 sheets of ice in Canada and the United States. In B.C., Canlan has six facilities offering "industry best" sports programs and leagues, located in North Vancouver, Langley Twin Rinks, Chilliwack-Prospera Centre, 100 Mile House, Armstrong and Burnaby 8 Rinks, the world's largest facility.

Like any smart business operator, Canlan is always looking for ways to save on operating costs. Since energy is a large component of the cost of operating ice sports facilities, Canlan is receptive to ideas for reducing energy consumption.

In the search for energy saving opportunities, Canlan worked with both BC Hydro and Fraser Valley Refrigeration. BC Hydro assisted by evaluating possible energy conservation measures at Canlan's different facilities and by identifying the opportunities to apply for Power Smart funding to carry out projects.

The solution

The BC Hydro evaluation showed that the addition of pony motors to the brine pumps of refrigeration systems could provide an opportunity for reducing energy consumption during lower usage periods. With the addition of a pony motor, each brine pump would now have two motors: a larger motor that is used for high-load conditions, and the smaller pony motor, for lower loads. As a result of these changes, the facility can run equipment to match its refrigeration needs, thereby saving energy and money. In comparison with the installation of an additional small pump and motor combination, experience shows that the pony motor solution is more economical.

Because brine pump pony motors are included under BC Hydro's Power Smart Product Incentive Program, Canlan was eligible for incentives that brought the project payback to just over two years, making the installation very cost-effective.

Consequently, Canlan installed two brine pump pony motors at its Langley Twin Rinks arena. This installation resulted in energy savings of over 90,000 kilowatt hours per year.

Previously, through Power Smart programs, Canlan had installed several other brine pump pony motors at its Burnaby 8 Rinks and North Vancouver facilities. These installations realized savings of over 515,000 kilowatt hours. In total, Canlan is now saving over $30,000 per year in energy costs as a result of the pony motor installations.

Canlan, with the help of BC Hydro Power Smart, also participated in a pilot program to study how its facilities could benefit from a more energy-efficient lighting design. The results of energy studies completed at two facilities were very positive, and Canlan now plans to implement some of the recommendations, which will provide further energy savings and improve facility lighting.

The benefits

Electricity savings

The pony motor installations at the three facilities are saving a total of 605,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, worth over $30,000 in annual energy savings. As well, the lighting upgrades, when implemented, will save an additional 105,000 kilowatt hours, or about $5,000 each year.

Reduced environmental impacts

Lower energy consumption results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced environmental protection.

Improved safety and enjoyment

Improved facility lighting increases safety and the enjoyment of activities for athletes, customers and employees.

Contact us

Find out how Power Smart can energize your bottom line. Call us today at 604 522 4713 in the Lower Mainland or 1 866 522 4713 elsewhere in B.C.