It was yet another unusual and unprecedented event in a year chock full of them.
Mayor of Belleville Mitch Panciuk, like other local municipal leaders, gave the annual New Year’s Levee address online via YouTube today (New Year’s Day).
The mayor spoke from council chambers at city hall and had high praise for those working for the City of Belleville and for the city’s residents.
“We’ve all had to confront a lot challenges in this difficult year, and we did. We worked together, and together we’re “Belleville Strong”. I’m very proud of our staff (municipal)
and all residents.”
Panciuk went on to caution that the pandemic is still very much a reality and that everyone needs to continue to do the right things by following the advice from public health
units.
In his over 20 minute address the mayor mentioned a long list of accomplishments in the past year.
Examples include the widening of Bell Boulevard in preparation for the arrival of Costco, the reconstruction of much of Avondale Road, support for the creation of a bike path linking
that road with Loyalist College, various improvements in parks, both in urban and rural areas, along with planning for new recreation space and facilities moving forward.
Panciuk said an important lesson learned during the year of COVID-19 was how crucial various partnerships are.
“I want to thank Derek Sloan, Neil Ellis, Todd Smith, and Daryl Kramp who worked hard at their respective levels of government to provide us with much needed funding
to deal with the challenges we faced plus providing us with other kinds of assistance.”
“City council is committed to continue our work to make progress for the citizens of Belleville.”
Enjoy Mayor Mitch Panciuk’s New Year’s address here.