Belleville city council has taken the first step toward a major expansion and renovation of the Quinte Sports Centre. After just 30-minutes of debate last night, council sent the issue to the January budget deliberations. Mayor Neil Ellis “challenged councillors to look forward,” past their four year term. Mayor Ellis said the 20-point-nine million dollar upgrade, first promised in 1981, would hinge on a deal with the Belleville Bulls hockey team. He told our newsroom he’s looking for a 25-year agreement with the Bulls in return for the upgrading. The Quinte Sports Centre renovation, conditional on an agreement, was approved on a recorded of 6-to-2 , with councillors Lafferty and Christopher voting against, and councillor Miller declaring a conflict.
