The Township of Warwick is celebrating the arrival of new electric ice-maintenance equipment at the East Lambton Community Complex’s Watford Optimist Arena.
Township Council, staff and community partners gathered at the arena for an official photo opportunity marking the addition of a new Zamboni Model 446 Electric Ice Resurfacer and an EV Ice Edger.
The equipment was approved as part of the Township’s 2025 budget deliberations. Parks and Recreation Manager Ryan Chamney says the move to electric equipment represents an important advancement for arena operations.
The purchase was supported by local community partners, including Bluewater Power, which contributed $10,000 toward the equipment.
The Township says Bluewater Power has been a longtime partner, supporting a number of local initiatives, including previous investments in fundraising efforts at the East Lambton Community Complex.
The Township is also thanking Watford Home Hardware and owner Kevin Caris for providing an advertising sponsorship for the project. Home Hardware covered the cost of the custom vehicle wrap on the new ice resurfacer.
Officials say the new equipment will support ongoing arena operations while representing a move toward more sustainable equipment at the Watford facility.
“The electric Zamboni will deliver reduced emissions, improve indoor air quality for players and spectators, quieter operation, superior ice quality, and greater energy efficiency,” Parks and Recreation Manager Ryan Chamney said. “We are grateful to Bluewater Power and Watford Home Hardware for their continued support as local advertisers and sponsors.”
“Bluewater Power is delighted to support our friends in Warwick with the new electric Zamboni at the East Lambton Community Complex. We truly value our relationship with the Township and are super proud to support projects that make a real difference for local families and the community,” said Janice McMichael-Dennis, President and CAO, Bluewater Power Distribution Corporation.
“Council is pleased to welcome this state-of-the-art electric Zamboni to the ELCC,” Mayor Todd Case said. “We deeply appreciate Bluewater Power’s continued partnership and $10,000 investment, and we thank Watford Home Hardware for being a long-standing community supporter and advertiser. Together, these partnerships help us advance our environmental goals while elevating our arena operations.”
Written by: C. Soares
