The renovation of Belleville’s city council chambers is nearing completion.
The council chambers is getting its first update in about 40 years and the result is an eye-opening, modernistic look that brings lots of light and the latest technology to the room.
Council approved the $400,000 renovation in February.
CAO Rod Bovay tells Quinte News the idea was to bring it up to current standards.
“Both in terms of our electronic capabilities, with streaming meetings and broadcasting them. But also to help address issues with the accessibility act in allowing the room to be fully accessible.”
Bovay adds, “And the fresh light paint brightens it up as well. I think it’s a modern look. It’s very uh, it’s very bright and professional looking and I think it adds to the look of city hall. “
“The room was always considered pretty dull and dark. And, if you came to a council meeting and sat in the gallery, it sort of looked like you were in a cave. So the new LED lighting really brightens it up.”
He points out the furniture is adaptable.
“The presentation podium is fully adjustable and accessible for anyone using it. No matter what their abilities are, and the chairs are very sleek and modern.”
Bovay points out the new podium is fully adjustable and accessible to anyone.
Belleville’s newly-renovated council chamber showing the new podium July 6, 2021 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
It’s a new council table and pretty much follows the old one as for seating arrangements for council.
“Keeping up with technology, it has connections for councillors to plug in their phones or their laptops to power up or connect to the city system. And it also is set up to allow council to function with electronic voting if they choose to go that route.”
Council is expected to begin full use of the council chambers within the next couple of meetings, after conducting virtual meetings for more than a year during the pandemic.
Work crew during the renovation of Belleville city council chambers, July 6, 2021 (Photo Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
New entrance to newly-renovated Belleville council chamber July 6, 2021 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
