Belleville has a new committee to oversee economic and tourism development in the city.
The Economic and Destination Development committee was approved by city council at its meeting Monday night.
It will review and make recommendations to council regarding economic development including tourism.
Councillor Kelly McCaw questioned whether or not this is the same work done by the present Business Retention and Expansion Committee, which she chairs.
McCaw suggested expanding the current committee instead of forming a new one.
Councillor Ryan Williams disagreed stating, “The main premise is to go in a strategic direction.”
In a media scrum following the meeting, Mayor Mitch Panciuk told Quinte News the city needs a more “thoughtful approach” to services when it comes to creating jobs and encouraging new businesses.
“And,” he added, “There’s the new Municipal Accommodation Tax.”
Panciuk emphasized that the new council has already reduced the number of committees since it took office.
