Belleville’s delegation is getting set for a busy few days at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference, which begins on Sunday.
The annual event gives municipalities a chance to speak directly to provincial ministers about any issues, projects, or plans that need to be addressed locally by the province.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk says they will be meeting with the Minister of Transportation to discuss the proposed widening of Highway 401 to three lanes in each direction, which includes rebuilding all of the overpasses in the city, as well as hopes for an “east arterial road” connecting to the city’s industrial park.
“We’re asking them to accelerate (the overpass over) Highway 62, because we really don’t have a safe way to get people across who are not in a vehicle. Then perhaps more importantly, is the Belleville east arterial road, which is that fourth interchange. It’s probably the most important issue that we have for the future of Belleville, in terms of growth.”
Panciuk says they’ll also be making a presentation to Minister Christine Elliott to discuss a potential nurse practitioner clinic for Thurlow Ward.
“We don’t have any primary facilities for health care (in Thurlow Ward), we have some specialist offices there, but nothing that is general. The nurse practitioner clinic has worked very well in downtown Belleville and it is going to be expanding, but we also would like to see a first of its kind clinic in that growing part of the city.”
He added that the city will also be involved in some joint deputations with Quinte West on the Gypsy Moth infestation and lack of low-cost housing in the region.
The AMO conference runs from Sunday August 15 to Wednesday August 18 and is being held virtually to align with COVID-19 protocols.
