Another step has been taken in building an “outdoor recreation hub” on part of the former Quinte Exhibition grounds in Belleville.
Councillors gave the okay to staff on Monday to start putting together more detailed plans about what could be located on the site, with initial ideas including an outdoor rink, multi-use sports courts and other recreational amenities.
During the discussion, Councillor Kelly McCaw said she wasn’t against the idea, but that she couldn’t support it at this early stage, without knowing more about the cost.
“We don’t know the cost of the facility, we don’t know the annual maintenance costs. Any of the studies I did, we’re talking things such as back in 2012 in Ottawa, the Sens Rink of Dreams was $2.4 million and their annual operating cost was about $250,000. Those are the concerns I have.”
$50,000 was put aside for the project in the 2020 budget, with the Rotary Club of Belleville already suggesting it would be interested in helping to fund raise as well, though no official commitment has been made.
A full cost outline will be presented ahead of 2022 budget discussions.
Councillor Bill Sandison agreed that the rec complex was a good idea and that while there may be some early concerns with cost, the project could be a big piece on the overall redevelopment of that area.
Other questions around the table were directed at the choice of location, since some other potential sites were passed over, in favour of the Bridge and Sidney location.
Councillor Tyler Allsopp felt it was the right choice, for a number of reasons.
“Youth in that area are desperately in need of outdoor recreation facilities. I think this would be a great thing for people in that neighbourhood to be able to get out and get active. The fact it’s located on a transportation route is fantastic and makes it a lot more accessible and easier to get to. Then the possible synergies with the YMCA are really exciting.”
Some other concerns were centred around the area’s tag as a good spot for more tax revenue-generating development, but Mayor Mitch Panciuk assured councillors that if the plan goes ahead, the hub would be built further back off the road, closer to where the YMCA will go and not take away those opportunities.
