With several successful festivals now happening in downtown Belleville each year requiring street closures, city staff are recommending the purchase of an Anti-Vehicle Barrier System.
Required for road closures during festivals and events, the system is specially designed to prevent vehicles from entering a closed roadway and protect event patrons.
The city has been renting the system for events but that is quite expensive.
In 2023, it cost $40,000 to rent the necessary barriers for downtown events.
With a minimum of three closures scheduled this summer requiring the closure of Front Street and several side streets, staff suggest it is in the city’s best interest to purchase the barriers due to the long-term cost savings of owning versus renting.
Council approved the $105,000 purchase during 2024 capital budget deliberations, however, that was contingent on the city receiving $50,000 through the Emergency Preparedness Fund Grant to put towards the cost.
The city would provide the other $55,000 through the Municipal Accommodation Reserve.
Unfortunately, the grant application was denied.
Now staff recommend the purchase be fully funded by the Municipal Accommodation Reserve.
Council will consider the recommendation at Monday’s meeting.
