Ben Bleecker building at former fairgrounds (File photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
Steps are underway to clear up the former Quinte Exhibition and Raceway grounds in Belleville’s west end.
Demolition of a number of buildings on city land on the east side of Sidney Street near the Ben Bleecker building is beginning.
City council has hired Parkside Landscaping to demolish the old barns, sheds, and pavilions at a cost of $42,000.
This clears 6.6 acres of land for the city.
No decision has yet been made on how that land should be used.
There is still the question of the Lawn Bowling Club.
The city is looking for an alternate site for that facility.
Meanwhile, Belleville’s Fairgrounds Negotiating Committee is still working with the Agricultural Society regarding its lease for the site on the west side of Sidney, another 22 acres of land.
Chair Councillor Jack Miller says the negotiations are working to find another location for the Belleville Fairgrounds.
Also this week, council awarded a contract to a Kingston company, Environmental Contracting Services, to demolish old deteriorating city-owned buildings on Atkins Road , Point Anne Road and Yeomans Street.
