Transit pass news
Some Belleville bus riders will be getting a ticket pricing break, beginning next month.
Monday night, city council approved a plan for a one-price monthly bus pass, effective October first.
That price will be $65.
Currently, there are five different rates, ranging from student to senior.
In his report to council, Transit Manager Paul Buck indicated a reduced monthly fare price gives adults and college students a deal.
He says it will attract more monthly pass purchases, which will help cover the gap in revenue, increase ridership, and improve the Provincial Gas Tax.
Pedestrian bridge over the Moira
Construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the Moira River in downtown Belleville is a step closer to getting underway next year.
Monday night, city council awarded the construction management contract to Greer Galloway Group, to provide contract administration and construction inspection services for replacement of the Catharine Street footbridge.
The next major step will be the tendering for the actual building of the bridge which will feature arches, a viewing platform, and be much wider than the current one.
The design calls for a two-span tied steel arch structure with a clear width of 3.5 metres, including mid-span viewing platform as a preferred alternative.
The entire bridge budget sits at just over four million dollars.
Lawn bowling new site
Belleville’s long-time lawn bowling club will have a new home.
On Monday night, city council approved moving the Belleville Lawn Bowling Club from 49 Yeomans Street to the Hillcrest Community Centre.
The club will manage the building on behalf of the city.
The lease is for five years, with automatic renewal for three consecutive terms of five years.
The centre will also be rented out to other interested parties.
Councillor Malette apologizes
Belleville councillor Chris Malette made an apology to city council Monday night saying his “passion rose a little at the last meeting.”
At that meeting in August, Councillor Malette was ordered to leave the council chambers by Mayor Mitch Panciuk, because of an outburst during a debate.
Monday night, Malette called it a breach of decorum and said, “For that I apologize.”
But, he emphasized he did not apologize for his “ongoing disagreement” about the firing of the Integrity Commissioner.
