Belleville Director of Recreation answering questions on the Yardman Arena at city council, November 14, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville has taken the first step in the addition and renovations at the Yardmen Arena in the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre.
Director of Recreation Mark Fluhrer told city council Monday night that it was important to get an experienced general contractor that gives the best chance to have the arena completed on time and on budget.
Fluhrer said the recommended company had worked on sports facilities in Kitchener and St. Catherines.
He said it is critical it be on time to meet the AHL Belleville Senators start time next year and “failure is not an option”.
Councillor Mitch Panciuk referred to the legal issues with the sports centre’s former expansion with its legal issues.
Fluhrer said the construction manager answers directly to the city for the project being on time and on budget.
He said there are stiff penalties if the work does not get done on time and on budget.
City council approved hiring Ball Construction limited for construction management services at just over $1 million.
New street lighting
Belleville council has taken an important step toward new street lighting in the city.
Council approved Phillips Lighting Canada as the supplier of a streetlight design program and LED lights.
Phillips Lighting was the lowest bidder at just under $1.4 million.
Energy savings from LED streetlights are estimated at $225,000, with savings on yearly maintenance estimated at upwards of $50,000.
New recycling depot
Belleville city council is moving ahead to create a full recycling centre in Thurlow ward.
Last night council approved the low tender from local company, BuildAll, to construct a recycling centre at the Thurlow Waste Disposal Site.
BuildAll’s tender came in at $327,000.
