The Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre has given a lot to the area.
Thousands use it each month for hockey, swimming, exercise or even just a walk.
It was a reason Belleville was able to bring hockey back to town (AHL Belleville Senators). It was also the corner stone decision to bring the U-19 Women’s World Floorball Championships to Belleville.
However, it is going to cost much more than originally anticipated.
In 2009, the project was originally budgeted for $35 million. Quinte News has learned that the final price tag will be just shy of $40 million.
Belleville Treasurer Brian Cousins says the project came in $4.8 million over the 2009 projection.
So what is in the $4.8 million? Cousins says it is made up of construction costs, along with litigation and court costs associated with the lawsuit and counter suit with Atlas Construction.
Both sides alleged breach of contract, in the building of the QSWC. The lawsuits, also included several sub-contractors who were working on the project.
Cousins did not say how much of the $4.8 million, was legal or settlement costs, but one source tells Quinte News it was in the seven figures.
Councillor Mitch Panciuk says this lawsuit was inherited from a previous council and it was important to deal with it.
Mayor Taso Christopher says the city is happy to be moving forward so it can focus on other projects.
In June, council approved paying for the $4.8 million through development charges ($2.2 million) and debt ($2.6 million). The debt will be paid off over many years.