BELLEVILLE THE MAGAZINE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
BELLEVILLE.CA
SUMMER 2015 AUGUST
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES Make the Move BELLEVILLE’S OWN Kieran Lafferty DR. RECRUITMENT PROGRAM Strengthens Community Healthcare
Belleville Magazine
Welcome
CITY OF BELLEVILLE 169 Front Street Belleville, Ontario K8N 2Y8 Tel: (613) 968-6481 TTY: (613) 967-3768 www.Belleville.ca MAYOR Taso A. Christopher COUNCIL Egerton Boyce, Paul Carr, Jackie Denyes, Mike Graham, Kelly McCaw, Jack Miller, Mitch Panciuk, Garnet Thompson SENIOR MANAGEMENT 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 ACTING DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES/CLERK Matt MacDonald DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES/ FIRE CHIEF Mark MacDonald MANAGER, ECONOMIC & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Karen Poste BELLEVILLE Magazine is published quarterly by the City of Belleville. Magazine Contributors: Aaron Bell, Bob House, Danny Shephard, Elisha Purchase, Gerry Fraiberg, Karen Poste, Susan Joyce and Marilyn Warren
On behalf of City Council, Senior Management and all of the staff at the City of Belleville, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2015 summer edition of the BELLEVILLE magazine. Summertime in Belleville is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the many outdoor activities and community events that we have to offer. This is the time of the year when our beautiful City comes to life! This is also the season of Growing; our theme for this edition. We are delighted to highlight some of the activities we have been enjoying in our City’s beautiful outdoor spaces this summer. Inside these pages you will also find an update on the City’s Green Task Force environmental initiatives. We were thrilled to kick-off construction for Phase 1 of the City Centre Revitalization Project with a Ground Breaking ceremony on May 11th which you will see highlighted in the complete Build Belleville update. We encourage you to join us in one of our many summer community activities. Remember to check out our newly renovated playground at West Zwick’s which opened on June 15th. Details on these updates, and more, are included in this edition of the BELLEVILLE Magazine. I kindly welcome your feedback and look forward to our continued work together as we ‘build’ a better Belleville. Warm Regards,
Taso A. Christopher Mayor
Editor - Marilyn Warren mwarren@city.belleville.on.ca BELLEVILLE Magazine is available online and in an accessible text-only format at www.Belleville.ca Printed in Canada All information ©2015, City of Belleville. No use is permitted without written permission. Belleville.ca
Summer 2015
Belleville THE MAGAZINE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY • SUMMER 2015
Contents 7 GRAND OPENING OF FULLY- ACCESSIBLE PLAY PARK ON JUNE 15 THE CITY OF BELLEVILLE & MEMBERS OF THE MEDIGAS CELEBRITY CLASSIC COMMITTEE JOINED COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN WEST ZWICK’S PARK TO CELEBRATE THE GRAND OPENING OF THE RICK MEAGHER-MEDIGAS PLAY PARK A WONDERFUL NEW, FULLY-ACCESSIBLE PLAY PARK FOR EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY TO ENJOY.
2
Poste It Note
9
Green Task Force
3
OSUM Success
10
Mill-Fab
4
5
New Growth and Development in Belleville
Ontario Small Urban Municipalities Conference great success in Belleville
New Home for Archives
Construction underway at new location in Belleville Public Library
CN Rail Monument
Acknowledges importance Railway played in Quinte area Development
6
Fun Photos
8
Larry Glover
12
Chooses to Grow in Belleville and Invest in Their People
Dr. Recruitment Ensuring our Residents have Access to Primary Health Care Providers
14
Fire & Emergency Services
16
Build Belleville Progress
22
Downtown Invested
of Our Festive Summer
The Keeper of our City’s Outdoor Spaces
Summer 2015
Initiatives Support Growth of Environmental Awareness
Belleville Magazine
23
Mark Rashotte
24
Kieran Lafferty
26
Thrasher’s
27
Torch Relay Celebration
28
Things to Watch For
Positioned to Meet Needs of Growing Community
Summer Project Highlights and Updates
Long-time Business Owners Support Ongoing Changes
Real Estate, Restaurant, Theatre, Musician - Setting Goals & Making Them Happen
Relishes Big Career Leaps Facebook to SnapChat
Michelle Thrasher - Deeply Rooted in Belleville
Pan Am Relay Support Big in Belleville
Concerts in the Park Bulky Item Collection
POSTE IT NOTE On Belleville Business
GOURMET DIEM
Karen Poste
Manager, Economic and Strategic Initiatives In our last article we discussed local employment opportunities and several ways job seekers can go about finding employment – in this edition, let’s review some of the new growth and development happening in the City of Belleville. So often this happens all around us and we rarely take the time to really think about what it means for our community. Below is a partial listing of new development and expansions that have either just been completed, just begun or are planned for the very near future – we think you’ll be surprised by all that is happening here in our City.
TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT
All Good Things (Front Street) Bibles for Missions (Pinnacle St) Bonneville Homes (Enterprise Drive/Hwy 401) Canadian Hybrid Incubator Resource Platform (CHIRP) (Sidney St) C.A. Peters Crane (Jamieson Bone Road) Chiropractic Clinic (Bell Blvd) Dug Out - New (Dundas East) Electrolab (College St East) Elite Fashions (Front St) Emerald Studio (Front St) FedEx (College East) Giant Tiger (Millenium Dr) Gourmet Diem (Front St) Party City (Bell Blvd) Quinte Truck and Trailer (Bell Blvd) Starbucks (North Front St) St. Lawrence Pools (Hanna Crt) Strathcona Energy Group (Sidney St) The Co-Operators (College St) Towneplace Suites by Marriott (Bell Blvd)
C.A. PETERS CRANE These are only a few of the developments happening in and around Belleville. This doesn’t include the new subdivisions and subdivision expansions that are helping to drive the local economy – or the growth of private expansions that happen every day in most businesses throughout the community. Developments proposed for Century Place, Crates Marine and the Magee property are just some of the future investments that will bolster local housing stock and the local economy. Looking ahead we see huge opportunities in the industrial, residential, commercial and hospitality sectors – all mean new investment and jobs for our City. I encourage everyone to patronize local business as often as you can - it really is about investing with the people who are investing in our community.
Expansions at Kellogg’s, Stegg, Parmalat Black Diamond Cheese and Procter and Gamble 2
Proud to Host OSUM The City of Belleville hosted the OSUM (Ontario Small Urban Municipalities) Conference April 29 May 1 at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. The City welcomed hundreds of delegates and trade show vendors from across the province. This three-day conference allowed municipal delegates to come together and discuss common challenges and learn about new services available for municipalities. A few highlight features included a visit from the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne and The Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Photos
Above: Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne and Mayor Taso A. Christopher Right: The Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Mayor Taso A. Christopher
“
The OSUM Conference was a huge success and a great networking opportunity. It was a profound honour to host several municipalities from across the province.� Mayor Taso A. Christopher 3
NewHome for
Sharon White, Archivist for the City of Belleville
Archives
The Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County was formed as a three-way partnership of the Hastings County Historical Society, the City of Belleville and the County of Hastings with the goal of creating a new home to preserve and care for the archival collections of all three partners. The Archives will be moving to their newly created home on the north half of the second floor of the Belleville Public Library, occupying 6,000 square feet when completed by the end of 2015. Construction has begun to close in and add a new floor above the children’s library. The Archives supports the work of authors, genealogists, historians, teachers, journalists, municipal staff, film makers, heritage consultants, students and those researching local history. The Belleville Public Library is located on city bus routes and is fully accessible, providing excellent support to those visiting the Archives and wishing to do additional research.
Sharon White, Archivist for the City of Belleville, says that moving the archives from their existing locations to the new climate controlled facility at Belleville Public Library will be an enormous task. It will require the Archives to be closed for a few weeks, followed by a grand opening where the public will be invited to view the fascinating collection of preserved historic materials.
Hastings County Warden Rick Phillips said, “It has taken eight years to find the right location and raise funds. Our volunteers played a huge part in making this project a success.”
Included among the many items at the Community Archives is Belleville’s first Minute Book, which dates back to June 1836. The first recorded order entered in beautiful handwriting was, “That any person or persons who shall or may hereafter be found riding or driving in any street of the Town, faster than a moderate trot, shall be liable to a fine or penalty of five shillings.”
According to Richard Hughes, President of the Hastings County Historical Society, “This will be an absolute treasure. Centrally located and properly managed…and the beneficiaries are the people of our community.”
Of all our national assets, Archives are the most precious; they are the gift of one generation to another and the extent of our care of them marks the extent of our civilization.”
Arthur G. Doughty Dominion Archivist 1905-1935
Hammering the “first spike” on May 28th to launch construction of the new Archives. Left to right: Councillor Garnet Thompson, Archives Advisory Committee Chair Richard Hughes, Brad Belch of Tom Belch & Sons Building Contractors, Mayor Taso Christopher, and Hastings County Warden Rick Phillips. 4
One of a Kind
CN Rail Monument The City of Belleville CN Train Monument Committee was established by the City of Belleville in 1997. The purpose of this volunteer committee was to establish a permanent monument site (now located south of South Foster Avenue along the Bayshore Trail). It consisted of CN employees, CN pensioners and several local businessmen. The Belleville CN Train Monument acknowledges the importance the railway played in the development of the Quinte area and the contributions of the CN Railway employees. With City Council approval, construction and landscaping began in the late 1990’s. Over the years this was followed by the installation of the flag pole, Memory Lane, walkway lighting, numerous benches, the Memory Lane arches and the cement planters at both arches. Last year a floating turtle platform was installed to the delight of young children. In 2014 City Council approved the development of a gazebo/shelter complete with electricity and a concrete pad to be installed along the Memory Lane area of the CN Train Monument site. This was subject to sufficient funds being raised in the community by the CN Train Monument Committee. This was accomplished in two months’ time with generous assistance from the John M. & Bernice Parrott Foundation, CN Rail, CN pensioners, local donations and the sale of stepping stones. Today the gazebo is a beautiful addition on our waterfront. The site is maintained by the City which works closely with the Train Monument Committee.
Stepping stones are in place at the Train Monument representing Railroad Pensioners from across Canada. Anyone may purchase and have a stepping stone placed on Memory Lane in memory of a loved one. Larger memory stones are also available in addition to benches or tree plantings. Those interested are encouraged to call 613-967-3218 or the CNPA President at 613-395-0921, or contact Belleville City Hall.
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A FESTIVE SUMMER in Our City
C a n a d a D a y We st Z wick’s Pa r k
Opening Celebration of Belleville Kinsmen Community Pool and S p l a sh Pa d
Belleville Waterfront & Ethnic Festival
Pride Parade
Grand Opening of RICK MEAGHER MEDIGAS
PLAY PARK
Mayor Christopher cuts the ribbon to officially open new park. On June 15 the wonderful new, fully accessible Rick Meagher Medigas Play Park was officially opened at West Zwick’s Park. In addition to the great play choices offered, the area now provides more space between play structures for wheelchairs and strollers to move easily about. Rick Meagher’s charity donated $50,000 towards the initiative. The Meagher Medigas Charity Classic golf tournament was founded in 1987, by Rick Meagher and longtime friend John Pepper, as a way to raise money in support of physically challenged children in the Quinte area.
7
Our Great Outdoors Larry Glover Parks and Open Space Manager City of Belleville
“
The past 25 years have flown by for Larry Glover, Parks and Open Space Manager for the City of Belleville. This could be attributed to his claim of having the best job in the world! Originally from the Ottawa area, he graduated from the Landscape Technology program at Humber College and prior to coming to Belleville, worked as District Parks Foreman with the City of Brampton, Superintendent of Landscape Construction with the City of Regina and spent five years in private enterprise. Larry and his wife Benita (born and raised in the Quinte area) have five grown children.
One of the greatest pleasures for me, is when someone praises their park experience in Belleville.”
Multi-Sport Field # 1 at Mary-Anne Sills Park, renovating Multi-Sport Field Zwick’s #2 and making improvements to various ball diamonds.”
Larry is passionate about his role in which he is responsible for all of the City’s green infrastructure and parks. His team of full-time staff and seasonal workers care for our sport fields, playgrounds, parks and trails – and provide event services for activities such as Canada Day, the Waterfront & Ethnic Festival and Quinte Ribfest – things we enjoy as residents and are proud to share with visitors. Parks renovation and development, urban forestry (trees in the City), and seasonal civic displays all fall under this umbrella. During the winter months the City’s 42 kilometers of trails and 19 civic parking lots are plowed and sanded, and when Mother Nature cooperates, this department creates and maintains two ice rinks on the Bay of Quinte.
At this time of year residents take pleasure in the City’s beautiful floral displays. The planning and preparation for the 22 sites begins months in advance. First the floral beds are designed and the materials are ordered. Most of the production consists of pre-grown plugs produced in private greenhouses that are then grown to maturity in the City’s greenhouses. They produce approximately 40,000 plants each year – 15,000 of which are used in the floral begonia Canadian Flag by Highway 401. “One of the greatest pleasures for me, is when someone praises their park experience in Belleville, whether it is on a sport field, at a playground, on a trail, while attending a special event or enjoying the view of a floral display,” Larry added. “The financial support of local service clubs and charitable foundations empowers me to do my job even better. I am often touched by the unselfish volunteers we have in Belleville who give of their resources, time and talent to help make the City a better place.”
“I take particular pride in the ongoing development and improvement of quality sport facilities for children and adults,” Larry stated. “The Mary-Anne Sills Park has become the premier sport facility in the region with five regulation multisport fields, including an artificial multi-sport field and an eight-lane rubberized surface track and field facility. This year, with the support of Council, we will be lighting 8
Growing Environmental Awareness through Initiatives Waste Reduction – Our waste plan has grown to include organic waste in our residential curbside collection program. Citizens have taken the lead, embracing the green bin as part of their personal waste strategy. We continue to see an increase in the amount of organics being set to the curb for collection. The committee will advocate for further waste reduction initiatives.
The Green Task Force (GTF), is a committee to Belleville City Council. Their goal is to work towards a greener footprint for the municipality and to engage citizens in programs that will help raise environmental awareness. Initiatives such as LED lighting giveaways, tree giveaways, community clean up days, rain barrel sales and green bin introduction have helped us with our key priority areas waste reduction, energy and water conservation, and a healthy natural environment. Energy Conservation – To promote energy conservation and use of alternative forms of energy, an Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan was developed in 2014 renewing our commitment to a 5% or more reduction in use by 2018. We look to increase staff awareness, reduce energy use in our buildings, continue to grow our renewable energy sources, design new buildings with energy conservation in mind, and look to energy retrofits in buildings and infrastructure.
green bin initiative
community garden program
Water Conservation – We are working on programs that help citizens understand the importance of protecting the quality and quantity of our water resources. Through efficient landscaping, water efficient appliances, recirculating systems in splash pads, and rainwater harvesting in our buildings, we are working towards Corporate reduction in water consumption.
recirculating systems in splash pads
Natural Environment – Citizens have shown they value their natural environment by planting over 12,000 tree seedlings over six years. Continued opportunities to promote biodiversity, develop a tree replacement protocol, support green space planning and grow our community garden program will be pursued. 9
MILL-FAB’S SECRET TO SUCCESS
The moment you meet Andy Vos, owner of Mill-Fab, you know he is a no-nonsense, get-it-done kind of person. He is straightforward, honest and hard working - he has built a growing business that reflects these ideals. A millwright by trade, Andy started in the business with another local company but eventually left to start his own business. Working out of his home garage with a truck and a rented welder, Andy and his wife Barb worked diligently to grow Mill-Fab into a thriving business that employs more than 70 full-time employees. “We are trusted by our customers to provide high quality products and services, on time and to their specification,” stated Andy proudly. Specializing in providing on-site fabrication (aluminum and stainless), contract skilled trades, equipment installation and repair, structural fabrication, plate rolling and forming, plasma cutting and CNC work, Mill-Fab has grown to be one of the busiest businesses in the North East Industrial Park. With a brand new 40,000 square foot building on College Street East, this business is already looking to further expand their workforce and building. 10
... people
What is the secret to their success? PEOPLE! Mill-Fab continually invests in their employees and they have helped many of their staff become journeymen. Once they’ve reached this certification, wages can range from $30 to $40 per hour and full time, challenging and interesting work is available. The only limitation to the growth that can happen for Mill-Fab is the availability of qualified, hard-working skilled people to hire. Andy says, “There is a definite shortage of skilled trades in the province and we try to counteract that by apprenticing as many employees as we can. We typically have four people on staff going through the formal apprenticeship process at any one time. We invest in our people and in return, they provide outstanding service to our customers.”
“
We invest in our people and in return, they provide outstanding service to our customers.” Andy Vos
Mill-Fab is also a family affair. Andy and Barb’s son, two daughters and two son-in-laws are all involved in the business – with eight grandchildren growing quickly, it won’t be long before they get added to the payroll! When asked why he chose to grow his business in Belleville, Andy is characteristically clear that it’s because it is his home and because “Belleville is on the move”. As higher cost jurisdictions lose manufacturing, communities like Belleville that are well located to service the Canadian, American and world markets, will see growth and new development. Mill-Fab is expertly poised to capitalize on this ongoing investment. Mill-Fab – one of many outstanding companies that have helped Belleville grow.
“
There is a definite shortage of skilled trades in the province and we try to counteract that by apprenticing as many employees as possible.” Andy Vos 11
Summer 2015
Belleville Magazine
DR. RECRUITMENT PROGRAM Strengthens Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of silver and gold.” It is this philosophy which has driven Belleville City Council to implement one of the most successful physician recruitment programs in an underserviced area in the Province of Ontario. With 21 new family doctors, a paediatrician and an oncologist added to the local health care inventory, the Belleville Family Physician Scholarship program has made a major difference in this community. When the program first started in 2008, more than 20,000 local residents were without a family doctor – now, more than 90% of those patients have found a physician.
struggled to pay for medical school or pay off student loans. Armed with funding from the dividends received from the City’s investment in Veridian Connections, Belleville started marketing the scholarship program to students in the Faculty of Family Medicine at Ontario universities. The City’s first recruit, Dr. Jonathan Kerr, led the way and helped the City attract and sign many of his colleagues. Dr. Robert Webster and Dr. Jennifer Webster moved to Belleville from Winnipeg, and along with their contemporaries soon developed and built the Belleville Queen’s Family Medical Centre located at the corner of Albion Way and Station Street. This centre not only functions as a Family Health Team, but it hosts a continuous supply of family medicine residency students – a fantastic addition to the community – an opportunity to show all that Belleville has to offer to a group of medical students looking to find a community to practice in.
In 2008 the Belleville Family Doctor Recruitment program was developed and based on the principles of a similar plan implemented by the County of Hastings. Belleville worked to attract family medicine students or students in residency, with a scholarship program that would help them financially as they
Dr. Jennifer Webster & Dr. Robert Webster 12
“
It is health that is real wealth and not pieces
Community
of silver and gold.”
Mahatma Gandhi
The program has also enticed some of our own residents to return. Dr. Jennifer Lynch was born and raised in Belleville and when it came time to choose a community to live and work in, the Belleville Scholarship program provided just the right incentive for her and her husband, Dr. Giuseppe (Joey) Bonacci, to start their family practice here in Belleville. Now working out of the Connor House on Pinnacle Street beside the library, Dr. Lynch said, “Part of our decision to come to Belleville rather than Ottawa was that it was nicer for raising kids. We have family here and a lot of the other doctors have young kids too. There’s also mentoring and support provided by the doctors that have been here longer.” With many long-time dedicated family doctors reaching their well-deserved retirement years, Belleville Council has wisely decided to extend the family physician scholarship program by adding two positions each year as long as the funding and the need for doctors is present. Two physicians were recently signed using 2014 funding and two more positions are likely to be filled before year’s end.
Dr. Jennifer Lynch & Dr. Giuseppe (Joey) Bonacci
“
Making sure our residents have access to primary health care providers has made a positive difference in our community. It gives Belleville a competitive advantage over other areas when it comes to attracting talent and investment.”
Mayor Taso A. Christopher
Anyone looking for a family physician is encouraged to register with
Health Care Connect by calling 1-800-445-1822. 13
FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES prepared to meet needs of
Growing Community 1953 316 Dundas St. E.
“In order to build a facility that will address the needs of the individuals working there, we approached the staff with a needs analysis, valuing their input as the people with hands-on experience. We toured other fire facilities and gained insight from their experiences – both good and bad. The decisions were not made lightly, but with careful thought and consideration. This facility will take us well into the future and is expandable for additional staffing needs.”
Director and Fire Chief Mark MacDonald
On June 24 the Dundas Street East Fire Station was filled with current and retired firefighters. The occasion was to mark the closing of the hall which was built in 1953. There was a wealth of reminiscing and stories shared. Station No2 is now located at Moira St. W. and those previously at the Moira location have moved into the new 22,500 square foot facility on Bettes Street. The City’s IT department has been actively involved in the planning of the facility to ensure the building is equipped with relevant technologies which will serve Fire and Emergency Services confidently into the future. With 200 data drops, work stations for online training and cabling for smart technologies, the Hall will be an intrinsic part of the City’s communication system. The facility’s training tower will make it possible for firefighters to receive many formats of training and assist with equipment care and maintenance. Designed to withstand extreme wind or earthquakes, the station will serve as a post-disaster, emergency services facility. Also, as the City’s Emergency Operation Centre, emergency management and disaster teams will convene here. The building is completely accessible and sensitive to various staffing and privacy needs. Now, with the additional space and visitor parking, the team looks forward to having community members stop by and learn more about the Hall and the Emergency Service Professionals working there. 14
2015
60 Bettes St.
Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters 15
BUILD BELLEVILLE
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
SUMMER 2015
CITY CENTRE REVITALIZATION Your Downtown is Improving
NORTH EAST FEEDERMAIN Creating Cycling Lanes Through your City
OLD HIGHWAY 2 REHABILITATION Investing in your Infrastructure
WE’RE BUILDING A BETTER BELLEVILLE FOR YOU 16
Phase 1 Construction City Centre Revitalization and Redevelopment Project
Site Preparation Complete – Stage 1 Underway
Stage 1 of construction consists of completion of the west side of the project area including the following tasks: • Relining of sections of sanitary sewer main; • Replacement of the Front Street water main from Victoria Avenue to Church Street; • Water service installation; • Installation of the sanitary sewer main; • Replacement of storm water catch basins; • Installation of all underground electrical on west side of Front Street; • Installation of soil cells for trees on west side of Front Street; • Completion of new sidewalk and new road surfaces (asphalt, concrete and pavers) on west side.
Since the official kick-off of Phase 1 construction of the City Centre Revitalization Project on May 11th, work has been progressing on schedule with little complication. The Site Preparation Stage was completed in June. Key components of this stage were the removal of surface treatments including; the removal of street furniture (e.g., bike racks, street signs, trash bins, etc.) for storage and refurbishment, the removal of trees and streetlight poles on the east side of the streets, and the removal of the curb and 1 metre of sidewalk along the east side of Front Street. Sections of storm sewer have also been replaced along with the completion of temporary installations including water lines from the face of buildings to the centre of the road. Asphalt has been installed to create a 3.5-meter northbound lane to provide a traffic route during Stage 1, and temporary lighting is in place for the duration of construction.
The transition to Stage 1 of construction began in late June and will extend approximately 11 weeks. When the west side is complete, Stage 2 will begin and construction will return to the east side of the street to completion.
“We are progressing on schedule and have faced few complications to date,” says Denis Pianarosa, Project Manager for the City Centre Revitalization Project. Stage 1 of construction is underway with traffic flowing northbound only on Front Street and Station Street and the North Front Street Bridge has been closed until the start of Stage 2.
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BUILDBELLEVILLE.CA #BUILDBELLEVILLE
Phase 1 Construction City Centre Revitalization and Redevelopment Project
Site Preparation Complete – Stage 1 Underway
Len Corcoran Excavating (LCE) was founded in 1962 by Len Corcoran when he purchased a used bulldozer that he ran on-site all day and fixed at home in his garage every night. Len quickly developed a reputation as an honest, hardworking and very skilled machine operator. As the demand for his skills grew he gradually hired a few staff. The rest, as they say, is history.
Kyle Corcoran, Project Manager
“
Current owner and President, Dan Corcoran, has been participating in the work at LCE since he was big enough to reach the machine controls. Since taking control of day-to-day operations in 1995, the company has grown exponentially to become one of the most recognizable names in the Kingston-area construction industry.
Our goal is to deliver a quality product for the City of Belleville on-time and within budget. Our staff is focused and will support stakeholders during the project to overcome any of the inevitable challenges that emerge onsite.”
A family owned and operated business, Kyle Corcoran has followed the steps of his father and grandfather and is now leading his team as Project Manager for Phase 1 Construction of Belleville’s City Centre Revitalization Project.
in the Phase 1 downtown area, business owners, residents, and patrons of the downtown are extremely pleased with the level of professionalism and courtesy the Corcoran staff has shown.
“Our goal is to deliver a quality product for the City of Belleville on time and within budget,” says Kyle. “Our staff is focused and will support stakeholders during the project to overcome any of the inevitable challenges that emerge on-site.” Corcoran’s claim to working with stakeholders has been clearly evident. After two months of active construction
“During our weekly face-to-face visits with Phase 1 stakeholders, business owners we speak with cannot say enough about Corcoran staff,” says Karen Parker, Executive Director of the BDIA. “Knowing the disruption a project of this magnitude can create, it is reassuring to see support for the business community and that staff are being accommodating.”
The Corcoran Team
WE’RE BUILDING A BETTER BELLEVILLE FOR YOU 18
Phase 1 Construction City Centre Revitalization and Redevelopment Project
Your Downtown is Improving
Ensuring access to businesses during construction in the downtown has been a critical priority. During construction pedestrian, local traffic, delivery and emergency vehicle access has been maintained while Build Belleville staff work closely with the BDIA to support initiatives that entice people to patronize the downtown and create awareness during construction.
Many businesses are choosing to work together and embrace the change. Flowers by Dustin has created exciting window displays that celebrate the construction and significant investment being made in the downtown, while businesses like All Good Things and their surrounding neighbors are working together, hosting events, and promoting contests that create excitement for their patrons.
“The BDIA has allocated $30,000 to support marketing and promotions for the downtown during construction,” says Karen Parker, Executive Director of the BDIA. “These funds allow us to reinforce a positive image for the downtown and create awareness around the improvements being made.”
Your downtown is improving right now! Enjoy up to four (4) hours of free parking in the North Riverside parking lot. Visit your favourite shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants, and see for yourself the infrastructure improvements being made in our City Centre.
In addition to ongoing partnerships between the BDIA and City, individual businesses have recognized the importance of making changes while the environment they operate in undergoes significant change. “Promotion is key during construction,” says Kraus, owner of Ideal Bike located at 316 Front Street in the Phase 1 construction area. “We are very excited about what the future holds for downtown Belleville and are embracing the change even through the disruption of construction.”
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BUILDBELLEVILLE.CA #BUILDBELLEVILLE
North East Feedermain Project
CN Rail Corridor Crossing Underway
Project Schedule North Front Street Crossing at Donald Street
Early September (one week duration)
College Street West
Work underway with completion of pavement resurfacing by mid-August
The North East Feedermain initiative includes the installation of 4.8 km of 600mm diameter watermain. The feedermain begins at the Gerry O’Connor Water Treatment Plant and makes its way north through the west half of the City connecting to the previously completed section of feedermain on Moira Street East. This important project is necessary to provide a secure supply of water to low pressure areas in the north east quadrant of the City.
Moira Street East to Donald Street
¯
Currently underway is the complete reconstruction of Yeomans Street and Donald Street, with the work including the replacement of sanitary/storm sewers, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and asphalt. An added feature on Yeomans Street is the provision for on-street bicycle lanes. Work on College Street West is also underway with the resurfacing of College Street West from North Front Street to Heartwood Drive to follow.
COLLEGE STREET WEST
LANE AVENUE
(Prince of Wales School Corridor) July/August (two month duration)
DONALD STREET
SARAH COURT
CNR
YEOMANS STREET
Ongoing work for this project also includes the crossing of the CN Rail Corridor at the north end of Yeomans Street. An access pit has been constructed as it is a requirement of the railways that a minimum depth below the railway tracks be provided for every pipe crossing. The crossing has been lowered into sound bedrock in order to tunnel under the tracks; the result being a depth of approximately 11 metres (36 feet) to the bottom of the pit.
NORTH EAST FEEDERMAIN ROUTE ONGOING SECTIONS COMPLETED SECTIONS FUTURE SECTIONS
STREET W
EST
Mo ira Riv er
SIDNEY STREET
BRIDGE
WE’RE BUILDING A BETTER BELLEVILLE FOR YOU 0
20
125
250
Meters 500
750
1,000
Bay of Quinte
Old Highway 2 Rehabilitation
Old Highway 2 Construction Reaches Completion
“The most significant change to Old Highway 2 is the dedicated left turn lane and right turn taper added at the Mitchell Road intersection,” says Barry Simpson, Senior Project Manager. “Other features that users will appreciate are the increased lane widths, partially paved shoulders and the addition of street lights at the Mitchell Road and Point Anne Road intersections.”
This project includes the rehabilitation of approximately 4.3 km of Old Highway 2 starting just east of Point Anne Road to the easterly City limit at Burns Drive. With completion scheduled for the end of July, this section of Highway 2 will feature a new and widened road surface, new partially paved shoulders, a right-turn taper for west bound and a left-turn lane for east bound traffic at Mitchell Road, and the addition of street lighting at the Mitchell Road intersection.
Although not included in the original scope of work, review of the Point Anne Road intersection area was undertaken after receiving public comments regarding concerns at the intersection because there was no street lighting at this location. It was determined that the addition of street lighting at the Point Anne Road intersection could be supported by the project budget. This work will be included as part of the finished product to ensure proper illumination and enhanced safety for local residents and highway commuters.
“We are pleased to soon be checking another project off our Build Belleville project list,” says Mayor Taso Christopher. “With multiple capital projects to complete this year, the City is focused on building for the future as we continue to invest in our infrastructure.” The construction contract for this project was awarded to Fitzgibbon Construction Ltd. and has been completed in two stages. Old Highway 2, with the exception of the final top course asphalt and a 500 m section at Mitchell Road, was completed in October 2014, while utilities within the 500 m section at Mitchell Road were relocated to permit the addition of the left turn lane and intersection improvements.
Paving of Old Highway 2 will be completed by the end of July, with the installation of street lights and final clean-up complete by mid-August. The City looks forward to introducing an improved highway and celebrating the completion of this important infrastructure project later this summer.
OLD HIGHWAY 2 COMPLETION
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BUILDBELLEVILLE.CA #BUILDBELLEVILLE
MERCHANTS Invested in Downtown As long-time business owners in the downtown core, Dwane Barratt from Barratt’s Office Pro, and Rebecca Burlington of Flowers by Dustin, are two of many businesses in the midst of exciting change and unique challenges with the summer’s ongoing construction. They have chosen to focus on the end result and are visualizing the impact these improvements will have on themselves as business owners and the community as a whole.
Dwane’s father, Terry Barratt, started the family business in 1961 and was one of the founding members of the Belleville Downtown Improvement Area (BDIA). Over the years they have evolved from drafting and engineering supplies to office furniture (new and used), art supplies, office supplies and office furniture repair. Since opening, the store has been located in seven different locations in the City core. The downtown has always been a part of Dwane’s life, as a child at the family store, swimming in the river, riding bikes and for a time, he lived downtown.
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I hope the downtown revitalization will attract people to not only shop here, but to live here as well. When there is a strong residential presence the need for services increases drawing more businesses to the area. This construction has sparked many conversations which is good. Some of these have taken place through the BDIA, others with the City’s Build Belleville office, and others, simply members of the community, stopping by the store to talk. When people talk openly it’s easier to find solutions that work best for everyone, rather than each of us attempting to find answers on our own.”
DWANE BARRATT Barratt’s Office Pro
DWANE BARRATT
REBECCA BURLINGTON Flowers by Dustin
Rebecca Burlington decided to roll with the situation and used a construction theme when decorating the front window of the flower shop which resulted in humorous comments from customers and construction workers alike. Rebecca grew up in Belleville and attended Queens and the University of Guelph. She has owned Flowers by Dustin since 2003 and is very optimistic about the changes taking place downtown.
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I spend hours in the shop so the store is my second home. I’m excited to be a part of this experience and watch the day-to-day progress. There was so much work that needed to be done and we are fortunate to be seeing both technical and aesthetic changes being made.” REBECCA BURLINGTON
Outdoor Movie in Downtown Belleville Thursday, August 27 - The Wizard of Oz Street Dance 2015 August 14, this year on the Bridge Street Bridge Downtownbelleville.ca 613-968-2242, bdia@downtownbelleville.ca 22
Set the Goal – Make it Happen “I’ve never been one to dream about something I’m not going to do. If it makes it onto my goal list, I do my best to make it happen.” MARK RASHOTTE Few people in Belleville are unfamiliar with the name Mark Rashotte - an innovative, actively involved member of the business community. Several of Mark’s initiatives can be found in the downtown core at Empire Square; Royal LePage ProAlliance, Dominion Lending Centres Alliance Mortgage Company, The Empire Theatre and Café E. No matter what Mark is busy with, business ventures or community causes, he always makes time for his life-long passion, music.
the location for The Empire Theatre, a venue to bring worldclass entertainers to the Belleville/Quinte area. Each year over 100,000 people come to events at The Empire and Empire Square Live (outdoor music shows in Empire Square). Crowds are drawn to shows with local performers and top industry names – Steve Winwood, Slash, Blue Rodeo, Styx, Tragically Hip and many, many more. With a large number of these people travelling to Belleville to see shows at The Empire, millions of dollars in economic benefit are generated each year to hotels, restaurants and other businesses in the community.
When Mark graduated from Nicholson Catholic College he went on the road with Andy Forgie and others in the bands Creed and Photograph. They toured with top acts, performed across North America, and recorded with Capitol Records. After ten years they returned and in 1984 Mark began selling real estate with Royal LePage.
Mark continues to perform with Andy Forgie in All You Need is Love, a Beatles tribute band that plays across North America and Europe.
Mark moved quickly in the world of real estate. In 1987 he became Branch Manager in Belleville and soon expanded his responsibilities to a wider area. He bought the franchise for the Belleville to Cobourg area in 1999 and Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty was born. Later that year he added the Kingston area to the franchise. Royal LePage ProAlliance has grown to become one of the largest real estate companies in Canada with 400 salespeople between Port Hope and Brockville, 60 support staff and over 6,000 sales per year.
“I also play guitar in Jake Clemon’s Band - Jake is well known for performing in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band,” smiled Mark. “In the past year we have toured Ireland, England, Scotland, Canada, Australia, and of course, New Jersey.” “When you have this many things going on, you can’t micro manage,” added Mark. “Thankfully, over the years we have built a great team of people in these businesses that really care about what they do as well as the communities we are in. Plus we have a strong positive culture. I couldn’t have done all of this without their support and the support of the community.”
The former McCarthy Theatre in downtown Belleville was built in 1938. In September of 2003, Mark chose this building as 23
Kieran Lafferty The Next Big Leap
As a community we take great pride in our youth and admire them for their confidence, courage and imagination in pursuing diverse and rewarding career paths – traditional and non-traditional. One such individual is Kieran Lafferty, a 2007 graduate of Nicholson Catholic College. “When I graduated from NCC I went to Western University to pursue biomedical sciences and it soon became clear that I was not interested,” Kieran explained. “I completed that year and then transferred to Queen’s. After my first year in general engineering I knew that software engineering was the route for me. I graduated in 2012 and started my first job with IBM in Toronto.” For the next two years he worked as part of the Facebook Events Team, building out new features for the Facebook iPhone app. Then, in June of this year, he made the move to Los Angeles to join Snapchat. He now lives in Beverly Hills, California, one block from the famous Rodeo Drive and 20 minutes from Snapchat’s headquarters in Venice Beach.
Kieran’s new job required that he manage all of Air Canada’s mobile applications on iPhone and Blackberry, along with the services that powered checking in and booking flights. In his spare time, he was busy writing open source software for the iPhone which became popular on the code sharing website called Github. That’s when the pace began to quicken. Facebook noticed Kieran’s software work and a recruiter reached out to arrange an interview. He flew to Facebook headquarters, interviewed and landed a job as a Software Engineer. He packed his bags and moved to San Francisco. Photos: Top Right: Facebook Events Team at corn maze/haunted house Menlo Park, California Bottom Right: Kieran gives his cousin Tyler a tour of Facebook.
“The thing that I love most about software engineering is the reward of solving difficult problems that affect millions of people on a daily basis,” said Kieran as he explained his passion. “Writing software is problem solving at the most fundamental level and it’s therapeutic for me to work through a problem and continue learning on a daily basis.” 24
Little Known Kieran Facts Loves to Golf #6 Software Contributor on Github for Objective-C programming language in Canada Did Improv every week while living in Toronto Has two cats, Ken & Noe, that live with his girlfriend in Toronto
Gravity room encourages guests to take odd photos to remember their time at Facebook Campus.
When asked where he gained the confidence to follow this rather intimidating and unfamiliar path, Kieran answered without hesitation, “My parents and my girlfriend Kasey Opperman (also from Belleville) have always been very supportive and have helped me to believe that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I could never have done this without them. I think one of the main reasons my career has taken me to where I am now is that I have never been afraid to take that next big leap - whether it was dropping everything in Toronto to move to San Francisco, or leaving my dream job at Facebook to try something new at Snapchat.� Kieran with coworker when he first joined Facebook and was working on News Feed.
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THRASHER’S
Deeply Rooted in Belleville Thrasher’s Garden and Nursery Centre is deeply embedded in the Belleville community. The doors first opened in 1944 when Harold Thrasher started the business. Harold’s son Don opened the 26 North Front Street location 40 years ago and it has grown from a small corner lot to an acre operation. After attending Guelph University, Michelle, Don’s daughter, decided to follow her horticultural interests. She returned to Belleville, purchased the business, and has been operating the garden and nursery centre for the past ten years. Thrasher’s has developed a reputation for exceptional customer service and personalized attention, both strengths of locally owned businesses. Michelle explains that their goal is to ensure client satisfaction by making each individual feel they are the centre’s number one priority. As a small business they are able to address each customer’s questions directly. Unlike many garden centres, Thrasher’s is open 12 months of the year, carrying products such as bird feed and wood pellets which are in demand year round. Valuing the support Belleville customers have shown to her company, Michelle is strongly committed to giving back to the community by supporting local agencies such as the Belleville Garden Club, the YMCA, the Food Bank and many local schools. When asked how Thrasher’s Garden and Nursery Centre is being affected by this summer’s downtown construction, Michelle responded, “Making downtown Belleville a better place is key to living and working in this city. The fact that I own a business that is so close to the revitalization area is exciting. With the pain of some construction comes a beautiful city that will improve my store.” “I love coming to work each and every day,” she added. “Our customers are loyal and great to deal with. This, in combination with the variety and excitement of our industry’s seasonal changes, makes life interesting and rewarding.”
Torch Relay Community Celebration
Proud to be Part of the International Pan Am Games The Pan Am Torch Relay encouraged Canadians to share the excitement of the games with over 3,000 torch bearers participating. Our community was represented by Fred Deacon and Kenzo Dozono. Belleville was thrilled to host the torch lighting celebrations on July 3 at West Zwick’s Park and the Belleville Chamber of Commerce heightened our community engagement by organizing a Sports Expo in which 16 regional sports organizations and teams displayed, demonstrated and held interactive activities.
Left to Right: Karen Kitchen, Kenzo Dozono and Fred Deacon
Represented Our Community in the Pan Am Torch Relay: Kenzo Dozono - 8th Dan Karate instructor w member of Belleville Sports Hall of Fame
& Karate ON Hall of Fame w3-time SKIF Master’s Kata World Champion & Gold Medal Champion at 2009 SKIF World Championships in Athens Fred Deacon - joined Chamber of Commerce in ‘61 after taking over family business (Deacon Brothers & Bell Shirt Company) w implemented financial plan that returned Chamber to financial stability w h elped create & build Waterfront Festival w received 1988 Chamber Member of Year Award w played key role in development of Lions Club Pavilion
Representing Our Community in the Parapan Am Relay on August 4 Karen Kitchen - born with Cerebral Palsy w devotes life to creating awareness & fundraisingw member of City Accessibility & Transit Committees, Quinte Immigration Services, involved with Rotary & Shrinerswcommitted to improving next generation’s quality of life
The Pan Am & Parapan Am Celebrations are sponsored by The City of Belleville, Province of Ontario, and The Government of Canada (The Department of Canadian Heritage).
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UPCOMING Concerts on the Bay
LIONS PAVILION West Zwick’s Park – Bring a Lawn Chair, Join the Fun
AUGUST SUNDAYS 6:00 - 8:00 pm DATE ENTERTAINMENT STYLE August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30
Ken Stapley and Lions Country Jamboree Ken Kovac and Heartland Bill White and White Pine Frank Howard Orchestra, Directed by Lance Jeffrey
50’s/60’s Country Classics Classic Country Bluegrass/Country Big Band Memories
AUGUST WEDNESDAYS 6:00 - 8:00 pm DATE ENTERTAINMENT STYLE August 12 Texas Tuxedo Rocking Country August 19 Lynzi Couch and Wrought Iron Roots Bluegrass/Country/Folk August 26 The Remedy Country/Bluegrass/Rock Free Family Entertainment - All donations b enefit Lions Community Activities concertsonthebay.ca w Quinte Arts Council 613-962-1232
B U L K Y
I T E M
C O L L E C T I O N
Do you have some large household items that have reached the end of their life? We have a user-pay bulky item program that operates year round. Bulky items are excluded from regular weekly pickup and special arrangements must be made. Please note: Items left at the curb without a bulky item tag are subject to enforcement under By-law 2006-87 and homeowners may be fined. For Belleville Ward residents: Purchase a bulky item tag at City Hall no later than 3:00 pm Thursdays Have your bulky item to the curb by 7:00 am on Friday Please note: White goods and bulky items are not included in regular weekly garbage pickup. Arrangements must be made at City Hall to have these items picked up from your curbside. Pick up fees apply to the following items. Taxes are included: Freon Items - $37.80 per item (Fridge, Freezer, Air Conditioner, Dehumidifer, Water Coolers) Non-Freon Items (White Goods) - $27.30 per item (Stove, Dishwasher, Washer, Dryer, Microwave, Humidifer, Barbeque, Bath Tub, Shower Stall) Large Furniture - $15.00 per item (Couch, Chair, Desk, Mattress, Box Spring, Toilets and Toilet Tanks) Small Furniture - $10.00 per item (End Table, TV Stand, Kitchen Chair, Bundled Wood, Bundled Carpet) For Thurlow Ward residents: Take your item to the Thurlow Landfill. Pay $10.50 per appliance, plus an additional $15.00 if it is a Freon item.
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Belleville on the Move Matthew Coffey Manager/Planner Transit Matthew grew up in Belleville and moved away when he graduated from high school to complete his Bachelor of Applied Arts, Urban and Regional Planning at Ryerson University, followed by his Masters of Urban Planning at the University of Melbourne. In 2002 he returned to Belleville. Now, as the Transit Manager/Planner, he is responsible for the delivery of the City’s transit services - the conventional bus service and the paratransit service. His portfolio includes the development of short and long-term projects designed to improve and maintain an efficient level of service. The City currently has 15 buses, nine routes, 27 full-time operators - seven days a week. There is a trial route planned for 2015 that will create a direct link between Loyalist College and the Quinte Mall. This route will also service Walmart, Millennium Parkway and Maitland Drive. “The needs of transit users are constantly changing,” said Matt. “Demands for direct routes, expanded services and improved on board technology are areas we hope to focus on in the future.”
Bus wrap courtesy of Sign Solutions of Quinte
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The best part of my day is working collaboratively with the many groups and stakeholders that contribute to the City’s transportation system. Although we are small, we face some of the same challenges you find in larger cities. It is inspiring to be a part of a strong network of people who work hard every day to keep the City moving.” Matthew Coffey
City of Belleville
FAMILY FUN FOR 2015
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Est. 18
FREE ADMISSION
Thank you to everyone who supported our event this year!
A Celebration of the Sights, Sounds & Tastes of the Fall Season! Pumpkin carving & painting, fall themed arts & crafts, hot apple cider, farm animal display, horse drawn wagon rides, live Country & Bluegrass music!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH www.bellevillechamber.ca
f facebook.com/FlavoursOfFall
Christmas Lighting Display Take a stroll around Meyer’s Pier & Jane Forrester Park on the Bay of Quinte to admire the beautifully lighted trees & decorations!
Official Lighting Ceremony
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13TH (display open until mid-January)
www.city.belleville.on.ca
Nighttime Santa Claus Parade SUNDAY NOVEMBER 15TH beginning at 4:30pm
Photography by Danny Sheppard Photography
Recipient of Top 100 Festivals in Ontario Award for 2015!
(Transit buses will run until 8:30pm)
Over 80 amazing lighted floats together with the Regions’ best marching bands provide “magical” entertainment for the whole family!
www.bellevillechamber.ca