Quinte West is hoping to convince the provincial government to allow the city to expand its boundaries.
Mayor Jim Harrison tells Quinte News the matter was raised with ministry officials at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario this week.
“We have to expand, increase and expand our urban boundaries to continue with the housing needs and support the people that are coming here.”
“It’s a big concern in many areas in the Bay of Quinte region because we have a lot of military people who come in here, are posted here – and it’s difficult for them to find a house. Very difficult.”
Harrison added, “It’s fine to build houses but you’ve got to build them affordable.”
The issue of the spraying of gypsy moths was also raised during AMO.
“If it does come that we have to spray, that’s our only option, then we can’t spray without government support and government authorization,” he pointed out.
Harrison says Quinte West, along with Hastings County and Tweed, made it clear the province must take the lead.
He told Quinte News, “We’ve hired a consultant with Hasting County, Belleville, and Quinte West to put together information so we can look at it and decide what is the best path for all of us. We can’t do it alone. Can’t afford to do it alone and can’t afford to do it without provincial support.”
