Belleville is stressing to Hastings County the importance of the Welcome Street program, since a funding decision on the program must be made in the next few months.
The issue was raised at a meeting of the Community and Human Resources Committee on Wednesday.
A report on the Belleville Downtown District Welcome Street’s program is expected this fall, including whether or not its funding will continue through Hastings County.
Belleville Councillor Garnet Thompson told the committee the present funding ends in December and the city would like to know in September whether or not it will continue into 2023.
“It would be great if the county could bring those recommendations to this committee in November. That’s what I would like to see for city of Belleville so we know where the Welcome Street program is going to go. Whether it’s going to be supported by Hastings County or the city has to readdress it.”
Councillor Tyler Allsopp, who is a member of the BBIA, said it has been an “incredible program for the downtown for the past couple of years.”
“With the increase of the vulnerable in our downtown core there is need for additional support for the program so we appreciate your consideration of it and your funding of it in the past.”
Warden Rick Phillips noted there are other applicants coming forward for funding as well.
“Everyone, in a clear and transparent manner, will be considered and as soon as it is possible, decisions will be made to accommodate as many of those applications as possible.”
Councillor Kelly McCaw noted that Police Chief Callahan recently indicated he would like to see the program continue.
