The population of Belleville is expected to steadily increase over the next several years putting more pressure on an already precarious housing situation.
At this Monday’s meeting, Council will be asked to adopt a Population, Housing, and Employment Growth Forecast Update.
In its update, consulting firm Watson & Associates Land Economists Ltd. projects the city’s population will increase about one per cent per year over the next 30 years, increasing from 56,000 in 2021 to 75,000 in 2051.
The majority of the population at that time (19%) will be above the age of 75 with 20- to 34-year-olds comprising the next biggest group (17%).
The city will be more reliant on net migration as a source of population as opposed to natural increase.
Future housing demand within the City of Belleville over the 30-year planning horizon is expected to remain well above historical averages achieved over the past two decades.
To accommodate the population growth, an additional 10,500 new dwellings will need to be constructed.
The report suggests total employment in the city will increase from 32,000 in 2016 to 41,000 in 2051 and that the city’s competitive economic position will remain highly tied to its ability to attract and accommodate a growing skilled labour force pool.
The firm says the city will have to make an effort to continue to explore ways to attract and accommodate new skilled working residents to the city within a diverse range of housing options.
Belleville city council meets Monday at 4 p.m.
