Belle Park repairs to begin Oct. 10

City of Kingston staff are working with Utilities Kingston, consultants and environmental experts to repair and strengthen the electrical and environmental systems at Belle Park following acts of vandalism in early August.  

This essential work includes tree and brush clearing, scheduled to begin on Oct. 10, to prepare the site for new infrastructure and meet electrical safety regulations. 

To ensure the protection of wildlife during these activities, the City is working closely with a senior ecologist familiar with Belle Park. The ecologist will inspect clearing areas, develop a comprehensive plan for safeguarding nesting birds and other animals, and address invasive species like buckthorn. 

Once the site is prepared, contractors will begin installing concrete poles, electrical cabinets and pump control components in mid-to-late October. Completion of the work is anticipated by the end of December. 

The damages and repair plans were presented to Council on Sept. 5, and included equipment modifications that will make the system less vulnerable to future vandalism events. 

The damaged infrastructure plays a vital role in protecting the nearby Cataraqui River from contaminated groundwater, called leachate, caused by water flowing through the former landfill site. The damage included downed hydro poles, stolen copper components, pumps removed from wells and the destruction of pump control systems. Temporary measures are in place while repairs are planned and underway.  

For added security, nightly patrols will be in operation to safeguard existing undamaged infrastructure throughout the duration of the project.