Belleville Councillors have unanimously and wholeheartedly approved a $1 million interest free loan to the Quinte Humane Society, as it begins construction of its new building.
Everyone around the council table voiced support for what is being called a “much-needed” new home for the QHS, to be built at 34 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road.
The City of Quinte West approved a similar agreement last week.
QHS Executive Director Marilyn Lawrie told council that they’ve already raised $3 million of the $5 million needed for phase one of the facility and if they can end up raising the other $2 million, there would be no need to even take the loans from both cities.
Phase two and three, which include a community education centre and a veterinary clinic, would be built at a later date.
Belleville also already supports the animal shelter through an eight-year, $50,000 per year grant and has waived building permit and sewer connection fees as well, with that carrying about a $250,000 price tag.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story noted the city had made a donation, not a loan.
