BELLEVILLE THE MAGAZINE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
BELLEVILLE.CA
SUMMER 2018
Park Dale School students and staff gather at Belleville’s new signature sign to welcome the summer!
LANNING HEADWEAR
a ‘Tip Of The Hat’ to three generations of
HAT MAKING HISTORY
FUN THINGS TO DO?
EUROPEAN TRADITION
BREAKOUT BELLEVILLE and RHINO SPORTS & PLAYLAND
BARN OWL MALT
check out
of FLOOR MALTING followed by owners of to create rich flavours
BELLEVILLE Magazine CITY OF BELLEVILLE 169 Front Street Belleville, Ontario K8N 2Y8 Tel: (613) 968-6481 TTY: (613) 967-3768 Belleville.ca
Welcome
MAYOR Taso A. Christopher COUNCIL Egerton Boyce, Paul Carr, Jackie Denyes, Mike Graham, Kelly McCaw, Jack Miller, Mitch Panciuk, Garnet Thompson EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Rick Kester DIRECTOR, ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Rod Bovay DIRECTOR, FINANCE Brian Cousins MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES Tim Osborne DIRECTOR, RECREATION, CULTURE & COMMUNITY SERVICES Mark Fluhrer DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES/CLERK Matt MacDonald DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES/ FIRE CHIEF Mark MacDonald MANAGER, ECONOMIC & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Karen Poste GENERAL MANAGER, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Perry Decola GENERAL MANAGER, TRANSPORTATION AND OPERATIONS SERVICES Joseph D. Reid BELLEVILLE Magazine is published quarterly by the City of Belleville. Magazine Contributors: Chris Malette, Kathy Murphy, Stephen Petrick, Karen Poste, Lola Reid Allin, Susan Smith and Marilyn Warren Editor - Marilyn Warren mwarren@city.belleville.on.ca BELLEVILLE Magazine is available online at Belleville.ca and an accessible text-only format is available upon request. Printed in Canada All information ©2018, City of Belleville. No use is permitted without written consent.
Welcome to the summer edition of the BELLEVILLE magazine. It’s been a busy year and we hope everyone is enjoying their time in beautiful Belleville. With progress being made all over the City it can seem like construction and changes are happening everywhere you turn. As the senior leadership team for the City we are always trying to balance ensuring the City can grow and improve, with implementing as few disruptions as possible for our residents and businesses. It’s a difficult balancing act when weather and other considerations are factored into the plan for most projects. On behalf of all staff and City Council we thank you for your patience and for the words of encouragement we often receive when one of the many projects the City has undertaken is nearing completion. We experience the same delays and frustrations as everyone else, but we also take great pride in every completed project – we hope you do too! It’s all about making our community a better place to live, work, visit and do business. Please visit the City’s website for the latest information on construction and other projects now underway. The 2018 municipal election is fast approaching – October 22nd – and we encourage everyone to learn about the issues and challenges facing your City and then get out and vote for the candidates that share your vision for the future of this amazing community. As a group of experienced professionals, we the EMT for Belleville, are committed to working with our Council members, City residents, visitors, and investors to ensure we build and maintain the best City with the best services possible. MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM (EMT) FOR THE CITY OF BELLEVILLE
Belleville THE MAGAZINE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY • SUMMER 2018
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CYCLING IN BELLEVILLE creating a bike friendly community
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BREAKOUT BELLEVILLE adds fun to Downtown
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SHORELINES SHUTTLE new way to explore our City
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FARMERS’ MARKET more than shopping - it’s an experience
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ELEVATE PLUS jobs for people - people for jobs
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CITY SPLASH PADS fresh, free, fun
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MAYOR’S ANNUAL HISTORY HUNT successful first year
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THE LAST SAM’S STANDING rocks on
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FAMILY PHYSICIAN OR NURSE PRACTITIONER are you in need of one?
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BELLEVILLE WATERFRONT & MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL turns 40
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Contents 16-17 QUINTE SPORTS & WELLNESS CENTRE brings outside groups to Belleville 18
RHINO SPORTS & PLAYLAND where fun has no age limit
19 WATERFRONT & MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL scenes from this year’s festivities 20-21 LOCAL UNITED WAY celebrates 60 years of unity 22
ROTARY SINGS THE PRAISES of young musicians
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TRI & RUN SPORTS glad they ‘ran’ into Belleville
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BELLEVILLE INCLUSION committee’s role
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BAY OF QUINTE YACHT CLUB deeply rooted in community
26-27 CHECK THE BRIM it could be made in Belleville 28
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING DISPLAY sponsorships
THOMAS ESTEVEZ DESIGN unique, creative, exceptional
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2018 MUNICIPAL ELECTION it’s time to cast your vote
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PARKING BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT TEAM the important role they play
30-31 CAPITAL PROJECTS updates on City projects
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BARN OWL MALT well worth the wait
SUMMER 2018
BELLEVILLE Magazine
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POSTE IT NOTE residential land supply
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THE FACES OF BELLEVILLE’S Canada Day festivities
CYCLING IN BELLEVILLE BIKE ROUTE PROGRESS UPDATE ON-STREET BICYCLE LANES Avondale Road, Harder Drive, Palmer Road, Herchimer Avenue Line Painting and Signage: August SHARED ROADWAYS / DESIGNATED CYCLING ROUTES Kensington Crescent, Grosvenor Avenue, Wellington Street, Parker Street, Highland Avenue, Catharine Street, Foster Avenue Line Painting and Signage: August BRIDGE STREET WEST ROUTE – PHASE 1 Active Transportation Path – Yeomans Street to Centennial Park Construction Complete
Bike Station in Lions Park; L to R. Kevin Bazkur,Jennifer McTavish, Adam Tilley, Paul Tilley, Councillor Boyce, Taylor Dall and Gary Magwood
BRIDGE STREET WEST ROUTE – PHASE 2 On-Street Bicycle Lanes: Avondale Road, Harder Drive, Palmer Road Shared Roadways: Kensington Crescent, Grosvenor Avenue, Catharine Street To be completed with On-Street Bicycle Lanes and Shared Roadways listed above.
BIKE STATIONS IMPROVE CYCLISTS’ EXPERIENCE ON CITY TRAIL SYSTEM Three bike stations for cyclists have been placed along the City trails. These stations were initiated by the City’s Green Task Force and each station is equipped with common bike repair tools as well as instructions on how they can be used. A bicycle pump is also included at each location.
BRIDGE STREET WEST ROUTE – PHASE 3 Active Transportation Path: Meagher Place to Avonlough Road Construction: 2019
The station placements were determined through a community bike survey and the City Parks Department installed them at the following three locations: • Jane Forrester Park by the Bayshore Trail • Riverside Park (Moira Street East) near the canteen and splash pad • Riverfront Trail by the pedestrian bridge on Station Street by Lions Park
HAIG ROAD / STATION STREET EXTENSION BICYCLE LANES On-Street Bicycle Lanes: Haig Road Paved Shoulders: Station Street Construction: Underway
The stations are sponsored by the City of Belleville, Cross Border Solutions Inc. and the Brake Room. The Brake Room’s phone number is on each station for cyclists to call if assistance is required.
Belleville.ca
SUMMER 2018
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Tips for Cyclists • • •
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Tips for Drivers
Know traffic laws as they apply to you the cyclist. Obey them. Wear a helmet. Be visible. Have lights and reflectors on your bike and wear reflective clothing. Keep your bike in good running order. Bike defensively. Keep an eye well ahead of you to see if there are hazards coming up. Err on the side of caution and assume drivers can’t see you. Communicate your intentions, learn hand signals and use them. Don’t overtake cars from the right. It’s tempting to keep moving between parked cars and slow moving cars, but drivers making a right turn may not be anticipating a bike coming up beside them. Stay alert. Don’t wear headphones and don’t use your phone.
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Belleville was awarded the Bicycle Friendly Community Award (BFC) in 2017. The program provides award recognition for communities that actively support bicycling. Communities complete a thorough application and are judged in five categories: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, and Evaluation & Planning.
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“Dooring,” where a cyclist is hit or drives into an opening vehicle door is one of the top safety issues for cyclists. Practice the Dutch Reach - instead of using their door-side (left) arm, they reach over with their other (right) arm. This simple behavioral shift causes drivers to look back naturally and see whether or not there are oncoming cyclists until it becomes second nature. Be aware of cyclists around you. Use your rear and side mirrors, do shoulder checks, and scan around parked vehicles. Know where bike routes are and where cyclists may be crossing your route. When passing a cyclist, give them lots of room. When following a cyclist, stay at least three seconds behind. Signal well ahead of turning or changing lanes. Use your mirrors and do shoulder checks to scan all around your vehicle. Make eye contact with cyclists in your path. Avoid using your horn. Don’t assume you have the right of way. Even if you have, give cyclists some latitude.
CURRENT BIKE ROUTES THROUGHOUT THE CITY as of July 31, 2018
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BELLEVILLE Magazine
Breakout Belleville adds some fun to Downtown Angela Douglas, owner of Breakout Belleville A customer says ‘Okay Google, play Pat Benatar” in the direction of a smart appliance. The song “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” fills the air. A group of visitors to Breakout Belleville, a trendy downtown business, move into position to take aim at the target and the axe throwing begins.
now holds Clair's soul captive... but you’re not scared of a little dolly are you?” reads the description on Breakout Belleville’s website. Another escape room offered in May was titled The Cabin. The website description says “The whole family is counting on you to find the deed to your departed uncle Buck’s cabin. Can you do it and keep this treasure in the family?”
Breakout Belleville, located at 268 Front Street, has been adding fun to the City since opening in May of 2016. The business is owned by Angela Douglas. It was originally located at the Maze Mall on Front Street, but within a few months business grew to the point where a larger location was needed.
These descriptions are purposely vague to give participants few pre-conceived notions as they head into the challenge. In fact, Angela declines photographers’ requests to capture the rooms, not wanting to spoil the mystery.
The axe-throwing activity is the more visible service the business offers. Guests who walk in can see the two axe-throwing pens, separated by fences, along with a rack of more than a dozen different shaped axes and a chalk scoreboard. Further back, Angela offers two escape rooms for visitors who want a fun, out-of-the-ordinary teambuilding exercise.
Working to grow the business has been a fun experience for Angela. The Tweed native was a long-time employee of nearby Caper’s restaurant. She liked to design escape rooms as a hobby and eventually decided to turn her hobby into a business. Initially she had a business partner but now works solo.
The business seems to have captured the imagination of many. Angela says she’s seeing a steady stream of customers, both from the local community and from areas outside the region. It’s common for groups of employees to attend the business for a fun day of team-building.
In May, she was working toward obtaining a liquor licence for the business and preparing to take her axe-throwing game mobile for the summer. She plans on packing the equipment into a vehicle and taking it to festivals such as the Quinte Exhibition, the Tweed Stampede & Jamboree and the Havelock Country Jamboree.
“We allow them to find their strengths and their weaknesses,” she explains, shortly before a stream of customers arrive for a busy Saturday afternoon, (one group is a family celebrating their dad’s birthday and another is a bachelorette party). Angela adds it’s probably impossible for a group to complete an escape room without working as a team. “They have a lot of fun doing it without even realizing they’re building team skills.” An escape room activity involves a group of people entering a room; they’re then given a series of challenges to overcome. The game takes place within the context of a story. For example in May, Breakout Belleville was offering a room called the Dollhouse, with a character named Clair, who loves her dolls, especially Emma Lou. “Emma Lou Belleville.ca SUMMER 2018
Angela is proud the Belleville physical location is contributing to a fun and exciting downtown community, made more beautiful in recent years through the renovations to Front Street. She hopes Breakout Belleville will play a role in strengthening the area as a tourism spot. The business is unique, as to Angela’s knowledge, there’s no other nearby business that offers both axe throwing and escape rooms. “I love and believe in this downtown,” she says proudly. “I believe we’re a destination.”
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Most Breakout Belleville services require a booked appointment. However axe-throwing is open for walk-ins from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and 12 noon - 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays. For details visit breakoutbelleville.ca
a fun new way to explore our City
SHORELINES SHUTTLE
Hop-on-hop-off the 50 minute round trip tour that takes you along Belleville’s beautiful waterfront, throughout East Hill, uptown and ends downtown, stopping at some of Belleville's most popular places to visit, dine, shop and enjoy. During the tour learn about the history of Belleville’s beautiful East Hill, heritage homes and buildings throughout the City, the 25 great ‘Belleville Bucket List’ experiences for you to enjoy, and the history of Belleville including rum running on the Bay of Quinte. Shuttle Tour Service June 1 to September 2 7 days a week 11:00 a.m. to 9:00p.m. Shuttle tickets (day passes) are available for visitors at tour stops, and the general public can purchase them on the shuttle for $2.50 per pass. Please note that regular City of Belleville Transit Passes are not applicable for the Shorelines Shuttle. Schedule available at: Belleville.ca/ shorelines-shuttle
In our first season of service we have gathered great suggestions and ideas on how to make next summer’s Shorelines Shuttle even better! We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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BELLEVILLE Magazine
“I come to the Farmers’ Market every week and when we have guests I bring them too. Flowers, fresh vegetables, I like to see all the new and unique things you can find here. It’s a fun place to be!” Anna Fairbrother
“I moved to Belleville from Cuba a year ago and braiding hair at the Market has given me the chance to meet so many friendly people. I love Belleville!” Niurka Reynaldo
The market is located in Market Square behind City Hall and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The selection is amazing, the atmosphere delightful - come see for yourself!
Belleville.ca
SUMMER 2018
Jobs for People, People for Jobs Elevating Bay of Quinte: Employment Training for Improvement of Local Economy Elevate Plus was formed to train job seekers for job opportunities in Bay of Quinte’s thriving manufacturing sector. Building a strong, sustainable workforce in the Bay of Quinte region is a priority for the partnership between Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC) and Loyalist College’s Training and Knowledge Centre (LTKC). The joint program provides training to help unemployed and underemployed individuals fill well-paid permanent manufacturing positions. The Bay of Quinte region has a large cluster of Ontario’s manufacturers. The Elevate Plus Program is funded by Employment Ontario and offered at no charge for those wishing to enter local manufacturing and food processing jobs. It includes four weeks of classroom training plus a two week job trial. The trial period gives both employer and employee a chance to see if the job is a good fit, saving the time and expenditure typically spent on the hiring process. Participants develop their soft and technical skills in a supportive but accountable environment. People coming out of Elevate Plus are now sought after by employers as there is a recognition that the skills development, especially the soft skills, results in an engaged and responsible employee. LTKC staff go above and beyond to support participants, assisting in helping them deal with personal or program issues as they arise. Examples of these issues could be transportation, childcare or food insecurity. The goal is removing barriers that are currently keeping them from being employed full time. To date, more than 150 people have obtained employment as result of the program.
JUST SOME OF THE GRADUATES, STAFF, TRAINERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS CELEBRATING SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM COMPLETION
How Elevate Plus Strengthens the Bay of Quinte Economy In addition to helping keen workers fulfil local job opportunities, Elevate Plus also gives a unique and low-risk opportunity for potential employees and future employers to test each other out. “Recruitment is an expensive venture for employers. We saw an opportunity to help local residents looking for work and employers seeking strong employee candidates, and created a path for both of them,” says Chris King, CEO of QEDC. “We’re taking people who want to work but have some kind of a barrier, from technical skills to additional support they or their future employer need to help them be successful. We’ve been seeing amazing results: it’s truly a win-win for local residents and employers,” said Chuck O’Malley, LTKC’s Corporate Sales Manager. The success of the program hinges on the extensive partnerships the program has developed within the community. The Elevate Plus Program helps people stay in the area where they want to live, by providing an opportunity to support themselves and their families, and elevate Quinte to reach its full potential. Individuals or companies interested in learning more about the program can contact the LTKC office 613-969-1913 x 2294. “The Elevate Plus program has helped me have a new outlook on life. I have gone from an ‘I can give it a try’ type of person, to an ‘I am doing this’ type of person. I am very thankful for the training I received through the Elevate program.” - Elevate Plus Graduate “Advancing change, creating hope, building resilience”
EMPLOYMENT PARTNERS: VANTAGE FOODS - BERRY GLOBAL - HANON SYSTEMS - CB FREEZERS - TRENTON COLD STORAGE - DROSSBACH - ANAMET
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C I T Y S P L A S H PA D S fresh free fun Don’t let the heat hold you captive indoors - it’s Splash Pad season and Belleville has three awesome pads for you to choose from. A refreshing FREE way to play outside all summer long. • West Riverside Splash Pad 373 Moira Street East • Parkdale Splash Pad Parkdale Veterans Park 119 Birch Street • Kinsmen Splash Pad 151 Dundas Street East
KINSMEN COMMUNITY OUTDOOR POOL, 151 DUNDAS STREET EAST ($3 PER PERSON OR 10 PACK FOR $25.00 – 2 AND UNDER FREE) Belleville.ca
SUMMER 2018
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MAYOR’S HUNT FOR HISTORY
Additional prizes included limited edition signed Belleville Senators inaugural hockey sticks and promotional items. Watch for next year’s hunt and learn more about our rich Belleville History!
Samantha Milne St. Michael’s School
The second prize of a Back to School Tour of 8 Wing/ CFB Trenton, including a visit to a small arms trainer/ simulator, air traffic control tower, and tour of RCAF aircraft, went to Brynne Barrett.
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Danielle Lafond Our Lady of Fatima School
Isaac Levy received first prize, the Belleville Senators Experience that included four tickets to a game with luxury seats, meet and greet with team executives and a dressing room tour.
Austin Williams Sir John A Macdonald
Thanks to all of the students who participated in the 1st annual Mayor’s Hunt for History - created to encourage students in grades five through eight in City of Belleville schools to view the historical plaques in the downtown core. Also, thank you to the teachers who included the event as a class project and the parents who made time in their schedules to take their children through the hunt!
Sam Goulden Harmony Public Schol
Mayor Christopher and Richard Hughes, President of Hastings County Historical Society, presented the top two History Hunt prizes to Brynne Barrett, Grade 8, St. Michael’s School and Isaac Levy, Grade 7, Park Dale School.
Benjamin Lavigne-Reklitis Sir James Whitney
Cassandra Bouma Belleville Christian School
Aiden McEathron (cap) and Andrew Smeenk (stick) St. Joseph’s School
Designed to help students discover the historic people and places of Belleville
Hannah Harrison Belleville Christian School
CONGRATS TO PARTICIPANTS OF FIRST ANNUAL
THE LAST SAM’S
STANDING ROCKS ON
The Destins, Spencer, Holly & their son, Krys, (a Bayside Secondary School teacher), run the last Sam The Record Man store in Canada.
Your dad, mom, sisters and brothers likely flocked to the Belleville Sam’s store to buy records, as did thousands when the iconic, flourishing Sam’s franchises across Canada were selling records, cassettes and other music by the crate.
of founder Sam Sniderman has asked that no more Sam’s be opened under that name. “Our store is grandfathered in, if you will,” said Spencer. “We have two other stores called Now & Then … in the Oshawa Town Centre and in Kingston at the Cataraqui Centre.”
But, now going on 40 years, the last remaining Sam the Record Man store rocks on, still in the Quinte Mall. Its owners, the Destin family - Spencer, Holly and son Krys - are still going strong at the mall and show no signs of slowing down.
For music lovers of a certain era - those who remember the distinct logo and monumental ability of the original chain to source out any and all of even the most obscure music titles - the Belleville destination is a Mecca.
The Belleville Sam’s opened in 1979 when Spencer and Holly started selling vinyl albums, 8-track and cassette tapes. Since then, the dizzying progression - and regression - of the music industry and its technology changed, “but we’re still here.”
“We have people make special trips, who will come from Toronto, Cornwall, Montreal … and they bulk up on $400 $500 in purchases,” said Holly. Those shoppers, said Spencer, will “spend two, three hours browsing.”
And, yes, vinyl is making a comeback, as is the demand for cassettes. Vinyl now accounts for “15 percent of our business, up from one half of one per cent in the last three years,” said Spencer. Sam the Record Man was a Canadian record store chain that, at one time, was Canada's largest music recording retailer. In 1982, its ads proclaimed that it had "140 locations, coast to coast." The chain ceased to exist in 2001 after it went bankrupt, the flagship store remaining open until 2007. While the Destins have maintained the last vestige of the iconic record store’s name, the family
As for the current state of vinyl records - his first love Spencer almost waxes rhapsodic on the joy, purity and clarity of original music pressed on the newest vinyl, analogue technology. “Vinyl is analog technology and with analog, you get to be part of the journey,” he says.
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The technology may change, but the song remains the same at the ‘Last of the Sam’s’ in Belleville.
Are you in need of a
FAMILY PHYSICIAN OR NURSE PRACTITIONER?
With a number of long serving family physicians retiring in the next several years, it is clear the number of community members without a family physician is going to increase. Although the City of Belleville continues to attract family physicians through their incredibly successful Family Physician Recruitment Program, more family physicians and nurse practitioners are needed to take on local patients. The City of Belleville, in consultation with the Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Government and Consumer Services and Government House Leader, would like to encourage you to contact his office or the office of the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Honourable Chistine Elliott, with any concerns you may have regarding local health care issues. Health Care continues to be a Provincial mandate and with everyone’s help, this important local/Provincial issue can be brought to the forefront of the new Government’s agenda. Ensuring easy and fast access to primary health care is something the Province can do to improve the health of both the residents and businesses in the region. To make your concerns known, please contact:
MPP Todd Smith Minister of Government and Consumer Services 613-962-1144 todd.smithco@pc.ola.org MPP Christine Elliott Minister of Health and Long Term Care 1-905-750-0019 Christine.elliottco@pc.ola.org If you are in need of a family physician, please ensure you have registered with Health Care Connect at 1-800-445-1822 or search online “health care connect”.
If you know of a family medicine student who might be interested in participating in our family physician recruitment program, please have them contact the Economic Development office at 613-967-3238 or email: kposte@city.belleville.on.ca.
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SUMMER 2018
BELLEVILLE Magazine
BELLEVILLE WATERFRONT & MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
turns 40 The roots of Belleville’s Waterfront & Multicultural Festival – that awardwinning, park-filling, summer sizzling festival that’s now 40 years old – can be traced back to the basement of Belleville’s Greek Hall.
And Selma Bochnek can remember the meeting vividly. In the month before the summer of 1978, she says, Canada’s federal government was making greater plans to celebrate multi-culturalism and Belleville was getting ready for an anniversary celebration. So Peter Zegouras, the brother of then-mayor George Zegouras, invited representatives of several different local cultural groups to the Greek Hall to discuss some ideas. “That was the birth of the Quinte Ethnic Festival,” says Selma, her voice ringing with excitement. “There were four groups at that meeting; we spent the evening just talking about what we could do.” Sitting in the basement of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce’s log cabin, Selma is leafing through binders of old newspaper clippings, photographs she has saved and past programs and souvenirs. The items, of which some belong to her, others to the Chamber, create a great trip down memory lane and serve as a reminder of why today’s festival shouldn’t be taken for granted. The Belleville Waterfront & Multicultural Festival celebrated its 40th year when it came to West Zwick’s Park July 12 to 15, 2018. The festival typically brings about 35,000 visitors to the waterfront over four days. For the past four years, the festival has been named a Top 100 Festival in Ontario by Festivals & Events Ontario.
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But the festival didn’t become a provincial hit overnight. It has existed in different forms and under different names. The Quinte Ethnic Festival that launched in 1978 took place at the halls belonging to various cultural groups. Participants would travel from site-to-site to enjoy different foods and activities. By 1982, the festival had a “passport” program, which encouraged participants to get a passport stamped at each location. Selma said, in the early days, organizers didn’t want it to be a commercial event; food and activities were free. But as the years progressed, they also realized it had to change to stay relevant and reverse a trend of declining attendance. In the mid 1980s, the festival moved to Zwick’s and by 1987 it was billed as the Belleville Waterfront Festival and Folklorama. As the years went by, “Waterfront” became more known for rock music than food stands, but in recent years, with the Belleville Chamber of Commerce organizing the event, the festival has resumed its family-oriented feel. The festival’s emphasis on promoting multiculturalism has never waned. The Ethnic Food Village, to this day, remains a popular attraction at the festival, as food lovers can wander the southwest corner of the park and visit stands being operated by a range of cultural groups. For instance, perogies are still being offered proudly by members of the Quinte Polish Club. Selma couldn’t be more proud of what the festival has become. Up until a few years ago, when health problems began to take a toll, she would stroll through Zwick’s to see the festivities herself and speak to participants, knowing full well they were carrying on a tradition that started decades ago.
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“I am proud of the fact that it has sustained itself,” she says, nearly breaking into tears. “The festival has played a large part in the openness of the community.”
Selma Bochnek
THOMAS ESTEVEZ DESIGN unique, creative, exceptional
structure was built. Exposed brick and limestone walls provide a beautiful backdrop for the display cases showcasing Erin’s jewelry designs and paintings by Jesus.
The regal, wrought iron gates at the doorway to 395 Front Street heighten your anticipation before you enter – you know you’re about to find something special within. But wait, before entering let’s learn the story behind Thomas Estevez Design and how it came to be.
“My love of stones has evolved into a mineral gallery,” says Erin. “Our jewelry has a classic beauty. It is my hope that each piece will be so stunning it will take my customer’s breath away. Our sterling silver is nickel-free so allergies are never a concern and all of our work is guaranteed. Our demographic is people of all ages – stone enthusiasts, women in search of that perfect accessory and men shopping for their wives.”
Erin and Jesus met in Ottawa – Erin a jeweler, Jesus a painter. There was romance, marriage and the decision to move to Spain where they lived for the next 16 years. “Jesus wanted to paint and I was eager to start a business,” explained Erin. “Jesus was a great help to me as I did not speak Spanish. The business grew quickly and before we knew it, in addition to me designing jewelry, we had three stores and a wholesale business. During our last few years in Spain, we scaled back to the design and wholesale components, giving me more time to create and sell my jewelry all over Spain.” Throughout this time Jesus painted, capturing the beauty of Spain on canvas. People, landscapes, urban and rural, he explored new challenges, his style becoming even stronger and more distinct. In Canada, Erin’s sister had been stationed at CFB Trenton. She left the military, married and bought a cottage in Prince Edward County while Erin and Jesus were in Spain. Shortly after, Erin’s mother and father moved there also. By now, Erin and Jesus were looking to be closer to family and ready to return to Ontario. They chose to live and establish their business in Belleville as they felt it would be an active year-round location. Within six weeks of their arrival they bought their current location at 395 Front St. The building registry lists 1857 as the year this stately
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As reflected in his paintings, Jesus is a lover of light and can often be spotted in the early morning hours with camera in hand. “We have the most spectacular sunrises here. I photograph them and then paint from those photos. I like painting cityscapes, things I see all around me. When I lived in Ottawa, I designed an art course for the Ottawa Board of Education. When I moved to Belleville, I took that course, adapted it for this area and have been teaching an art class twice a week since 2010. I’ve had hundreds of students and believe I’ve helped them with their technique and heightened their awareness of the use of light and dark – something I think is a strength of mine. In my experience, people want paintings they can relate to – a home, a street, a portrait. I paint for the people.”
Now a popular trend, in many ways Erin and Jesus were ahead of the curve when they chose to live and operate their business in downtown Belleville. “There is a good energy here,” added Erin. “We have the most beautiful combination of urban life and nature. The river passes right by our doorstep, I love it here.” SUMMER 2018
BELLEVILLE Magazine
the important role of our
PA RK I N G B Y- L AW E N F O R C E ME N T TEAM As a downtown merchant or customer, you want to know the parking spaces will vacate every one to two hours, freeing spaces for a new group of shoppers. When accessible parking is required, you don’t want to circle the block repeatedly, waiting for someone without a permit to leave these reserved spaces. If you and your family are out for a ride on the City’s new bike lanes it concerns you when a car parked in the bike lane forces your children to swerve into traffic. While walking your dog you note the no-parking areas by fire hydrants are being respected, making you feel a little safer in your neighbourhood. It is reasons such as these that make it necessary for the City to have a parking by-law enforcement team. It is the team’s role to enforce the parking by-laws. They are tasked with promoting a safe and functional environment for motorists and pedestrians alike.
has been donated to the ‘Feed the Meter’ fundraising campaign for the local school board. Read the Parking Meters and Pay & Display Machines Hurried motorists often forget to check the information on the meter or pay & display machines before activating the machine. Always make sure you check: • The days and hours the meter is in effect • Amount of time registered on the machine • Maximum parking time limits that may be in effect • Your parking voucher is visibly displayed in your vehicle
It’s not an easy job. The enforcement team is made up of three officers, two on foot and one on patrol. Their role includes creating awareness and helping individuals understand the reasons parking restrictions are in place. It is the responsibility of individuals driving a vehicle to be aware of the regulatory signs, their meaning and to adhere to them. By respecting these laws you are helping to promote a safer, more functional community for residents and visitors alike.
Motorists often pull into bus stops to wait for a friend or make a quick stop at a store or bank. Even a quick stop blocks the bus stop zone, forcing transit drivers to unload or load passengers in an unsafe manner. This is a potential hazard for passengers and an inconvenience for other motorists when the bus is unable to pull into the bus stop zone. Please respect the parking bylaws and drive cautiously.
There is one-hour per day free parking on Front Street and parking is also free evenings and weekends in all City owned downtown locations. For the past few years, during the month of December, all money from the parking meters Belleville.ca
SUMMER 2018
Residents with concerns or questions regarding City parking by-laws are encouraged to contact Parking Services at 613-968-6481.
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BARN OWL MALT well worth the wait In a time when people tend to look for the quickest, easiest way of doing things, Leslie and Devin Huffman have chosen to step back from the norm. At Barn Owl Malt they embrace a malting tradition seldom found in today’s streamlined industrial world, to create an intense, aromatically flavoured product achieved only through the aged European method of floor malting. Before the industrial revolution, the traditional European method of producing malt was floor malting. Today, this method is a niche artisanal practice. The grain is initially placed in large tanks for hydration and then spread evenly on the floor. To ensure it is properly germinated and oxygenated, the grain must be turned by hand with a rake, twice a day, seven days a week. This process releases the heat from the grain and prevents rootlets from forming an unmanageable mat. When germination is complete, the grain is moved into a dryer for approximately 30 hours. This is the phase that develops the colour and flavour, a critical process in which Leslie and Devin create their signature profiles that have gained them recognition throughout the Ontario brewing community. Once this stage is complete, the grain goes through the de-bearder, removing the rootlets – then is passed through the seed cleaner. The close control and hands-on interaction maltsters have with the grains during the germination stage of the process, results in an intense aromatic flavour that industrial malting fails to achieve. Although Leslie and Devin have created malt from rye and special orders like sunflower malt, barley is their first choice and they purchase the grain primarily from farmers in the Quinte, Ottawa and Guelph regions. The reason for this is twofold. First, by diversifying their grain source areas, they avoid losing a complete season’s barley crop
due to weather conditions such as drought or hail. Secondly, many of the breweries purchasing their malt are located in these areas and the brewers want to be able to tell their customers, the beer they are drinking comes from locally grown grain. Barn Owl Malt never blends grain sources so is able to supply malt to their customers made from each specific region. “The brewer community is pretty tight,” says Devin. “We’re fortunate in that we really haven’t had to market our product as it is very specialized. The brewers recognize our quality and the reputation we have established brings them to us.” During the past year alone, Barn Owl Malt has worked with 26 Ontario craft breweries/ distilleries, seven of which are within the Quinte Craft region. “It’s been two years since we sold our first bag of malt,” added Leslie.
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“I’ve fallen in love with this method and can’t imagine moving away from it. It’s definitely labour intensive and requires a large amount of space but hopefully within the next ten years, we will have doubled our space and have staff working with us. Malt is 90% of what beer is made up of and we’re focused on providing the most unique, excellent malts possible. We look forward to continuing to grow our business and increase our production.”
Leslie and Devin live on a farm north of Foxboro, formerly owned by Devin’s grandfather, with their two sons, the family dog, a pig, some chickens and a handful of llamas. SUMMER 2018 BELLEVILLE Magazine
REGIONAL ONTARIO SHORT COURSE CHAMPIONSHIP SWIM MEET
bringing outside groups to Belleville
Q UI N TE S P O RT S & WE LL N E S S C E NTRE In Belleville we enjoy the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre on a daily basis for recreational classes and activities for all ages and interests. The local use of the facility is extensive and wonderful!
TRADESHOWS & CONFERENCES
The Centre serves another valuable role - it draws outside groups to our community through tournaments, tradeshows and conferences. This resonates throughout the City hotels, restaurants, retail stores, all benefit when outside groups come to town. Many Belleville residents serve on local, regional, provincial and national committees. Don’t be afraid to put Belleville out there as a destination option.
QUINTE HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW Every April thousands attend this Quinte Home Builders’ Association show.
We’re flexible, accommodating and always up to the challenge of making things work. Here are some examples of groups we’ve hosted - a diverse list exemplifying the range available. MULTI-LEVEL COMPETITIONS Regional - aquatics & hockey Provincial - hockey National - Canadian Horseshoe Championships International - World Floorball Championships & AHL professional Hockey Belleville Senators MUNICIPAL PUBLIC WORKS TRADE SHOW
QUINTE SPORTSMEN BOAT AND RV SHOW Draws tens of thousands in March.
ANNUAL MUNICIPAL PUBLIC WORKS TRADE SHOW was here in June - the largest of its kind in Ontario with between 200 and 300 exhibitors of public works products and services, and upwards of 2000 participants. ONTARIO SMALL URBAN MUNICIPALITIES (OSUM) CONFERENCE Municipal politicians and staff from across Ontario attended. FIREFIT CHALLENGE 150 determined firefighters converged on the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre to compete in the FireFit Championships competition. CANADIAN HORSESHOE CHAMPIONSHIPS
FIREFIT CHALLENGE
BELLEVILLE BEARCATS ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S CLASSIC GIRLS MINOR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT Approximately 60 teams each year with over 2,000 athletes participating. BELLEVILLE SHRINER’S TOURNAMENT BELLEVILLE MINOR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT A three-day event with approximately 26 teams from across Ontario. REGIONAL ONTARIO SHORT COURSE CHAMPIONSHIP SWIM MEET Roughly 550 swimmers from 21 teams. Swimmers who met the qualifying times continued on to Provincial and National Championships. ONTARIO MINOR BALL HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS 30 - 40 teams - average of 2,500 in attendance.
BELLEVILLE AND DISTRICT KENNEL LICENSED OBEDIENCE AND RALLY TRIAL in March 150 - 200 dogs over a two-day event. QUINTE WOODCARVERS SHOW & COMPETITION People come from across Ontario for this two-day annual event, the 2nd largest woodcarving show in Ontario. QUINTE TOYCON High quality collectibles, with tons of toys & comics.
OSUM CONFERENCE
BELLEVILLE AND DISTRICT KENNEL LICENSED CONFORMATION every October 700 dogs over a three-day event. These dogs don’t travel alone they bring their people!
WORLD FLOORHOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP
QUINTE MINI CON Quinte region’s premiere convention for those with a love of gaming, anime, cosplay and so much more. The size and requirements of each of these groups varies – the Quinte Sports & Wellness team loves a challenge and moves mountains to make your event a great success. Fully accessible, the centre features four ice pads, an aquatic centre, multi-use gymnasium, three fitness studios and a range of meeting rooms. For a complete overview of what the QSWC has to offer visit: quintesportsandwellnesscentre.ca or stop by 265 Cannifton Road and take a tour. And remember – suggest Belleville. We’re a great destination, let’s show them what we have! BELLEVILLE & DISTRICT KENNEL LICENSED
BELLEVILLE BEARCATS NEW YEAR’S CLASSIC
RHINO SPORTS & PLAYLAND where fun has no age limit Those with children know it’s true. Countless hours are spent arranging the kids’ social calendars, ensuring they are entertained and having fun. Playdates. Birthday parties. Sleepovers. Summer camps. Sometimes we forget big people need fun too! Rhino Sports & Playland has not forgotten. They’ve created a destination that could be described as one-stop shopping - pure fun for all ages. Let’s start with kids’ birthday parties. Rather than run around town, gathering party items and planning party games, in addition to cleaning the house before and after the festivities - just book the party at Rhino! Their party package takes care of the party decorations, cake and….. what could be better than the giant trampoline, rock climbing wall or jungle gym. Beats pin the tail on the donkey for sure! Now, swap out the word kid for adult. Same thing - just book the party at Rhino! What could be better than a group of adults scaling the rock climbing wall combined with time in the sports & golf simulator room…and, wait for it….The Bar Down Lounge & Sports Bar.…Everything’s taken care of - just go and have fun! With a real ice surface of 135’ x 65’, fondly referred to as The Pond, they can help satisfy the excess demand for ice time in Belleville. This smaller rink size is ideal for training, league play and skill development. Don’t limit your thinking to hockey alone. It’s the perfect setting for company parties and family reunions. A winter carnival could be a unique holiday gathering for you, your friends and their families.
ROGER BARKER , GENERAL MANAGER AND STAFF MEMBER, CINDY LE
. For adults looking for some fun recreation on a regular, scheduled basis, Rhino has hockey and dodgeball leagues. Hockey co-ed options are Wednesday and Thursdays with a female hockey league on Sunday nights. Dodgeball participants enter their own team in a league that runs for six weeks with the next league starting in September. Scores and standings are kept online. A program that continues to grow in popularity is Friday Teen Night that will start again in September. From seven to 10 p.m. teens have full range of the equipment, accompanied by pizza, pop and music - a great way to meet new friends in a relaxed environment. The possibilities for group fun are endless. Some Loyalist College programs have used the facilities for orientation activities mixing in a little human curling, dodgeball and simulator room action. Businesses have hosted their company Christmas parties and Family Days here. Kids’ summer camps are also offered. With the onsite canteen providing food services, kids don’t even need to pack a lunch! Whether you’re looking for a regular league or occasional fun, check out rhinosports.ca or drop by and visit this allage sports and playland at 199 Bell Boulevard.
scenes from this year’s BELLEVILLE WATERFRONT & MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
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SUMMER 2018
BELLEVILLE Magazine
60 Years of Unity in Belleville
The numbers have changed, the mandate has evolved, but the root of the community organization’s work – to Improve Lives Locally – has remained the same. In 1958, the beloved Belleville McFarland’s senior hockey team won the Allan Cup Canadian championship, Terry Fox was born, and the hula-hoop craze hit Canada. Here at home, a group of concerned citizens, business leaders and community champions incorporated the first United Communities Services of Belleville and Area. United Community Services of Belleville, now known as United Way Hastings & Prince Edward, ran its first community campaign in 1958 with a goal of raising approximately $63,000. That’s now valued at about $550,000. Today, the local United Way is well known for its annual fall fundraising campaign, which now has a goal of close to $2 million. At the beginning, a modest 12 agencies were supported. This has grown significantly in recent years, to support 75 programs and 37 agencies that deliver services which reflect three pillars: All That Kids Can Be, Moving People from Poverty to Possibility, and Building Healthy, Strong Communities. United Way HPE has invested more than $42 million of donor dollars into local health and social services programs - “Improving Lives Locally.”
1970’S UNITED WAY BILLBOARD
Agencies such as COED (Continuing on in Education) and QVSS (Quinte Vocational Support Services) provided meaningful and inclusive opportunities for all. When enriched pre-school programs were formed, like Abigail’s – parents in need of assistance were given a safe and nurturing environment which helped them overcome barriers, explore opportunities, and achieve their full potential.
United Way HPE focuses on lessening poverty, building youth programs, supporting mental health, and ensuring successful community capacity for all. United Way provides the mechanism to achieve the highest level of impact, covering a multitude of areas of need. “With 100 per cent of funds raised staying within the community, we commit to work with our legions of volunteers, with the goal that no one be left behind,” adds Executive Director, Kathy Murphy.
Hundreds of agencies and programs have been supported through the years – for the full list visit unitedwayhpe.ca. For decades, many of these agencies have benefited by applying good governance and best practices for transparency, productivity and accountability through the support of United Way. For example, Big Brothers/Big Sisters grew from Belleville to cover all of Hastings and Prince Edward County.
Looking back to the 1970’s, United Way’s helping hand symbol was introduced, while the United Way community campaign supported the start up of important programs such as Meals on Wheels, Belleville’s Central Volunteer Bureau (now VIQ), Big Brothers/Big Sisters, among dozens of other essential programs for health and well being. Throughout the decades, evolving priorities were identified and United Way worked to fund health and social services programs for people with disabilities which continue today. Belleville.ca SUMMER 2018
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The Belleville Royal Canadian Sea Cadets continues to thrive in part because of the support they receive from the United Way. The cadets provide activities in leadership and “the philosophy of operation” for ages 13-19 years old. The emphasis is on peer-to-peer learning and sharing of knowledge gained.
The United Way Hastings & Prince Edward continues to build a network of local experts, who can help ensure a high return on community investment, while measuring the impact of donor dollars in the interest of creating healthier, more vibrant, inclusive communities.
and how they can make it better.” Procter & Gamble, together with its employees, is the largest contributor to the community campaign, and an excellent example of the many caring corporations within the region. More information on donors can be found at: unitedwayhpe.ca.
The idea of a better, stronger community is well summed up by Joe Folk, plant manager for the Belleville Procter & Gamble operation. He recently commented on the culture of giving at P&G. “It is the focus of Procter & Gamble to be in our communities, helping to improve the lives of people in the places we work and hire from,” he said. “To do that, we try to drive all our employees to look at the community
8 Wing Commander, Colonel Mark Goulden sums up the support of neighbouring 8 Wing, Trenton, “The members of 8 Wing/CFB Trenton are proud to take part in the United Way's Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign which gives back to the community they live and work in every day.” At over $125,000, the military members in our area show how deeply they care for those most vulnerable.
Celebrating 60 years, we invite you to get involved – volunteer, help with the campaign, or come by to learn more. Help us reach our goal. The community, local businesses and volunteers working together will support a healthy, more vibrant successful place to live, work, raise a family, study, retire and prosper within. We are 100% local and proud of it!
DANNY NICKLE Procter & Gamble Past Chair Board of Directors 10 year board volunteer 35 year donor, United Way HPE
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SUMMER 2018
BELLEVILLE Magazine
ROTARY SINGS THE PRAISES of young musicians “Music can change the world because it can change people.” ― Bono The Quinte Rotary Music Festival has been bringing the joy of music to thousands and the opportunity to soar in the joy of singing and playing to hundreds of young musicians for 50 years.
It’s not for the prizes, the young musicians compete, but for where a win or high placing can take them if they plan to pursue their passion for music. While cash awards for prizes, up to $2,500 for piano for the Rotary festival are available, most run around $50 to $100.
Initiated by the Rotary Club of Belleville in 1968, the pioneers of the annual event could hardly have envisioned the legacy of their vision five decades later.
But, reminded Chisholm, for those who do plan to make a career of music, the top prizes certainly help with tuition. “In piano, Belleville’s Lucas Bell won a $2,500 scholarship and has gone on to play and is making a career of piano,” said Chisholm.
“It’s an amazing thing to go 50 years,” said 2018 festival chair John Chisholm. “The young people are so inspiring.” The competitors are all school-aged and range from minor elementary grades to those in senior high school levels. At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Belleville, some of the competitors from this past spring’s festival spoke of their time before the adjudicators in competition.
“(Singer) Tabatha Savic went on to Laurier for music, and again, is going to have a career in music.” She won all the major awards the final year she competed, he noted.
“One of the young competitors who spoke said she was normally shy and quiet, but getting up and performing in front of people helped her in her life to feel more confident. It seems to help to prepare them for life…they benefit from much more than their mark,” said Chisholm.
“It’s a magical time, with more than 370 pieces of music performed,” said Chisholm. “To just watch the young performers, their proud parents and siblings… that’s the reward.”
The competition takes place in April each year and the judges, or adjudicators, hail from all branches of professional and higher-learning musical backgrounds.
“We are now so well-established and the festival is so well-run we have adjudicators approaching us and asking if they can take part,” marvelled Chisholm. “It’s to the point where we have the luxury of being able to pick from some amazing adjudicators in all fields of music.”
MALE AND FEMALE VOICE SOME OF THE 2018 QUINTE ROTARY MUSICAL FESTIVAL AWARD WINNING PARTICIPANTS
INSTRUMENTAL
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TRI&RUN SPORTS glad they ‘ran’ into Belleville Downtown Belleville was where Sandy Musson wanted to be when she was looking to move her athletic store, Tri&Run Sports, from Quinte West.
“We really liked what they have been doing to revitalize Downtown Belleville and thought, ‘This is the kind of community we want to be part of,’” said Musson, who owns the long-standing specialty running store with her husband Jeff. Located at 188 Front Street, the shop is part of a repurposed block of retail space done several years ago by downtown restaurateur Paul Dinkel. “There are fitness and wellness places coming here, yoga, you name it … It’s a lifestyle change that we saw and wanted to be a part of,” said Musson. Tri&Run operated in Quinte West for 16 years and, formerly, also included bicycles in their product lineup. But, the cost of rent, the overhead of bicycles and simply wanting a change of scenery to better serve its large clientele from Belleville made the decision for the Mussons to move to Belleville. The store caters to the serious runner and triathlete, but also offers help and guidance for those just getting into either sport. Musson is a certified pedorthist and can custom fit orthotics for those athletes and weekend warriors who are finding discomfort in their feet and legs.
Sandy Musson, left, and store employee Stephanie Rupnow, are thrilled to be part of the Downtown Belleville mosaic.
“It’s quite important, we found, that anyone who takes up running or triathlon have the very best in properly fitting footwear, so that’s a big part of who we are,” said Musson. Ange Lilly, 43, is an elite triathlete who was once the top female cyclist in North American triathlon competitions. She’s also a solid supporter of Tri&Run and the Mussons. “I worked heavily with Sandy as a coach and a fellow triathlete,” said Lilly, of Stirling.
“With Sandy’s passion, she is able to dial in on everybody’s needs. She helped me figure out what I needed to go to the World Triathlon Championships - with her knowledge, experience, her math and the sheer amount of time she gave.” .
According to Lilly, Musson can work closely with everyone “right from the people who are casual runners, or if they have a sore body… to the NCAA-calibre athletes, she’s very unique and has the merchandise to go with the coaching and the professional aspects of what an athlete of any level needs.” The store is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sunday and Monday.
triandrunsports.com
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BELLEVILLE Magazine
BELLEVILLE INCLUSION committee In 2012 the City of Belleville joined the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination and shortly after, the Belleville Inclusion Committee (BIC) was formed. Made up of Council members and representatives from various community organizations, the BIC’s mandate is to help make Belleville a more inclusive community. Although initially focused on ensuring new Canadians felt welcomed and part of the community, the committee has expanded their mandate to include ensuring everyone of good character is welcomed and included. Particular focus on the inclusion of residents and visitors regardless of heritage, abilities, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, religion, or other attribute, the Committee works to promote the inclusion of all. Watch for the inclusion logo at local businesses and be sure to exhibit the values of inclusion in your own neighbourhoods, workplace and social circles. Communities are the best they can be when everyone feels free and welcome to contribute their unique talents and abilities. Special thanks to local student Holly Morton for creating the inclusion logo - it was chosen from more than 100 submissions from the community. Belleville.ca
SUMMER 2018
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BAY OF QUINTE YACHT CLUB second oldest in Ontario fourth oldest in Canada Founded in 1876, the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club (BQYC) was one of the four founding members of the Lake Yacht Racing Association (LYRA). The other three founding members were the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, the Oswego Yacht Club and Toronto Yacht Club. The first Lake Yacht Racing Association races were a series of regattas held in Toronto, Oswego, Kingston and Belleville. The Belleville LYRA Regatta was sailed on August 12, 1885 in Big Bay.
The love of sailing prompts Club members to introduce others to their passion, with events such as the Sailpast where guests are invited to join them in this boating ceremony steeped in tradition. The Club runs extensive sail training programs for adults and youth in both keelboats and dinghies. On July 7th the public was invited to “Get out on the Water,” an introduction to sailing event hosted by the Club.
During the First World War the club’s activity ceased, experiencing a renewed interest following the war, which waned and ceased when the Second World War began. When the war ended a group of local yachtsmen met at the Wharf Street Debating Club and the decision to resurrect the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club was made. Thanks to BQYC members contributing many hours of manual labour as well as money and materials, a clubhouse was built at the site of an old swimming pool located at the southern end of Victoria Park. The swimming pool was filled in and portions of the pool were used for the new building’s foundation. Part of the present Clubhouse was built over an old bathhouse that existed on the site.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the race for the Katie Gray Trophy. Over 75 boats are expected to compete, coming from the Presqu’ile Yacht Club in Brighton, Canadian Forces Base Yacht Club in Trenton, The Bay of Quinte Yacht Club, Prince Edward Yacht Club, the Collins Bay Yacht Club and various marinas and private docks along the Bay. During the 50 years of the Katie Gray race over 2000 boats have participated. A special series of events is organized for the 50th anniversary, starting with a Past Winners dinner on Thursday, August 30th at the Waring House, followed by a Welcoming Party on the 31st at BQYC. On Saturday, September 1st the starting gun for the race goes off at 10:00 a.m. sharp. If you can’t participate, come line the shore and cheer the billowing sails out to sea.
The Bay of Quinte Yacht Club played an active role in the City of Belleville’s Centennial Year Celebrations. A Centennial Sailpast was held on July 1, 1978, organized by a committee of BQYC members. Approximately three hundred boats from around Lake Ontario joined local boaters for this event.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE BAY OF QUINTE YACHT CLUB SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES VISIT: BQYC.CA
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“There is no more thrilling sensation I know of than sailing. It comes as near to flying as man has got to yet - except in dreams.”
― Jerome K. Jerome, Three Men in a Boat
SUMMER 2018
BELLEVILLE Magazine
check the brim
IT COULD BE MADE IN
BELLEVILLE
Here, unobtrusively tucked away in a red-brick building on Coleman Street is Lanning Headwear, a business initially started in Toronto by George Lanning in 1915. Escalating rental costs in the now Commerce Court area prompted him to relocate outside the GTA and in 1949 he chose Belleville to call home. When George’s son Robert got out of the Navy he joined the family business and during the 70’s his three sons, John, Bruce and David, also joined Lanning Headwear. Over the years there have been ebbs and flows, which included leather goods and shirt divisions, both of which are no longer in operation. At times, there were as many as 80 employees. In 1990 the hat company was sold to Midway Industries from Montreal with David running the Belleville operation. In 2002 Midway was contemplating moving the business to China. To keep the business here in Belleville, David decided to purchase the equipment from Midway and Lanning Headwear was brought to life once again.
“When you grow up in a family business environment it becomes a part of you,” David said. “I remember every day at lunch time walking from Prince Charles School down to the plant where we’d meet up with my dad, we’d all go home for lunch together and then he’d drop us at school on his way back to work. However, my dad was adamant that we not work at the plant during high school. He insisted we find jobs outside the family operation. I worked at another long-standing Belleville business, Hawkins Cheezies.”
Lanning Headwear is now a blocking factory, making straw and felt hats by shaping these materials on aluminum molds, heating them to the designated shapes, trimming them and then adding ribbons and straps for completion. Their client list includes well-known names such as the Canadian company Tilley Endurables, Lammle’s Western Wear which has over 30 stores in Alberta and TSC.
“Initially, Tilley came here to work with me and develop a new product,” explained David. “The relationship went so well that they have now been an awesome client for over ten years. They have their own factory for buckets and other products but our hat equipment is so specialized they continue to have us make their straw and felt hats.” Now in the top two of Canada’s largest hat manufacturers, Lanning Headwear makes approximately 60,000 hats each year with the busiest season being the winter months, making hats for spring and summer. Much like the farming industry, their hat business is impacted by the weather. If it is a cold, wet summer, the sale of hats decreases, resulting in lower sales the following year. There are currently seven employees at the Belleville plant in addition to commissioned sales representatives across Canada. David services the Tilley, Lammle’s and TSC accounts himself.
“There’s nothing like working for yourself,” states David, “and after doing so, I would find it difficult to work for someone else I think. Most of my employees have been with me for a very long time and that means a great deal to me. I’m proud of the business my family started and what Lanning Headwear continues to do.” David enjoys the challenges and variety that come with running a small business. It necessitates being involved with everything - sourcing materials, employees, customers, marketing – it’s much more interesting and demanding than dealing with one aspect only. “After growing up in Belleville I moved to Kingston for a period of time, working with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce before returning to join the family business,” added David. “My wife Jane (my high school sweetheart) and I raised our two sons here and it has been a good place to live. It’s a safe community, we’ve located on a beautiful waterfront (which is important to me as I sail) and…I can get anywhere in town within ten minutes. That’s hard to beat!”
So the next time you’re purchasing a straw or felt hat, or donning one you already own, check the brim, you might be wearing a Lanning Headwear product made right here in Belleville.
Lanning made hats for Disney
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BELLEVILLE Magazine
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING DISPLAY Every year in mid-November the community comes together to launch the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas Display in Belleville at Jane Forrester Park. This much loved and anticipated lighting display combines all the charm and sentimentality of the historic Foster Family and Marsh Drive displays with some new, creative and memorable decorations that will be the highlight of your holiday season this year and for years to come. See the City’s web site for information regarding the opening night (November 16) festivities and the weekly musical events scheduled right up until Christmas. The refurbishment and expansion of this display could not have been possible without the support of generous sponsors like McDougall Insurance, Quinte Welding, Triangle Fluid Controls, Veridian Connections, John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation, Madison Excavating and many others. If you would like to help sponsor this historic community attraction, please contact the City of Belleville at 613-967-3238. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels as noted below:
Santa Level - $20,000 plus Reindeer Level - $5,000 Stocking Stuffer Level - $1,000 Holly Level - $100
Elf Level - $10,000 Candy Cane Level - $2,500 Ornament Level - $500
The display is in memory of Billy Foster and Art “Sonny” Culloden – killed in a Christmas Eve car accident, 1958. One tragic Christmas Eve in 1958, the lives of two promising young Belleville men were cut short. Billy Foster and Arthur “Sonny” Culloden died suddenly as a result of a horrific car crash near Plainfield. As a tribute to the son they lost, Don and Rita Foster started a Christmas Light display that soon grew to delight the young and young at heart. For more than 50 years this light display has been enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors and the City of Belleville is pleased to have taken on the refurbishment of this historic display with the generous support of the Culloden family and the Belleville community. A fitting acknowledgement of a Christmas tragedy, this display is intended to remind even the broken hearted that love never ends and life is for the living.
2018 MUNICIPAL ELECTION it’s time to cast your On October 22, 2018 Municipal Elections will be held in the City of Belleville. For voting locations, candidates and updates visit BELLEVILLE.CA. WHO MAY VOTE? Any person who on Voting Day meets the following qualifications may be eligible to vote: • Is a Canadian citizen; • Is at least 18 years of age on Voting Day; • Resides in the municipality or is the owner or tenant of land there, or is the spouse of such owner or tenant The Municipal Elections Act prohibits the following individuals from voting: • Any person who is not a qualified voter; • A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution; • A corporation; • A person acting as an executor or trustee; • A person who has been convicted of corrupt practices under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 in the last four years; • Anyone who is prohibited by law from voting. If you are unsure of your eligibility to vote in the municipal election, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 968-6481. WHERE DO COLLEGE STUDENTS VOTE? A student who is at least 18 years of age on voting day and is a Canadian Citizen may vote in the municipality where they are temporarily residing while attending school. In addition, a student may also vote in the municipality where their family home is situated if the family home is in a different municipality and provided that the student has not abandoned the family home. ARE YOU ON THE VOTERS’ LIST? Please visit our website to ensure you are on the voters’ list. If you are on the list you will receive a voter notification letter in early October that outlines the voting date, time and locations where you will be able to vote. If you are not on the voters’ list you can go to City Hall 169 Front St, 1st Floor, starting July 30th Mon. - Fri. (except holidays) between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to be added.
WHERE DO I VOTE? The City of Belleville is offering a ward based ‘vote anywhere’ system. On voting day, eligible ward 1 voters can vote at any of the ward 1 voting locations and eligible ward 2 voters can vote at any of the ward 2 voting locations. Voting locations will be listed on the voter notification letter you will receive in early October, or go to http://belleville.ca/city-hall/page/voting-locations-for-october-22-2018. If you do not receive a voter notification letter by October 12th please contact the City Clerk’s office at 968-6481. OFFICES TO BE ELECTED In this election, you will be selecting the following municipal representatives for a four (4) year term that commences December 1, 2018 and ends November 30, 2022. Mayor - One (1) to be elected by general vote of the electors of the City of Belleville Councillor, Belleville Ward • (Ward 1) Six (6) to be elected by the electors of Belleville Ward (Ward 1) Councillor, Thurlow Ward • (Ward 2) Two (2) to be elected by the electors of Thurlow Ward (Ward 2) WHAT SCHOOL BOARD DO I VOTE FOR? As an elector you may be eligible to vote for school board representation. It is important that electors check their status on the voters’ list to determine whether they have been listed as an elector for the correct school board, and if not correctly listed, that they apply to amend the list prior to voting. If according to the list of electors you are not eligible to vote for school board representation please contact the Municipal Clerk for detailed information. WHEN DO I VOTE? Regular voting day for Municipal Elections is Monday, October 22 starting at 10:00 am and ending at 8:00 pm. In addition, the City of Belleville will be offering electors the option of voting via the internet and there will also be an in-person advance vote. Internet Voting – from October 9 at 10:00 am until October 19 at 8:00 pm. Note: registration for on-line voting ends at 6:00 pm on October 19. Advance Vote – Saturday, October 13 from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre.
PLEASE NOTE – government issued photo identification is required to be added to the voters’ list. Are you on the voters’ list? Please visit our website at http://belleville.ca/city-hall/page/2018-municipal-election to ensure you are on the voters’ list. If you are on the list you will receive a voter notification letter in early October that outlines the voting date, time and locations where you will be able to vote. If you are not on the voters’ list you can go to the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre, 265 Cannifton Road between the hours of 4 – 8 p.m. October 1st – 5th or City Hall, 169 Front Street from now until October 19th between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
BUILD BELLEVILLE
Information Regarding Capital Construction Projects : belleville.ca/projects
HAIG ROAD AND STATION STREET EXTENSION Work is well underway to extend Haig Road northerly from Oak Ridge Boulevard to connect to Station Street at Farley Avenue in the City’s east end. This project, which has been in the planning stages since the 1980’s, commenced construction in May of this year and is scheduled to be completed in the fall. The roadwork will include on-road bike lanes with a sidewalk and enhanced landscaping within the residential area on Haig Road north of Oak Ridge Boulevard. Additional landscaping was added into the project on the section of Haig Road between Oak Ridge Boulevard and Spruce Gardens to provide additional screening of the existing properties from the road.
Planning for the Future The need to connect Haig Road to Station Street was envisioned over 30 years ago when the planning of the Stanley Park development area in the east end of Belleville began. Since that time, the Stanley Park area has shown immense growth and this road connection is now required to provide traffic with a safe and efficient transportation network.
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WE’RE BUILDING A BETTER BELLEVILLE FOR YOU LATTA BRIDGE REHABILITATION Rehabilitation is underway of the Latta Bridge crossing the Moira River located north of the hamlet of Plainfield in Ward 2. While not as conspicuous or heavily travelled as many of the other bridges crossing the Moira River, this bridge provides a vital link to the City’s residents in the northern section of the City. This project, which will see the rehabilitation of the bridge deck and abutments and replacement of driving surface will ensure that the structure remains structurally sound for many years to come.
The City’s Bridge Inventory The City has a total of 74 bridges and large culverts crossing the Moira River, various smaller watercourses and railways. With this many structures in our inventory, there is a need to monitor the condition of each structure and schedule rehabilitation as necessary to ensure their safety and longevity. Each structure is inspected once every two years and necessary rehabilitation work is scheduled based on these inspections. The City has been planning for the rehabilitation or replacement of one structure per year. The Sagonaska Bridge on Pinnacle Street and the Upper Bridge on Front Street; both crossing the Moira River, are currently being planned for rehabilitation, while the Catherine Street Footbridge is scheduled for replacement in 2019.
BRIDGE STREET WEST CYCLING PATH – YEOMANS STREET TO CENTENNIAL PARK Work on the in-boulevard active transportation path on Bridge Street West between Yeomans Street and Centennial Park has been completed. The new traffic signals at Palmer Road and Bridge Street West are part of this path and were installed to provide a safe crossing location on Bridge Street West for pedestrians and cyclists. This path is the first phase of a cycling route that will provide a cycling link to Loyalist College. The second phase; which includes on-road bike lanes on Palmer Road, Harder Drive and Avondale Road and an off-road asphalt trail between Avondale Road and Avonlough Road, is planned for construction later this year.
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POSTE IT NOTE residential land supply “When residential units can be located within close proximity to restaurants, stores, services and public amenities like transit services, the community can attract and retain people of all ages and backgrounds.�
Ever wondered where all the new houses are coming from and how much more development Belleville can handle? You might be surprised to learn just how much has already been planned and how much planning and analysis actually goes into deciding where and when new residential development can happen.
KAREN POSTE MANAGER, ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Each year the City creates a residential land supply report which details what areas have been set aside for residential development and identifies and quantifies what areas have approved subdivisions/condominiums, draft approved subdivisions/condominiums, and also areas within the urban service boundary that are designated but not yet zoned to permit residential development. Belleville has more than 2100 existing approved or draft approved residential building lots currently with more than 1000 units anticipated on lands currently vacant and zoned residential. That’s more than a 12 year supply of units! These residential areas include a variety of densities from single family dwellings to apartment, semi-detached and townhouse units.
As housing and demographic trends evolve, we see more residents looking for walkable communities. When residential units can be located within close proximity to restaurants, stores, services and public amenities like transit services, the community can attract and retain people of all ages and backgrounds. While traditional subdivisions are still popular, walkable communities provide many benefits such as better health, fewer carbon emissions and more stable neighbourhood economies. Belleville is now in the process of updating its official plan, and residents will be invited to provide their feedback and input into the update as it moves through the development and approvals process.
New residential development areas are located throughout the City with significant development pressure being experienced in the areas of Herchimer, Farley and Haig Road; north of Highway 401, east of Sidney Street and areas around Avondale and Avonlough Road in the west end of the City. Capacity also exists to permit the intensification of certain areas including the downtown core of the City. Where possible, intensification within existing development is encouraged. The driving force behind the revitalization and infrastructure renewal project now being completed in downtown Belleville, is the upgrading of the servicing throughout downtown to ensure that residential intensification can happen. This renewal has already resulted in new developments at Century Village and development proposals at Coleman/Dundas Streets and at Bridge/Pinnacle Streets.
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THE FACES OF BELLEVILLE’S CANADA DAY FESTIVITIES
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SEPTEMBER September 10 - 15, 2018 EMPIRE THEATRE 15TH ANNIVERSARY WEEK September 22, 2018 DOORS OPEN BELLEVILLE September 29, 2018 FLAVOURS OF FALL September 29, 2018 BELLEVILLE PORCHFEST
OCTOBER October 22, 2018 MUNICIPAL ELECTION DAY
NOVEMBER November 16, 2018 CHRISTMAS LIGHTING DISPLAY LAUNCH November 18, 2018 BELLEVILLE NIGHT TIME SANTA CLAUS PARADE
WATCH FOR OUR NEW WATER REFILL STATION AT EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND TOP UP YOUR REUSEABLE BOTTLES HERE. A GREEN TASK FORCE INITIATIVE MAKING IT EASY TO DO A GOOD THING.