Three our of four of the Belleville mayoral candidates share the Empire Theatre stage with moderator Dean Tindale, the Vice-President of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Lindsey Harren.
The Belleville Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Central Lakes Association of Realtors and YourTV, hosted the first major speaking opportunity for Belleville candidates running in the October municipal election.
The full crowd at the Empire Theatre embraced respectful discussions and thoughtful answers from candidates, who answered questions from the moderator directly.
The first hour shined the spotlight on the candidates running to be Belleville councillors in Ward One. Video introductions have also been made available online. Affordability was one of the key themes to come out of each candidates time infront of the microphone.
The second portion of the evening was with three of the four mayoral candidates. Incumbent Neil Ellis, was joined by Paul Fleming and Don Metzger.
Kyle Woolven was not present.
The three candidates were each given the same amount of time to answer a series of questions that they did not see ahead of time, and a couple of questions that were chosen from the community.
There was no heated moments, or people speaking over one another. It was the most controlled, friendly, and relaxed mayoral panels in recent memory.
The following is a summary of each candidates background and the six core questions that the Chamber’s moderator asked.
Incumbent Neil Ellis, who is seeking a fourth term, stressed that he has been able to foster a functional Council, while being able to work with strong voices around the horseshoe over the years. Ellis added that his relationship with provincial and federal government officials have been able to get things done. He stressed when sharing his phone number to the audience, that his relationship with Ontario Premier Doug Ford has helped the City move agreements ahead. He said that his focus moving forward would be on core infrastructure projects, noting that the City has $4 billion in assets, with 15% of those assets in not great shape.
Paul Fleming, shared the story that he first visited in Belleville in 2014, with the desire to help with the Moira River flooding. He added that he has since embraced the City and belongs to the Rotary Club and serves as a board member with The Children’s Foundation. Fleming used to work in radio, and tv, before eventually earning his MBA and MSC. He previously was a Chief Operating Officer before creating a consulting firm, focused on the non-profit sector in Ontario. He added that he has had exposure to finance, human resources, legal, and business development. Fleming said that he has heard from residents and businesses owners that they do not feel safe, heard, and don’t understand how the taxes they pay are working for them.
Don Metzger, is a former business owner who has been involved in mostly soccer on the community sports side. He shared with the crowd that it has been a lifelong dream to become mayor. Metzger added that he had to put his dream on hold and be a caregiver for 10 years when his late wife became ill. Metzger said that over 20 years ago, Marshall Road was promised water and sewer from the City, during the transfer over from the Sidney Ward. He added that the cost has since been projected higher, and residents have been told the project will not happen for another ten years. Metzger questioned the move, with the new Avonlough pumping station project in the works. Metzger also shared that he would donate 20% of his base salary if he becomes Mayor, back to the community, to where ever it is needed including for example Gleaners.
Question 1: As Mayor, what municipal services would you make priorities during the next term. How would you determine the appropriate balance between service levels, infrastructure, investment and what the city can afford?
Fleming who led the answers, advocated that while the staff he has interacted with at Belleville City Hall have been great, that is generally what they are not hearing when they are canvassing. He noted that everyone should be fully aware of what is going on with where the money is going, and how that will impact service levels. Fleming stressed accountability and transparency is needed, along with the desire to foster a culture of customer service excellence.
Ellis stressed that the employees at City Hall do an excellent job. He noted that when it comes to cutting services, those decisions are informed by service levels. He noted that it is more of a problem with the tax system, adding that many more items have been given for municipalities to deal with from upper levels of government.
Metger said briefly that he agreed with Ellis’ points.
Questions 2: Gleaners and other agencies have identified increasing food bank use and affordability pressures, while recognizing that many of the root causes of food insecurity require provincial and federal action. As Mayor, identify one action that the City can take to help address affordability issues.
Ellis, who led the discussion off, pointed to a variety of programs that the City has in place to help seniors and the 4 and 10 people who use the food bank. Programs include relief on water bills based on income, along with community gardens and the school breakfast program. Ellis stressed it is really a provincial and federal issue, but on a local level, support for Gleaner’s remains key.
Metger, reminded the crowd that many seniors are living in vehicles. He noted that the City should put pressure on upper levels of government.
Fleming agreed that while the need to unlock for funding from the governments is needed, he committed to creating an Affordable Belleville Working Group with the idea of brining non profit, agencies and residents at the table.
Question 3: The real estate industry has raised questions about where growth should occur. The infrastructure required to support it, and whether development requirements appropriately reflect the scale of the project. Over the next four years, where should Belleville direct growth, what services and investments should come first, and how would you ensure that the development approval process provides appropriate review without creating unnecessary costs or delays for projects of different sizes?
Metzger wants to continue to see plans already in motion to expand the west-end of Belleville. He mentioned that the City should find out how long government grants will be around for, adding to the delay on the infrastructure work for Marshall Road.
Fleming added that he is focused on the need for good jobs, including new manufacturing jobs. He said that the growth fuels the tax base. Fleming reminded that crowd that development charges need to be aligned so prospective companies know that to expect. He also intend to take environmentally sensitive land out of any planning and development discussions, in hopes of further speeding up development.
Ellis said that it is too expensive for the City to develop further east because of the bedrock. He added that plans continue for the west-end. Ellis said that for him, it is about servicing the industrial park in the northeast, which council started doing in 2022.
Question 4: Beyond a term, look forward 20 years. What should residents be able to see or experience that tells them that Belleville is a better City that it is today? Identify the two or three outcomes that would define your vision, and the municipal decisions required to achieve them.
Metzger, pointed to how it is all about appearance adding that the facades on buildings need to be addressed and the water and sewer in the downtown core should be upgraded, and the downtown clean. Metzger believes that parking in downtown should be free.
Fleming said that he would focus on downtown and waterfront, which are two integrated things. Fleming added that he is hearing while door knocking, that people like the look of downtown, but don’t feel safe, have trouble understanding where to park at what times, and closed stores at night.
Ellis added that he hears from other Mayors that Belleville has one of the most beautiful downtown in Ontario. He said that downtown is alive and thriving and more people are investing in the area. Looking ahead, Ellis noted that it is about developing the waterfront but in the short term he is focused on fixing core infrastructure.
Questions 5: Belleville needs additional housing and economic development, but growth also affects infrastructure, neighbourhoods, and the broader community. As Mayor, how would you balance the need for housing and economic growth, with infrastructure capacity and the concerns of the established community?
Ellis, said that the City has a 10 year plan to upgrade the wastewater system which is key to help address growth in the future. The project is going to be $150 million. Right now the capacity is there with incoming development on the table, but not in 25 years. Ellis noted that the City is not in the business of building homes., but builders build what sells and is in demand.
Metzger agreed with Ellis, adding that infrastructure and growth go hand and hand.
Fleming added that he agrees with Ellis and Metzger about the wastewater plant upgrades, adding that he is hearing from residents at the door that smell is a big concern. He stressed that he is more focused on the types of homes being built., wanting to see more starter homes that can be attainable to people.
Questions 6: The Mayor has one vote at the Council table, but also has a significant responsibility for setting tone, building consensus, and communicating council’s direction. How would you lead a council that makes transparent decisions, provides meaningful opportunities for public input, and clearing reports back to residents about whether the priorities and commitments at the beginning of the term, have actually been achieved?
Fleming stressed that when his team is talking to people, next to homelessness, this issue is high on the list. He added that the Mayor and Council under his leadership, would be out in the community. He pitched the idea that decisions should be make outside of the backrooms. He wants to see the number of deputations increased, rather than reduced. Fleming also spoke about establishing council road trips to meet with the community members and see the issues and concerns first hand. He also wants to ask the province to review the City’s governance practises to make sure things are transparent and accountable. Fleming also noted that when big decisions go through, he wants to be upfront with residents about what was done and how that impacted the budget.
Ellis added that the Mayor is only one vote, and he embraces councillors. He said he believes that leadership is not top down, you lead from behind. Ellis said that credit goes to staff and council, adding that he takes the blame.
Metzger, agreed with Ellis, adding that the Mayor is a cheerleader. He stressed that it’s about listening, respecting opinions, and getting a cohesive Council.
YourTV recorded the entire Chamber event and will air the event later on. The recorded video will be posted YourTV Quinte YouTube Channel on Thursday.
Election Day across Ontario is Monday, October 26th.
