Paving way for The Bridge integrated services hub
Belleville council has approved the rezoning of the property formerly known as the site of the Banquet Centre to allow an integrated services hub to serve the homeless population to be created.
Under the property’s current zoning, medical offices are not permitted.
The proposed hub, to be known as The Bridge at 1 Alhambra Square, will offer mental health, addictions, and other healthcare services to the vulnerable population.
Mayor Neil Ellis used strong mayor powers to pass the rezoning quickly as the usual process would have required approvals from CN Rail which are known to take at least a year to receive.
Pop-Up programs
Belleville’s economic development department is working to make the city’s three pop-up shop programs self-sustaining over the next few years.
Those programs are Pop-Ups On the Bay, Holiday Huts, and Pop-Up Patios.
For example, in 2023, it cost over $62,000 to run Pop-Ups On The Bay at West Zwick’s Park. Revenues were only $21,000 so the taxpayer subsidized the facility to the tune of over $41,000.
Using sponsorships and higher leasing charges, staff hope to turn a small profit this year.
Council will see an updated five-year business plan for the three projects this October.
Chamber contracts approved
Belleville council has signed off on contracts for services from the Chamber of Commerce.
The contracts are for events management, visitor services, and business development and total just under $457,000 including tax.
The Chamber organizes and manages several events for the city including Canada Day, the Waterfront and Multicultural Festival, and the Diwali and Caribbean festivals.
