The innovative marketing of industrial property by using technology and virtual tours, was presented to Belleville’s Economic and Destination Development Committee on Tuesday.
Realtor Jamie Troke told the committee the Belleville Distribution Centre on College Street, which will be occupied next year, was “virtually built.”
Troke told the committee it is a way of marketing around the world, in fact he is undertaking it in Greece and Bolivia right now.
Economic Development Manager Karen said it is an “impressive package” the city can send out to interested companies.
Youth retention
The migration of youth from the city of Belleville is becoming a concern at city hall.
From left: Belleville Councillor Sean Kelly and Councillor Ryan Williams who is chair of the Economic and Destination Development Committee, October 22, 2019 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Chair of the Economic and Destination Development Committee Councillor Ryan Williams told the committee Tuesday this will be a demographic issue for the city in the next 20 to 30 years.
Williams says the idea is to get them to come back when they do go away from the city.
Councillor Kelly McCaw told the committee pressure should be put on Loyalist College to tie its programming to city needs.
Brad Labadie, Executive Director of the Centre for Workforce Development had a different take on the issue.
He indicated migration data that he has currently shows a very small percentage of youth leaving for other cities, and this could lead to positive growth if the data continues on this path.
The city’s Youth Committee will attempt to meet with Loyalist College officials again in the new year.
