The official sod turning for Phase 2 in Belleville’s downtown (File photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Belleville city council has heard concerns that downtown businesses are not making more use of the city’s facade improvement program.
The Facade Improvement committee presented its recommendation to council this week indicating one application.
Councillor Jackie Denyes expressed disappointment since it would still leave $99,000 in the grant fund.
She questioned why there wouldn’t be more, given the city’s revitalization program in the city centre.
Denyes says “if it’s not being used it should be reduced.”
Councillor Egerton Boyce, a member of the committee, said several businesses didn’t apply this year awaiting the completion of Phase Two.
Boyce says they felt there would be a logistical factor but he could speak on behalf of “some businesses that there will be more applications coming.”
In his report, Special Projects Planner Greg Pinchin says the committee is satisfied the proposed improvements fall within the program’s design and procedural guidelines and will improve the appearance of the property.
Council approved the committee recommendation that $15,000 be allocated to Notyal Enterprises Limited at 207-211 Front Street to improve the facade with new decorative elements such as awnings.
