Executive Director of the Bay of Quinte Marketing Board Dug Stevenson addresses Belleville council, November 28, 2016 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
The Bay of Quinte Marketing Board presented a successful view of the work it has undertaken over the past year when it appeared before Belleville city council Monday night.
Executive Director Dug Stevenson told council statistics show sharp increases with residential builds jumping 138%, real estate jumping 131% and hotels experiencing 112% increase in overnight bookings.
Stevenson emphasized tourism advantages, pointing to 1300 golf packages.
He noted the wine, golf and fishing and beaches as major draws to the area.
Councillor Jack Miller.
The Marketing Board is asking Belleville for $50,000 a year, down significantly from the previous total of $90,000 from the separate boards.
The request goes to the 2017 operating budget.
Holding to a 1% tax hike in 2017
Belleville is asking staff to bring in a 1% tax increase when bringing forward the 2017 operating budget.
Councillor Paul Carr introduced the motion at last night’s city council meeting.
Council also asked that the message be sent out to the external agencies as well.
Councillor Jackie Denyes, who sits on the Quinte Conservation board, noted that it would be presenting a 4.5% increase since it suffered last year with no increase, followed by the problems of a drought this year.
