Ottawa Senators AHL’s affiliate inks deal with the City of Belleville on September 26, 2016. Pictured: Mark Fluhrer, Belleville mayor Taso Christopher, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and Ottawa Senators Assistance General Manager Randy Lee. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
While the numbers indicating the potential economic spin off from the newly inked deal between the Ottawa Senators AHL’s affiliate and the City of Belleville are yet to be determined – the chamber says the potential is enormous.
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk made it official at a news conference at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre Monday morning. The team will continue to play out of the Broome County Arena this season then move to Belleville once a $20 million renovation is complete late next fall.
Belleville Chamber CEO Bill Saunders said they are still waiting for more details on what the contract will look like but so far everything is looking good.
Executive Director of Bay of Quinte Tourism Dug Stevenson said he is also interesting in seeing how much business this brings to the region.
The owner of Belleville’s Slap Shots Bar and Grill Carlos Petrecca couldn’t be more excited about the deal. His Cannifton Road business has been home to many local sports fans over the years.
During Monday’s special council meeting, Paul Carr requested a business plan and councillor Mike Graham asked staff to provide numbers on a relating to the potential economic spinoff.
A timeline on when the report is coming back to council hasn’t been announced yet.
