While acknowledging some serious challenges, Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis started the new year off on a generally positive note.
Ellis’ message to more than 100 people at the New Year’s Levee at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre on Wednesday was focused on growth and new opportunities.
He began by thanking all emergency responders, councillors, community leaders and special guests in attendance, which included PEC Mayor Steve Ferguson, Hastings County Warden Bob Mullin, and Quinte West Councillor Zack Card (representing Quinte West as acting Deputy Mayor).
Ellis (and several councillors) took time to highlight the importance of city workers/staff with Ellis singling out new CAO Matt MacDonald for his leadership and keeping the city running smoothly.
Ellis said “We need optimism”. He said last year had many bright spots and also some big challenges.
He said the “unhoused” population is growing because of a number of factors. Some studies say it could double by 2028. Ellis says we need to work together to provide more affordable housing and more medical professionals and that more provincial support was vital.
Ellis says one of the city’s biggest victories this year came from Manager of Physician Recruitment and Retention Karen Poste.
He spoke in glowing terms about the eleven new family doctors and eight new nurse practitioners she signed under Belleville’s Family Physician Recruitment Program. He also said she was speaking to another ten or so and was confident she would sign another six this year.
Ellis says retention of medical professionals is also important and that new programs are coming this year to provide incentives and recognition.
He closed off his address with another positive note on growth and opportunities.
He says more than 50 new businesses opened last year, and many more will open this year, and that new industries are still looking to invest in Belleville.
Ellis also stressed the need to continue to develop new industrial land to encourage these investments.
