Bell Boulevard widening could bring Costco

A ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon marked the completion of Phase Two of Belleville’s Bell Boulevard widening project, a project that could bring the wholesale giant Costco to the city.

The multi-million dollar project widens the boulevard from two to four lanes.

It includes an asphalt multi-use path on the south side and a concrete sidewalk on the north side.

The Bell Boulevard and Sidney Street intersection has been widened to provide additional turning lanes to accommodate traffic increases.

Phase one of the project was completed in August.

After the ribbon-cutting, Mayor Mitch Panciuk commented, “The construction company has done a terrific job. Our city staff have really worked hard and of course the federal and provincial governments have helped to pay for it. So this has been a great project Now we will see the further, future development on Bell Boulevard which will come and we’re all eagerly awaiting any announcements.”

He commented on the prospect of Costco coming to the city now that Bell Boulevard is widened.

“They’re a very large multi-national company that, you know, their thinking is not decided by the city of Belleville. I can’t make them move it ahead.”

“But they are still very bullish on Belleville. They’re very interested. We continue to have conversations. It’s not a question of if, it’s when.”

Panciuk continues that Costco is not the only company interested in Belleville. “No, there’s lots of interest and enquiries along Bell Boulevard.”

“The company, Jenland that owns the land along here has been telling us they’re getting record amounts of enquiries.”

The mayor told Quinte News about the prospect of expansion in that end of town with the project completion.  “Absolutely, it’s going to drive so much for the city. Future opportunities. More taxes which helps take the pressure off residents and what not. So, it’s good in so many ways and again we could not have done it without federal, provincial and municipal partnership. And we’ve had some great contractors.”

The $20 million widening and Sidney Street corridor improvement project received $4,166,500 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program –  Rural and Northern Funding Stream.

The mayor noted, “Just 13 months ago we got the exemption to be able to proceed with the project … and today we’ve completed all the Bell Boulevard work that needs to be done. We’re are a month ahead of schedule.”  The project was exempt from a provincial environmental assessment requirement.

With this project completed, the city expects to begin work on renovating the Sidney Street corridor in the spring.