Mayor Neil Ellis, councillors, donors and invited guests gathered to unveil the new CN Yardmen Monument located outside of the west entrance at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre this afternoon.
The project was first introduced as a tribute to the Belleville Yardmen – a group of railroaders who contributed over $3 million towards the construction of the Quinte Sports Centre which opened in 1978. In the 1990s, the facility was given the name the Yardmen Arena to honour those railroaders and their contributions. Over time, it became known as the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre which included the Yardmen Arena. In 2017, the Ottawa Senators moved their American Hockey League affiliate to the Yardmen Arena for the 2017-2018 season and on Sept. 19, 2018, the Senators sold the naming rights of the facility where it became the CAA Arena.
The CN Yardmen Monument was designed to honour the efforts of the Belleville Yardmen, who had a vision to build a facility, achieved their vision, created the Yardmen Arena and provided ice for winter sports for generations. “Today is a special day for our city as we honour the history of this cherished community facility,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “The Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre and former Yardmen Arena, now CAA Arena, have become a vital hub not only for our local community but also for hockey and winter recreation clubs throughout the province and beyond. This may not have been a reality if it were not for the contributions of the Belleville Yardmen. I would also like to recognize the sponsors of this tribute – thank you for helping ensure these generous, hardworking individuals receive the recognition they so deserve for years to come.”
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