Belleville city council approved a resolution to begin to explore a future employment area that could be located within the City of Belleville, including the Strategic Employment Area and Rural Employment Area reserve as, well as areas outside the urban boundary.
It comes following an employment lands study conducted by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. on behalf of the city.
In its report, dated August 29, 2024, Watson & Associates says the current forecast sees the city having a small surplus of employment land through to 2051 but that modest changes regarding the nature of future employment development could generate an employment lands deficit sooner.
Therefore, it is being recommended that the city explore options for a new employment area to ensure a 30-year supply of vacant land is available and marketable to industry.
Watson & Associates recommended the city explore the Strategic Employment Area in Cannifton, north of Hwy 401 and east of Hwy 37.
