Design of Belleville’s new police station. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville is moving forward on a new city police station, going out to tender in the spring.
City council made the decision during Monday night’s meeting.
The new station will be built in what is now Belleville Water and Veridian Connects at the corner of College and Sidney streets.
It will be one-and-a-half times the size of the present station.
Belleville Police Chief Ron Gignac addressing city council, January 22, 2018 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Police Chief Ron Gignac told council the new facility is needed to allow his officers to work at provincial standards.
“I look at things with this building vital to making Belleville the safest community in Ontario.”
He said, “It will carry us into the next generation.”
Ray Zaback of Shoalts Architects told council the interior of the building will be demolished before an addition is added on at the nine acre site.
Renovations are being carried out at the city’s Wallbridge Crescent facility to house employees moving out of the College Street building.
The cost of construction and associated fees for the new station is expected to be $21 million with another $2 million required for IT and communications.
Chair of Police Services Board Mayor Taso Christoper.
Some members of council questioned how firm was the cost estimate.
Council expects the project will go out to tender in April.
