A Belleville Downtown District Business Improvement Association initiative to assist vulnerable individuals has received a provincial award.
The Welcoming Streets Initiative is the recipient of the 2022 Advocacy and Policy Award from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association.
The award recognizes BIAs who have exhibited leadership in advocacy, innovation, government relations, stakeholder/community engagement, and addressed social issues like homelessness and crime, equity, and inclusion and legislative changes.
Welcoming Streets was launched in June of 2021 to support vulnerable people in the area and address concerns identified by business owners and the public.
Welcoming Streets Steward Sara Behring hopes the recognition demonstrates the need to continue projects like this as a way to build an inclusive community where everyone feels supported and heard.
Downtown District BIA Executive Director Luisa Sorrentino received the award at the OBIAA Conference in Niagara Falls on Monday.
