HAY RIVER - In 1995, Ron Hamilton came up with an idea that has saved the territorial government hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years.

Ron Hamilton, the fleet manager with the Department of Transportation, stands in front of a refurbished snowblower destined for an NWT airport. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The idea was to retrofit older-model snowblowers nearing the end of their lifespans at various NWT airports.

"I investigated some more to see what the cost would be to do a complete retrofit," explained Hamilton, a long-time GNWT employee.

It turned out the savings of retrofits versus buying new snowblowers were major - over $100,000 per machine - and a retrofitted model would last just as long as a new one.

"I fully expect to get 20 years out of them again," Hamilton said.

In 1995, he was mechanical superintendent with the Airports Division of the Department of Transportation and is now fleet manager of mobile equipment with the department.

Prior to division of the NWT, several snowblowers were retrofitted in the Eastern Arctic, and four have since been done for Inuvik, Tulita, Fort Simpson and Fort Smith.

Most of them were 1983 Vohl model snowblowers.

"There are at least four more to be retrofitted," Hamilton said, noting they are in Fort Good Hope, Holman, Fort McPherson and Fort Liard.

The retrofits are done by Tenco Machinery (CDN) Ltd. in Quebec.

Hamilton said a new snowblower would cost about $350,000, while a retrofit costs about $225,000, including freight to get the machine to Quebec and back.

Hamilton said the retrofitted machines use existing frames and axle stubs, but much of the rebuilt models are new - cab, wiring, hydraulics, transmission, and front and rear engines.

"These newer ones are better than the originals," he said.

In recognition of his initiative, Hamilton was among several people to receive the Premier's Award of Excellence on June 15.

Hamilton was nominated for the award by Hay River North MLA Paul Delorey.

"It's somebody who goes over and above the call of duty," Delorey said.

The MLA credited Hamilton with thinking creatively about extending the life of the snow blowers.

"Basically, when they come out of the repair shop in Quebec, they're like new machines," Delorey said, noting even the warranty is the same as a new model.

Hamilton, 55, said it's a good feeling to know he has saved the government so much money and an honour to be recognized with the award.

Looking for cost savings is just part of his nature, he noted. "I'm always trying to save a dollar and gain greatest value with our public funds."