When it comes to the summer of the Pop-Ups for Belleville it was “lesson learned.”
On Thursday, the Economic and Destination Development committee received a staff report on discussions that are now underway on how to go forward after the initial plan for pop-up shops on the waterfront.
This summer the project was messed up by the the high water issues, as one staff member said “Lesson learned.”
The project moved to Riverside Park, and opened later than planned with three Pop-Ups rather than the original four.
Development and Tourism Coordinator Elisha Purchase presented a strategy to the committee which included a review of services, consideration of what would happen in the case of high water, and a review of contracts and budget.
The shed structures and/or containers are being considered, depending on the business involved.
There is $100,000 available and staff hope to bring a plan for 2020 to city council in November.
Committee Chair Councillor Ryan Williams tells Quinte News it’s a pilot project to activate the waterfront.
The committee is looking at establishing the Pop-Up shops in Jane Forrester Park on Victoria Day next year.
Attracting immigrants
Belleville has reached out to the provincial government about its new Immigrant Pilot Project.
Chair of the the Economic and Destination Development Committee Councillor Ryan Williams tells Quinte News the city is not just looking for immigrants, but looking for skilled workers.
Williams says Belleville is at a disadvantage because most immigrants stay in larger centres.
The committee heard a staff report at its meeting Thursday that officials are still waiting for a reply from Queen’s Park.
Harvest Hastings and Eighty Twenty Film
Two different presentations before Belleville’s Economic and Destination Development committee Thursday were looking for financial support from the city.
Louise Livingston of Harvest Hastings says there will be a meeting in October to consider recommendations to support farmers, including a year-round farmers market.
Victor Cooper of Eighty Twenty Film Studios outlined some proposals for a Film Office in the city to attract film producers, who depend on a local office to help with productions.
The committee suggested that both go through a funding application process.
