Quinte West’s new public works building delayed

By Shelby Wye

QUINTE WEST – A project to consolidate public-works buildings has been delayed by Quinte West council in order to invite public input.

The vote on approving a new $21.3-million building was supposed to be held Monday night, but instead a motion was made to delay the vote, and was passed.

The consolidated public-works facility would eliminate the current seven different buildings across Quinte West and replace them with a  single hub in a central location.

A representative of VG Architect of Belleville made a presentation to the councilors about the benefits of the proposed new building. He said it would improve quality of life for Quinte West residents – for one thing, removing works garages from residential areas – and for public-works employees, who would have a central location to work out of.

The single member of the public who attended the meeting, Bob Coker, thought otherwise.

The North Murray man said that the project was being voted on prematurely.

“This project has been going on for years, but this is the first time I’ve ever heard of it,” he said. “I think this money could be going to better projects, like to the buses or the firehall. This (public works) building won’t adjust my quality of life.”

Councillor Jim Harrison was the only council member to call for a vote on the project right away.

The consultation with the public will be announced sometime this week, and will occur before Dec. 16, which is two council meetings from now.