The City of Belleville has signed off on a $20.5 million expansion to the Yardmen Arena paving the way for a major hockey announcement to come from the Ottawa Senators within the next hour.
At a special council meeting this morning, Matthew Delean of Architecture49 gave an overview of what the plan calls for including: expanded seating from 3,217 to 4,400 seats, NHL size rink, 9,000 square foot home team dressing room, new refrigeration system and new score clock.
The biggest part of the expansion will be at the north end, including 800 seats, new washrooms and a new public entrance.
The estimated construction date is December 2016 to be completed in time to finish the 2017/18 season.
In a recorded vote of 8-1 with councillors Egerton Boyce, Jackie Denyes, Mitch Panciuk, Mike Graham, Jack Miller, Paul Carr, Garnet Thompson and mayor Taso Christopher in favour. Kelly McCaw opposed.
Meanwhile, Ottawa Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk will join members of Belleville city council at a media event at 11 a.m. this morning at the Quinte Sports Centre.
There, it will be announced that Belleville will be the new home of the Ottawa Senators American League farm team.
We’ll be covering everything and bring you detail as soon as it becomes available. Follow live updates on Twitter @quintenews
