Fall Beauty The City of Belleville trails are full of fall colours these days PHOTO BY AARON BELL/CITY OF BELLEVILLE
Belleville Magazine
Welcome On behalf of City Council, Senior Management, and City of Belleville staff, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the fall edition of BELLEVILLE Magazine.
CITY OF BELLEVILLE 169 Front Street Belleville, Ontario K8N 2Y8 Tel: (613) 968-6481 TTY: (613) 967-3768 www.Belleville.ca MAYOR
Neil R. Ellis COUNCIL
Egerton Boyce, Taso Christopher, Pat Culhane, Jackie Denyes, Jodie Jenkins, Tom Lafferty, Jack Miller, Garnet Thompson SENIOR MANAGEMENT CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Rick Kester DIRECTOR, ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Rod Bovay DIRECTOR, FINANCE
Brian Cousins DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES
John Martin DIRECTOR, RECREATION, CULTURE & COMMUNITY SERVICES
Mark Fluhrer ACTING DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES/CLERK
Matt MacDonald DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES/FIRE CHIEF
Mark MacDonald DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL & OPERATIONAL SERVICES
Jim Zimmerman MANAGER, ECONOMIC & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Karen Poste BELLEVILLE Magazine is published quarterly by the City of Belleville. Editor - Aaron Bell aaron@aaronbell.ca
The purpose of this publication is to ensure that our citizens are kept up-to-date on the many projects that are currently taking place in our community. The commitment of this Council to large scale infrastructure upgrades not only gives our municipality a competitive edge, it makes Belleville an even better place to live, work and play. In this edition, we are excited to showcase several key projects that have been completed in our City over the past few years. The results reflect hard work, dedication, and an overarching commitment to improving the lives of our citizens. This is an exciting time for The City of Belleville, and it is clear from your feedback that you share our enthusiasm. As I near the end of my second and final term in office, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Belleville for making the past eight years a truly rewarding experience. Although there certainly have been challenges, I am extremely proud of Council’s many achievements. It has been a profound honour to serve as Mayor of The City of Belleville, and I am humbled and grateful for the support that I have received. To my family, a heartfelt thank you for your patience, love and unwavering support. Kudos to all of the candidates seeking office in the 2014 municipal election. I believe that the unprecedented number of local candidates reflects civic engagement, which is an important marker of a strong and vibrant community. Finally, I urge all citizens to exercise their democratic right and vote on October 27th! Warm Regards,
BELLEVILLE Magazine is available online and in an accessible text-only format at www.Belleville.ca Printed in Canada All information ©2014, City of Belleville. No use is permitted without written permission.
Neil R. Ellis Mayor www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
3
Belleville
THE MAGAZINE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY • SUMMER 2014
Contents 14 City Progress Report THE CITY OF BELLEVILLE HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND QUALITY OF LIFE OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS TO ENSURE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY
10 11
Election Time
The municipal election is coming on Oct. 27. Be sure that you are on the eligible voter list and have what you need to cast your ballot for the future of our community.
Peace Monuments
Peace Pole Monuments are a terrific way to honour loved ones along the waterfront trail.
Zegouras Market Square
The City recently unveiled the monument in Market Square to honour our former longtime mayor George Zegouras.
12
Industrial Expansion
The North East Industrial Park Expansion project is now complete and the City is welcoming new business to our community.
4
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
20
City Centre Revitalization
26
Read an update on the exciting City Centre Revitalization project that will spark the rejuvenation of our Downtown core.
22
BuildBelleville Progress Report
Updates on the municipality’s ongoing BuildBelleville infrastructure rehabilitation program.
Improving Our Downtown Facades The City has seen a tremendous amount of success with our progressive facade improvement program.
28
Watching Our Property
30
Heritage Property
Meet Joel Carr-Braint, Belleville’s property manager and the person responsible for maintaining City owned buildings
Have a look back in time at the old Grand Trunk Railway Station
Profile 32 Business A look at Finn-Air and their impact on our local business community
33
Community Notices
PHOTOS: AARON BELL
6
Nature Awaits
Belleville has miles of trails along the Moira River and Bay of Quinte to bring you together with nature PHOTO BY AARON BELL/CITY OF BELLEVILLE
Belleville Magazine
Election ‘14
Municipal Election Information for Voters The 2014 municipal election is coming on October 27th with Internet Voting running from October 9-20 and Advanced Voting Locations from October 16-18. Who can vote in a municipal election? In order to vote in the municipal election, you must be a Canadian citizen and 18 years of age as of October 27, 2014, and: • a resident of Belleville or • an owner or tenant of property in Belleville or • the spouse of an owner or tenant of property in Belleville In order to vote, your name must also appear on the Voters’ List. If your name is not on the list and you are eligible to vote, it can be added right up until election day. How do I know if my name is on the Voters List? Voters are encouraged to find out ahead of time if they are on the Voters List and that their information is up to date. You can check to see if your name is on the Voters’ List by visiting www.voterlookup.ca. What if my name is not on the Voters List or the information is incorrect? Voters are encouraged to find out ahead of time if they are on the Voters List and that their information is up to date. You can fill out an Application to Amend the Voters’ List form, by visiting the Clerk’s Department at Belleville City Hall starting September 2, 2014 or by calling 613-968-6481. If you mail in your form you must include a photocopy of acceptable identification. Can I add my name to the Voters List at the voting place on election day? Yes, but it is recommended that you complete your application sooner in order to avoid delays at the poll on election day. 6
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
What are the procedures for voting proxies? If you are unable, for any reason, to vote on any of the available voting days, you can appoint another person as your voting proxy to vote for you by completing a proxy form. Who can act as a proxy? A proxy must be someone who is eligible to vote in the City of Belleville and who you trust to vote in accordance with your wishes. You are allowed to act as a proxy only once for a non-related person. You are allowed to act as a proxy more than once if you are voting on behalf of immediate family members (spouse, sibling, parent, children, grandparent, and grandchild). How do I get a proxy form? Proxy forms will be available at Belleville City Hall Clerk’s Department. The person chosen by the voter to vote for them on election day must personally deliver the form to the City Clerk’s Department for certification. The form must have original signatures. Can I submit a proxy form over the phone, by fax or by e-mail? No. Election law does not permit photocopied, faxed or digital signatures on election documents. Can the voting proxy vote on their own behalf too? Yes. They would vote at their own voting place if it is different from yours. If you would both vote at the same voting place, they can vote twice at that location, once for themselves, and once as your voting proxy. Where and when can I vote? You can vote early online from October 9 to 20, ending at 6 p.m. You can vote in person at advanced voting locations from October 16 to 18, 2014. Voters from any ward can cast their vote at any one of the following locations: (cont’d on next page)
Belleville Magazine
Election ‘14 Bayview Mall - 470 Dundas St. E., Belleville OR Belleville Fire Department - Training Office - 240 Bridge St. W., Belleville Thursday October 16, 2014 - 10:00am to 6:00pm Friday October 17, 2014 - 10:00am to 6:00pm St. Marks United Church - 237 Cannifton Road North, Cannifton Saturday October 18, 2014 - 10:00am to 6:00pm On Election Day, Monday, October 27, 2014 at the location in your ward as assigned on your Voter Notification Card. We encourage voters to take advantage of the advance voting days or Internet Voting in order to avoid the traditional line-ups on Election Day. What are my options for accessible voting? Every effort has been made to ensure that every voting location is as accessible as possible. You may wish to vote by Internet. Internet voting is available from Thursday, October 9, 2014 to Monday , October 20, 2014 and provides clear, written instructions. If you wish to vote at the polls, please plan to attend one of the Advance Polls on October 16, 17 or 18th or contact us in advance and we can determine how best to help you. What is considered acceptable identification to vote? One piece of ID showing your name and Belleville address is required. The following options are considered acceptable:
An Ontario driver’s licence An Ontario Health Card (photo card) An Ontario Photo Card An Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion) A cancelled personalized cheque A mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement relating to a Belleville property An insurance policy or insurance statement A loan or other financial agreement with a financial institution A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario Any other document from the Government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada) An income tax assessment notice
A Child Tax Benefit Statement A Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E A Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) A Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P) A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program A Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007 A property tax assessment A credit card statement, bank account statement, or RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement A CNIB Bard or a card from another registered chari table organization that provides services to persons with disabilities A hospital card or record A document showing campus residence, issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution A document showing residence at a long-term care home under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, issued by the Administrator for the home A utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission A cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer A transcript or report card from a post-secondary school
Note: It is also helpful if you have your voter notification card with you but it cannot be used as proof of identity. What offices can I vote for? Resident property owners and residents who rent property in Belleville can vote for the Office of the Mayor, City Councillors and School Board Trustees. Non-resident voters who own or rent non-residential property vote only for the Office of the Mayor and ward Councillors. Where can I get voting results on election night? Local media will begin to broadcast results soon after the close of the polls on election night. For more information and a complete listing of candidates, please visit www.Belleville.ca.
www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
7
Belleville Magazine
Election ‘14
Meet the Candidates: 2014 Municipal Election The following candidates have filed their nomination forms with the Clerk’s Office and the City Clerk has certified such candidates. Dated this 15th day of September, 2014. Information as per Belleville.ca from candidate FOI forms and will not in all cases be what will be displayed on the official ballot. Matt MacDonald, City Clerk/ Returning Officer
Mayor Candidates Bill Glisky
Taso Christopher
794 River Road North, Corbyville, ON K0K 1V0 (613) 968-4280 (Home) | (613) 391-9606 (Cell) (613) 968-4823 (Business) email: taso@votetaso.ca www.votetaso.ca
819 Grills Road, Belleville, ON K8N 4Z5 (613) 968-2797 (Home) | (613) 243-4799 (Cell) email: bill@gliskyformayor.ca www.gliskyformayor.ca
Pat Culhane
1400 Casey Road, Belleville, ON K8N 4Z6 (613) 919-2872 email: lonnie@herringtonformayor.com www.herringtonformayor.com
255 Charles Street, Belleville, ON K8N 3M6 (613) 968-4846 (Home) email: patculhane@votepat.ca www.votepat.ca
Richard Davis Courneyea
271 Front Street, Suite 31, Belleville, ON K8N 2Z6 (613) 968-4440 (Business) | (613) 243-0814 (Cell) email: richarddavis@live.ca www.richardformayor.ca
Lonnie Herrington
Jill Raycroft
265 River Road, Corbyville, ON K0K 1V0 (613) 847-4090 (Cell) email: raycroftformayor@gmail.com www.raycroftformayor.ca
Kenzo Dozono
52 Chatam Street, Belleville, ON K8N 3S4 (613) 962-8070 (Home) | (613) 962-8551 (Business) email: dozono@sympatico.ca
Councillor Candidates (Ward 1) Tyler Allsopp
Jeremy T. Davis
Neal Ford
Richard Black
Devon Dings
Steven Georgiou
30 Holloway Street Belleville, ON K8P 1N9 (613) 966-9161 (Work) (613) 970-4824 (Cell) tylerallsopp@gmail.com allsoppforbelleville.ca 127 Moira Street West Belleville, ON K8P 1T2 (613) 849-8796 (Cell) black4bellevillecouncil@gmail.com black4bellevillecouncil.ca
Egerton Boyce
269 Front Street Belleville, ON K8N 2Z6 (613) 849-1066 EgeBoyce4Council@outlook.com 8
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
35 Northwood Cresent Belleville, ON K8N 1X6 (613) 847-4326 (Home) (613) 847-4133 (Cell) jeremytylerdavis@yahoo.ca www.jeremytdavis.com 7 - 215 Victoria Avenue Belleville, ON (613) 921-5786 dings.devon@gmail.com www.devondings.com
Doug Ellis
111 Bridge Street West Belleville, ON K8P 1J4 (613) 967-1524 (Home) (613) 827-1751 (Cell) dellis31@cogeco.ca
1 Morris Drive 3 Belleville, ON K8N 5B3 (613) 962-3327 (Home) (613) 661-7580 (Cell) email: nford@cogeco.ca www.nealford.net 365 North Front Street Belleville, ON K8P 5A5 (613) 391-1558 (Cell) sgeorgiou@exitrealtygroup.ca
Mike Graham
118 Queen Street Belleville, ON K8N 1V7 (613) 849-5232 (Cell) www.ilikemikegraham.ca (con’t on next oage)
Belleville Magazine
Election ‘14
Councillor Candidates (Ward 1) continued Lonnie M.D. Herrington 8 Murney Street Belleville, ON K8P 3N6 (613) 243-6708
Ted Howe
6 Dungannon Drive Belleville, ON K8P 5C9 (613) 968-6345 (Home) (613) 920-3623 (Cell) tedhowe@cogeco.ca www.tedhowe.ca
Stanley Jones
73 Highland Avenue Belleville, ON K8P 3R2 (613) 849-5931 councillor@stantheman.ca www.councillor.stantheman.ca
Paul Kyte
Suite 100 – 94 Sidney St. Belleville, ON K8P 3Z1 (613) 969-0246 pkyte@paulkyte.ca www.kyte4belleville.ca
Gary P. Magwood
352 Hoskin Road Latta Mills, ON (613) 477-1264 (Home) (613) 849-1976 (Cell) lattalad@gmail.com www.garymagwood.ca
Laura Mason
11 Cedar Street Belleville, ON K8P 2L8 (613) 661-3100 laura_e_mason@hotmail.com
Kelly McCaw
24 Kaiser Court Belleville, ON K8P 5G3 (613) 969-4514 (Home) (613) 966-6060 (Work) kellymccaw@outlook.com www.kellyforbelleville.com
Bob Millard
461 Bethel Road RR2 Stirling, ON K0K 3E0 (613) 477-2609 (Home) (613) 969-2055 brucar@sympatico.ca www.votewisely.ca
Paul Carr
Larry Pohjola
152 Dundas Street East Belleville, ON K8N 1C7 (613) 962-4209 (613) 438-4720 (Cell) lpohjola@gmail.com
Brandon Charles Ross
Jack Miller
Garnet Thompson
6 Bristol Place Belleville, ON K8N 4Z5 (613) 968-8343 (Home) (613) 968-4737 (Work) jack@jackmiller.ca www.jackmiller.ca
Jackie Denyes
849 Bethel Road RR # 2, Roslin, ON K0K 2Y0 (613) 477-2970 (Home) (613) 922-1401 (Cell) jdenyes4thurlow@hotmail.com
Mike Letwin
RR #, Belleville, ON K8N 4Z5 (613) 968-9667 paulcarr@bellnet.ca www.paulcarr.ca
2268 Hwy 37 Plainfield, ON K0K 2V0 (613) 477-2998 (Home) (613) 403-0322 (Cell) vote_letwin@hotmail.com
Michael Clark
Brian Rosebush
234 Pine Hill Cresent Stirling, ON K0K 3E0 (613) 921-0858 (Cell) michael@vote4clark.ca www.vote4clark.ca
180 Bell Boulevard Belleville, ON K8P 5L2 (613) 966-2444 (Work) (613) 243-7916 (Cell) panciukm@bostonpizza.com www.mitchpanciuk.ca
38 Harmony Road RR# 1 Foxboro, ON K0K 2B0 (613) 885-3807 (Cell) bmillard@loyalistc.on.ca www.bobmillard.ca
Councillor Candidates (Ward 2) Bruce Airhart
Mitch Panciuk
25 Blessington Road Corbyville, ON K0K 1V0 (613) 969-0144 brianrosebush@gmail.com
24 Wallbridge Crescent Belleville, ON K8P 1Z4 (613) 847-7708 (Home) thebeestroyer@gmail.com
112 Karl Street Belleville, ON K8N 1J9 (613) 962-4442 (Home) garn.grace@sympatico.ca re-electgarnetthompson.webs.com
Tracy Trumble
421 Airport Parkway Belleville, ON K8N 4Z6 (343) 263-1941 tracy@hastingsk9.ca
Lisa Warriner
P.O. Box 31 Cannifton, ON K0K 1K0 (613) 848-8875 lwarriner@me.com www.lisawarriner.com
For more information on the Municipal Election and a complete list of candidates for School Board Trustee, please visit www.Belleville.ca www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
9
Belleville Magazine
What’s New
Peace Poles Shine on Waterfront Trail Story and Photo by Aaron Bell
Anne-Marie Jones has seen the power that peace poles have in our community and she’s proud to be the driving force behind bringing six of them to our waterfront trail so far. Jones, the former Minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Belleville, has heard from members of the community about the impact that they’ve had. “One gentleman told me that he was walking early one morning and thinking about doing something stupid but he saw the peace pole and thought that it was put in his path for a reason,” she said. “He changed his mind and went back home. I don’t know if he was planning to hurt himself or not but the peace pole had an impact on him. That’s a great
thing.” Jones and her husband David dedicated the peace pole at the end of Herchimer Street to their parents and welcomed Mayor Neil Ellis to join the celebration. “You can dedicate benches and memorial stones to loved ones and Peace Poles are part of the program now,” Ellis said. “They are made in Belleville and are a great way to recognize loved ones.” The City sent a Peace Pole to Gunpo, Korea and it is on display in a park in our sister city. Jones said that she’s hoping to take the idea to the nation’s capital. “My purpose behind this is to show Belleville as a city that there is awareness and hope and love here,” Jones said.
Peace Pole Dedication
Rev. Anne-Marie Jones (seated at front) and her husband David (second from right) dedicated a Peace Pole to their parents. (From left) Mayor Neil Ellis, Rev. Robert Jones, Marie Elizabeth Jones and Sue Gray were also on hand for the dedication. 10
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
Belleville Magazine
What’s New
Monument Unveiled in George Zegouras Market Square The City of Belleville unveiled a new monument to honour longtime Mayor, the late George Zegouras at Market Square behind City Hall on October 3. George Zegouras Market Square is now recognized with an archway in the square, a symbolic reference to the former Mayor and his association with Market Square, City Hall and the City of Belleville. The archway spans two brick columns that match the brick and colour texture of City Hall and
are capped with cast concrete pediments. Plaques honouring Zegouras and his contributions to the City of Belleville will adorn each pillar. “This is a great tribute to our late Mayor George Zegouras and it helps us reflect on the numerous contributions that he made to our community,” said Mayor Neil Ellis, who along with City Council announced in March that the monument would be produced. “George Zegouras was a true builder of our community and
Story and Photo by Aaron Bell
his tireless work helped save City Hall and the Farmer’s Market in the 1980’s. We owe him a debt of gratitude and this will serve as a fitting tribute to his legacy at City Hall and in this community.” Zegouras was a City Councillor from 1973 to 1980 and served two terms as Mayor of Belleville, first from 1980 to 1991 and then he returned to office from 2000 to 2003. He passed away on October 1, 2012. www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
11
Belleville Magazine
Business
Belleville is Open For New Business The City’s recent expansion of the North East Industrial Park means that we are ready to welcome new business to the community.
It’s been a long time coming, but Karen Poste, Belleville’s Manager of Economic and Strategic Initiatives, finally has some inventory to sell. Poste and her team are responsible for attracting new industry to our community and has focused on the many benefits that Belleville has to offer new businesses - a great location, lots of water and a skilled, ready-towork labour force. Unfortunately, she hasn’t had much land to sell. That has changed now that the North East Industrial Park expansion is complete. The expansion gives the municipality fully serviced, ready for construction lots from three to 60 acres to sell to interested businesses. “This gives us the inventory that we need to aggressively pitch businesses about coming to our community,” Poste said. “Readyto-use, municipally owned, serviced land has been something that we’ve needed for many years and this will help us bring in new 12
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
businesses and new jobs to the community.” The expansion has already attracted new business expansion in the community. FedEx have started construction on a 28,900 square foot building on a seven acre parcel of land. Electrolab is also expanding into the new industrial land after purchasing a little more than seven acres of land from the City. Electrolab is building a 28,000 square foot facility and
Story and Photos by Aaron Bell Aerial Photo by Phoenix Toomath
are expected to double their workforce to 150 people. “New business drives new jobs and that’s an important part of what we do,” Poste said. “Our Mayor and Council have been committed to this project for several years because they see the economic growth that it will lead to. Not only will it allow us to attract new employers but it will allow us to accommodate the expansion of our existing business. “It’s already working.”
Belleville Magazine
Business
Valuable Inventory Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis (above, left) and Economic Development Manager Karen Poste (middle) worked with the construction crews to ensure that our new Industrial Park Expansion would meet the needs of new industry now and in the future.
www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
13
CITY OF BELLEVILLE
Progress Report The City of Belleville has enjoyed tremendous growth during the past two terms of Council. Belleville is a great place to live, work, play and invest and here is an outline of the many projects that have been completed over the past eight years.
The City of Belleville is truly “open for business” and that is a direct result of the team-first attitude among the Mayor, City Council, Senior Management Staff at City Hall and the business and residential community during the past eight years. Belleville is regarded across the country as a leader in its category because of several recent projects including the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre, Veteran’s Bridge, Mary Ann Sills Park, doctor recruitment program, Zwick’s Island Pavilion, solar and environmental projects, two new splash pads and the BuildBelleville Infrastructure Program. The current leadership has accomplished a great deal in the past eight years, including many projects that were on the docket for more than two decades. “I’ve heard that over and over again - we’ve been at a pretty high achievement level,” said Mayor Neil Ellis, who is stepping away from the post after two success14
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
ful terms. “Obviously I’m proud of a lot of the projects, but I’m more proud of just being able to keep everyone moving forward. It makes the City a better place to live and invest.” Like other similar-sized communities, we face a budgeting dilemma. Our municipal leaders are forced to get as much value for the tax dollars as possible while balancing the need for spending on new infrastructure. “We have to be in the top three cities in our category to win business, to win people to work, live, play and invest in our community,” said Mark Fluhrer, the City’s Director of Recreation, Culture and Community Services. “We have to be competitive and that means we provide the right services, we have the right return on investment and a safe tax base so that we have people come into our community and add value to it.”
Veterans Bridge The Veteran’s Bridge was opened in 2010 to connect the east and west ends in the northern part of the City.
Belleville Magazine
Progress Report Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre Belleville’s Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre has been a tremendous boost to the community as a hub for active lifestyles. The facility boasts four hockey rinks, three community pools, a walking track, gymnasium, yoga and fitness studios and several community meeting spaces. One year after the QSWC opened, registered participants in recreation programs had more than doubled and more than 30,000 people visit per week. The facility also welcomes hundreds of families from outside of our community for various sports events including hockey tournaments and swim meets.
Doctor Recruitment Program The City’s progressive Doctor Recruitment Program has attracted 20 family doctors, one pediatrician and one oncologist to Belleville since 2007. This program has provided thousands of local families with doctors that weren’t previously available.
Parks and Trails
Green Initiatives
City Fleet
The City has developed acres of parks and miles of trails to provide the community with quality outdoor space.
The City has been committed to reducing our carbon footprint on the planet through solar and other green energy initiatives.
The City added more than 100 vehicles and equipment to its services fleet with an investment of more than $10M. www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
15
Capital Construction Projects Completed Projects - 2010 • Veterans Memorial Bridge
• Bell Boulevard East Extension and Feedermain Phase 1 • Dundas Street West CPR Overhead Rehabilitation • Sidney Street CNR Overhead Rehabilitation • Moira Street East Reconstruction and Northeast Feedermain Phase 2 (Olive St. to Elvins St.) • Church Street Retaining Wall
• West Riverside Park Illumination • Harder Drive Reconstruction (Palmer Rd. to Avondale Rd.) • Cloverleaf Drive Servicing & Reconstruction • Purdy Street Sewer Separation & Reconstruction • Frank Street Sewer Separation & Reconstruction • Chatham Street Sewer Separation & Reconstruction (Victoria St. to Pine St.) • Bongard Crescent Watermain & Road Reconstruction
• Wallbridge Crescent Watermain (Moira St. to Harriett St.) • James Street Sanitary Trunk Sewer Relocation
16
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
• 2010 Sidewallk Program, including Cannifton Road North (North of Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre) Moira Street West (Elgin St. to Tripp Ave.) Dundas Street East (at Hastings Dr.) and Adam Street (at Centre St.)
Completed Projects - 2011
Completed Projects - 2012
• Palmer Road Reconstruction (Bridge St. West to Moira St. West) including trunk watermain
• Dundas-Palmer Sewage Pumping Station Reconstruction & Sewer Forcemain
• Avonlough Road Watermain Replacement (Champagne Dr. to Hastings Park Dr.) • North Front Street Resurfacing (Donald St. to Craig St.) • Moira Street West, turning lane at Palmer Road • Mary Street Reconstruction • Willard Street Reconstruction • Brock Street Reconstruction • Charles Street Reconstruction (Victoria Ave. to Pine St.) • Meggisons Bridge Rehabilitation • Airport Parkway Reconstruction • College Street East at Cannifton Road Intersection Improvements
• Dundas-Palmer Storm Sewer Extension (Under C.P. Railway line) • Highway 62 Watermain Extension (Millennium Pkwy. to 1.8km North) • Lingham Street Sewer Separation & Road Reconstruction (Pine St. to Emily St.) • Tracey Street at North Front Street Intersection Improvements • Old Kingston Road Rehabilitation (O’Neill Drive to Old Hwy 2) • Dundas Street East Watermain Replacement (Front St. to Foster Ave.) • Haig Road Watermain Extension • Putman (Cannifton) Bridge Rehabilitation (Crossing the Moira River connecting Cannifton Rd. North to Maitland Dr.) • Bay Bridge Road CPR Overhead Structure Rehabilitation/Replacement Environmental Assessment (EA) • College Street East Extension EA • Cannifton Planning Area Water Pressure Study & Storage Master Plan EA • Bronk Road Bridge Replacement EA • Jane Forrester Park Pier Reinstatement Project
www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
17
Capital Construction Projects Completed Projects - 2013
Completed Projects - 2014
• Bell Boulevard service extension for 808 Bell Boulevard (by developer) • Sidney Street & Maitland Drive Trunk Watermain • College Street East Extension & Municipal Extension (Sidney St., Cloverleaf Dr. to Maitland Servicing, 600m Easterly Dr. Maitland Dr., Sidney St. to Hwy 62) • North Park Gardens Reconstruction, North Park • North Park Gardens Reconstruction Phase 1 Street to Moira Street East including new sidewalk on North side (North Park St. to 100m Easterly) • Adam Street Water Booster Station • Harriett Street Sewer Separation & Road Improvements Reconstruction (Wallbridge Cr. to Boswell St.) • Moira Street West Bridge Rehabilitation • Boswell Street Sewer Separation & Road • Airport Parkway Traffic Signals at Elmwood Drive Reconstruction and Mitchell Road, (by CN Rail) • James Street Reconstruction
• Hanna Court Sewage Pumping Station Elimination • Old Madoc Road Rehabilitation (Hwy 62 to 1.8km Southerly) • Dundas Street West (Bay Bridge Rd. to Coleman St.) EA
Ongoing Projects - Design
• Sidney Street Watermain Replacement, College Street to Maple Avenue • Strachan Street Reconstruction and Sewer Separation • Jones & Reid Streets Watermain Replacement • Grove Street Reconstruction and Sewer Separation • Haig Road and Station Street Extension EA & Detailed Design • Coleman Street Reconstruction & Sewer Separation • Airport Parkway & Elmwood Drive Drainage Study • Catharine Street Footbridge Replacement EA
Ongoing Projects - Construction
• Black Diamond Road Watermain Extension • Dundas St. West Sanitary Trunk Sewer Extension • 2014 Sidewalk Repair Program including new sidewalk from Bradgate Road Easterly • Bridge St. Bridge (Lower Bridge) Rehabilitation • Maitland Drive servicing for Heritage Park Estates Subdivision (by developer) 18
Belleville Magazine
Progress Report Ongoing BuildBelleville Projects Design • Downtown Revitalization and Redevelopment Project, Design and Consultation • Sidney Street Corridor Improvements, EA & Preliminary Design • Bronk Road Rehabilitation Phase 2, Thrasher Road to Scuttlehole Road including Bridge Reconstruction • Grass Boulevard Reconstruction • North East Industrial Park Roads Rehabilitation • Herchimer Avenue South Reconstruction • Mineral Road & Maitland Drive EA & Detailed Design • Farnham Road EA & Preliminary Design • Bay Bridge Road/CPR Overhead Structure Replacement and Dundas Street West Reconstruction, Holden Street to Coleman Street Construction • North East Feedermain including Yeomans Street (including Bike Lanes) Lane Avenue and Donald Street Reconstruction • Downtown Riverside Parking Lot Entranceway Improvements • Old Highway 2 Rehabilitation, East of Point Anne Road to City Limits • Bronk Road Rehabilitation Phase 1, Blessington Road to Thrasher Road For more project updates, please look for Capital Construction Projects at www.Belleville.ca or visit the Projects page at www.BuildBelleville.ca.
Fall 2014
19
Project Update
OCTOBER 2014
The City of Belleville, under its Build Belleville Program, has been working diligently over the past several months on the Downtown Revitalization and would like to provide a brief update on the status of the project.
Tender Update
Downtown Belleville... A healthy Downtown sets the stage for vibrant cultural activities, provides an environment for successful local independent business, attracts tourists and helps define the identity of a community.
• • • • •
Construction Tender Closed August 26, 2014 An aggressive tendering schedule resulted in only two qualified professional bidders Initial tender process did not result in satisfactory bids within budget Council has approved the downtown revitalization project with a $21 million budget This is a multi-year process
Moving Forward
• The Mayor’s Task Force is committed to deliver the project on budget while maintaining original vision/objectives - Great opportunity to seek improved construction schedule and competitive bids - Opportunity to create alternate construction strategies • Consultation: City Staff & Designers will consult with Mayor’s Task Force, BDIA, Stakeholders & Public • Prepare and Issue Revised Tender Package: December 2014/January 2015 • Start Full Construction: Spring 2015
Budget Update BUDGET ITEMS
BUDGETED AMOUNT
Design, Public Consultation, Engineering, Contract Administration, Utilities Relocations, Field Investigations, Riverside Parking Entranceway Improvements
$5 million (allocated)
Front Street/Side Street Construction
$16 million
TOTAL
$21 million
Find more information online at www.BuildBelleville.ca/Downtown
Meanwhile...Construction Has Commenced Riverside Entranceway Construction Started July 28, 2014 by Jeffery J Wallans Construction Completion Target: October 2014
City Centre Revitalization is a Good Investment in Belleville • Catalyst for further PRIVATE investment • Infrastructure is aged, inadequate and must be refurbished and/or replaced. e.g. 1888 Watermains • Supports residential and commercial development
Find Out More...
• More revenues through tax income
For more information on this project, please visit the BuildBelleville Project Centre at 116 Pinnacle St. in Belleville, view the progress online at www.BuildBelleville.ca or contact Mary Ann Walmsley at 613-967-3200 ext. 3336 or mwalmsley@city.belleville.on.ca
• Increased revenue through tourism and business activity • New Businesses • New Jobs • Places Belleville in a positive competitive position • Critical to overall viability of the City of Belleville, Community & Region
FALL 2014
BuildBelleville Project Map
9
8
6 11
14
4
12 10
2 3
20 17
17
22 13
7
17
BuildBelleville Project Centre
15 17
BB 1 21
18
5
16
116 Pinnacle Street OPEN
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 1 Bay Bridge Rd./Dundas St. W.
9 Boundary Road
17 North East Feeder Main
2 Tracey/Sidney Intersection
10 Mineral Road / Maitland Drive
18 Police Station
3 North Park Gardens
11 Foxboro Bridge
19 Solar Fit
4 Bell/Sidney Intersection
12 Farnham Road
20 College Street East Extension
5 Herchimer Avenue
13 Grass Blvd
21 Environmental Remediation
6 Bronk Road
14 North East Industrial Park
22 West Riverside Trail
7 Old Highway 2
15 City Centre Revitalization
BB BuildBelleville Project Centre
8 Old Madoc Road
16 Wastewater Treatment Plant
PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT
We need your input on BuildBelleville BuildBelleville is the single largest investment that the City of Belleville has made in its infrastructure at one time and we need your help to ensure that we continue to head in the right direction with these projects that are important to the health of our community in the years ahead. There are several ways that you can make sure that your voice is heard on these projects: Visit the BuildBelleville Project Centre: The BuildBelleville Project Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 116 Pinnacle Street. You can drop in to see drawings and plans about the various BuildBelleville projects, ask questions and provide your feedback. Attend an Open House: There are Open Houses for each of the BuildBelleville projects scheduled throughout the planning process. Watch for notices in the local paper, online at www. BuildBelleville.ca and on the radio. Open Houses are typically held at the BuildBelleville Project Centre and are open for all to attend. Visit the web site: We have a large resource of information on all of the BuildBelleville projects online at www.BuildBelleville. ca. You can see the background information and current progress reports as well as view videos and see photos from the different projects. Send us an email: We welcome your input by email on the BuildBelleville projects. Please send your comments to Mary Ann Walmsley, BuildBelleville Projects Coordinator (mwalmsley@city.belleville.on.ca). Follow the conversation on Twitter: Follow us on Twitter and be part of the conversation by using #BuildBelleville. Please be part of this exciting project any way that you can. We are building a better Belleville and we need your help.
Belleville Magazine
Facade Improvement
Facade Improvement Program The City is taking a proactive stance to help Downtown businesses refresh their look Story and photos by Gerry Fraiberg
Downtown Belleville has a lot of buildings dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many with unique architectural elements, such as windows and trim, which the city would like to see kept in tact where possible. Preservation guidelines are included in the Facade Improvement Program, which was implemented through the Community Improvement Plan in 2002. The program is designed to provide some incentive for property owners to fix up their buildings. Special Projects Planner Greg Pinchin of the Engineering & Development Services Department at City Hall oversees the program. He explains that property owners who want to fix up their commercial buildings downtown 26
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
are eligible to apply to receive a grant for up to half the cost of the improvements to a maximum of $7,500 for a single facade or up to $10,000 if they’re working on two or more facades. Pinchin says the program has been successful. “In the initial years it was overloaded with applications, and they had to turn people away because it was so popular,” says Pinchin. “But in more recent years we seem to be getting on average about three applications a year.” He notes the applications they’re seeing are fairly solid in terms of overall improvements to buildings, which is really what the committee likes to see. The five member Facade Improvement Committee includes
Belleville Magazine
Facade Improvement
two councillors and three citizen appointees; one from the Belleville Downtown Improvement Area (BDIA), a Heritage Belleville representative, and a citizen at large. A highly visible example of a recent successful applicant in the past year is the Hurley Law office at 112 Front Street, on the Riverfront Trail at the corner of Dundas Street. Built in 1890 as a fire house, it served that purpose for over 50 years until the city sold it in 1940. Many lawyers have been practicing law at this address since. When Hurley Law rebranded, they applied for a Facade Im-
provement Program grant. Office Manager Norma Hurley says it made the difference between getting a good sign and a great sign. She praises Greg Pinchin. “Greg was very easy to deal with, very helpful and supportive as he walks you through the process,� Hurley said. She emphasizes that without the grant they might not have been able to do as much as they did to the building. Aside from the strikingly simple name sign, they added awnings on the upper floor windows and traditional front-lit goose neck light features to improve the appearance. The retro lighting is fitted with modern,
efficient LED lamps which were sourced from Finkle Electric and installed by a local electrician. Pinchin explains they don’t provide the money up front with the program. Property owners apply and the committee considers the application and makes a recommendation to council. Council then has the approval authority to allocate the money to a project. On approval, work can then be done. Then 45 days after the work is done and everyone is paid, then the cheque is issued. The Facade Improvement Program is helping to make Downtown Belleville a better place - one building at a time. www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
27
Belleville Magazine
Working for You
Joel Carr-Braint PROPERTY MANAGER
Story and Photo by Gerry Fraiberg
You and I might be happy when we see a lower than usual energy bill in the mail. But imagine a savings of $400,000? That’s the amount earned in a year from Veridian by the more than 2,000 solar panels on the roof of Yardmen and Wally Dever Arenas at Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre. And the city’s Property Manager, Joel Carr-Braint, couldn’t be more pleased. The Property Management Department is responsible for the maintenance of 109 buildings and properties with just under 900,000 square feet of space everything from canteens up to City Hall, the library, police and fire stations as well as the transit garage. Carr-Braint says the City of Belleville spends almost $2 million a year in energy, including electricity and gas. The Energy Committee that he helped start is now tasked by council with finding 5% in energy savings next year. That comes from the Ministry of Energy’s 2009 Green Energy Act, which states that the MUSH Sector - municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals - have to try and find ways to reserve and reduce energy. With the success of the solar panel installation at Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre, the city has just got approval from the Ontario Power Authority for two more installations. One will be at the 28
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
Belleville Magazine
Working for You Gerry O’Connor Water Treatment Plant at 2 Sidney Street on the bayshore. The other will be at 195 College Street, the Neil Britton Building, home to Veridian and Belleville Water. Carr-Braint joined the City of Belleville’s Property Management Department, established under provincial Public Sector Accounting Board infrastructure requirements, in 2007. One of his first priorities was roofs. Carr-Braint says there were a lot of leaky roofs on city owned buildings. Since 2007, the Property Management Department spent over one million dollars repairing and replacing roofs. Big savings were found by the recent replacement of the six roof HVAC (heating and ventilation systems) systems atop City Hall. The new energy efficient units replaced those installed when the historic seat of municipal government was renovated in 1988. Carr-Braint says they successfully applied for grants to carry out the retrofit of the 26 year-old units, adding “You could just see the energy meter drop. It was great!” The Property Management Section is made up of manager Carr-Braint, Property Supervisor Rob Mcglashan, two staff and two casual summer employees. They do everything to look after the physical structure of city buildings, from the roof, down to the ground, including plumbing, heating, walls. Carr-Braint says they do a lot of the work themselves, such as painting, patching and minor repairs. Bigger jobs are sub contracted to local companies under capital budget dollars.
They are constantly finding solutions to problems as they develop. As an example, CarrBraint says when they went to put up Christmas lights on the Meyers Pier building, they found some of the big 12 x 12 wood beams on the buttresses had rotted due to water and dampness. The nails went right through. The solution was to replace the beams with metal painted to look like wood. While facilities like the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre and Belleville Public Library have their own building management and maintenance teams, the Property Management Department provides support services. Carr-Braint says they’re working with Facility Manager Peter Lyng at the Sports Centre to find ways to save energy dollars. His department is also involved in helping to plan the Archives move into the library building. Accessibility is becoming a very big part of property management, and a very large expense. Carr-Braint says they’re concentrating on installing door oper-
ators and ramps where needed. He says they’re looking at a way to install a ramp and access to the renovated Thurlow Community Centre, adding there is a ground level entrance on the east side, but it’s in a fire lane which doesn’t allow for parking. One challenge is the Ontario Building Code was written for wheel chairs. But many people are now using electric scooters which are longer and wider. At age 58, Carr-Braint still looks forward to going to work each day and gets excited about trying to find solutions to problems and ways to save the city money through energy efficiency - whether it’s solar panels, or changing the lights at the back of their Pinnacle Street building to LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). As for the future, the Belleville native says the city has a really good group of staff now, and the city is going in a good direction. Joel Carr-Braint looks forward to going with it, adding it’s a great place to be right now.
www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
29
Belleville Magazine
Heritage Property
Historic Grand Trunk Railway Station Back in the mid 19th century, the expansion of railways helped this country grow economically. The Grand Trunk Railway, incorporated in 1853, ran from Sarnia to Portland, Maine, taking over existing lines and building new sections - including the key Toronto to Montreal line. Built in 1855-56 by the noted English engineering firm of Peto, ~ Gordon Lightfoot, Brassey, Jackson and Betts, the Canadian Railroad Trilogy Belleville Railway Station was designated a national historic site in 1973 because it is representa-
“There was a
time in this fair land when the railroad did not run�
30
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
Story and Photos by Gerry Fraiberg
tive of the larger stations for the Grand Trunk Railway and because it is an enduring monument to early Canadian railway enterprise. Late in the 19th century, a second storey was added to the limestone structure, along with a Second Empire Style mansard roof. At the time of construction, Belleville was named an official divisional point on the main line from Toronto to Montreal, and a switching yard was laid out. By 1864 about 100 people were
Belleville Magazine
Heritage Property
employed at the Belleville shops and yard. Belleville and Brockville remained the divisional points on the line. When the Grand Trunk Railway ran into financial trouble and couldn’t repay construction loans to the federal government, it was folded into the newly formed Canadian National Railways in 1918. Belleville continued its prominent role, eventually becoming headquarters of the CNR Rideau District, employing over 1,000. It was progress that
brought the railway to Belleville. And it was progress that after more than 150 years, lead to construction of a $14 million dollar 5,500 square foot glass and steel station which opened in 2012 to accommodate increased passenger traffic. There is now a heated overhead footbridge leading to a third track. While many would say the old station had a certain charm, the new facility has more seating, efficient HVAC and free wifi access. www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
31
Belleville Magazine
In Business
Fin-aire inc. is building heat transfer products and career opportunities Story and photos by Aaron Bell
When Vivek Datta was looking for a location to expand his family business, he spent a great deal of time looking at communities in Eastern Ontario and Northern New York State. He had specific criteria that he was looking for - specifically access to a skilled workforce, readyto-build industrial land and a municipality that would be easy to work with during the construction phase. Vivek settled on Belleville and opened a new 49,000 square foot facility for fin-aire inc. in 2013. “We made the decision to move the business about three years ago and at that point started looking around Eastern Ontario and the northern part of New York State,” Datta said. They short listed five cities and graded them on the factors that were most important to him. “Belleville had the best mix of what we were looking for,” Datta said. “The keys were the availabil32
Fall 2014
Belleville Magazine
ity of a skilled workforce, availability of land and a city administration that was easy to work with and was progressive when it came to business.” They began construction on the new facility on an 11 acre lot in the North East Industrial Park in the fall of 2012 and finished the following spring. The location has been open since May 2013. “The City was tremendous to work with in terms of their flexibility and getting permits approved,” Datta said. “If I did have a problem they were a phone call away to help me solve the problem.” Fin-aire inc. originated in Prince Edward County in 2004. They expect to employ as many as 50 full-time people at the new facility. “We build a component part of refrigeration, air conditioning and heating systems,” Datta said. “It’s called a finned tube coil. Basically, it’s a copper tube with an alumi-
num fin and it makes air either hot or cold.” Their cooling products can be found in computer room Vivek Datta air conditioning, soft serve ice cream machines, reach-in beverage coolers and refrigerated display cases. Datta said that he’s happy that they settled on Belleville as the location for their expansion. “From the very beginning, the City of Belleville assured me with their words - which I didn’t believe based on past experience with other locations - that it wouldn’t be a problem,” Datta said. “And they were right. We had absolutely no problems with red tape, no problems with bureaucracy. “Everything went through without a hitch.”
Belleville Magazine
What’s On
Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Residents receive one spring and one fall free curbside pickup of yard waste. Place leaf and yard waste to the curb by 7:00am on the designated date for your area. If your residence is located: West of Moira River & South of CNR Tracks - Nov. 1 West of Moira River & North of CNR Tracks - Nov. 8 East of Moira River & North of Victoria Avenue - Nov. 15 East of Moira River & South of Victoria Avenue - Nov. 22 Place material in kraft paper bags; Plastic bags are not accepted. Materials can be placed in cardboard boxes, canisters and bushel baskets at no charge. These items will be emptied and left at the curbside. Brush and Tree Limbs must have no more than a 2 3/4” trunk diameter, and no longer than 4 feet and they must be securely tied in small bundles. Acceptable Material Leaves Grass clippings Flowers Plant material Gardening maintenance material Brush and tree limbs Yard waste paper bags
Unacceptable material Lumber Manufactured wood products Food waste from kitchens Food service/ processing/ handling material
Residents are reminded BY-LAW No. 98-175 prohibits depositing of leaf & yard waste on public streets.
Yard Waste Depot
75 Wallbridge Crescent (Open April 22 to December 5) Hours of Operation: Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri - 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday 8:30 am - 7:30 pm Closed for Statutory Holidays (Oct. 13 and Nov. 11) City residents may dispose of leaf and yard waste at no charge in the designated area at the north side of the Public Works building located at 75 Wallbridge Crescent, from mid-April to November. For more information please visit www.Belleville.ca
Upcoming City Meetings City Council October 14 November 10 November 24 December 8
Planning Advisory Committee
Committee of Adjustment
October 6 November 3 November 26
October 23 November 27
Find more meeting information, agendas and minutes online at Belleville.ca.
How can we help you? The City of Belleville’s Environmental & Operational Services provides a 24-hour service to the community.
• Sewer problems • Tree issues • Sign Maintenance • Traffic Lights • Leaf & Yard Waste • Thurlow Landfill • Winter Control - sidewalks & roadways • Dead animals on roadway • Garbage & Recycling issues • Road & Sidewalk Maintenance • Street cleaning • Flooding
After hours service line (613) 968-6482
If you have the following concerns after hours or on the weekend, please call (613) 968-6482 and your request will be forwarded to an answering service who will contact the person on call. If your concern is during regular business hours - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, please call the direct line (613) 967-3275 for assistance.
Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste Fertilizers, paints, pesticides, batteries, stripping agents, cleaners, and more can be disposed of at our free HHW Depot at 75 Wallbridge Crescent. Items that contain toxic ingredients cannot be poured down the drain or into sewers, nor can they be placed in regular garbage. 2014 Spring & Summer Hours (April - October) Tues. 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm Weds. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Thurs. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm First Saturday of the Month 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 2014 Fall & Winter Hours (November - March) Thurs. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm First Saturday of the Month 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Hazardous Waste is now accepting: microwaves, toaster ovens, hand held power tools, motor oil and cooking oil.
www.Belleville.ca
Fall 2014
33
Mouth of the Moira The Moira River is reflecting the beautiful fall colours of the season PHOTOS BY AARON BELL/CITY OF BELLEVILLE