Work is progressing on the Belleville Agricultural Society’s new digs but it remains to be seen if the new location will be ready to host this year’s Quinte Exhibition.
Mayor Neil Ellis says after some initial issues, the new the location at Highway 37 and Black Diamond Road is back on budget.
“So the new site is underway. A lot of the landscaping and fences were put up over the winter. They have one barn up right now. The major facility is going out for tender as we speak and we hope to get a shovel in the ground sometime this year.”
Ellis says the conference centre that is out for tender will be about 35,000 square feet and cost $13 – $14 million.
Everyone is hopeful the new location can host the Quinte Exhibition later this year.
“We’re optimistic that BAS could have the fair on that location this year. We’re gonna work hard towards that but having said that, the other fairgrounds will still be able to host the fair if that has to happen and then we’ll look for a ’25 fair year if that’s the case.”
The YMCA will be building its new Centre for Life on a portion of the former BAS property at Sidney and Bridge Streets.
The other parts of the site will be developed into housing including apartments and townhouses.
