We’re learning a bit more about a major condominium development on the Belleville waterfront, which would see three, 15-storey buildings be built at the mouth of the Moira River.
The Dockside Quinte development, which was recently given the go-ahead by Belleville City Council, is being built by Belle Harbour LLP, on land beside the Ramada Hotel.
The land is owned by MDM Developments, which is based out of the Muskoka area but has other properties across the province as well.
It’s been a slow process getting to this point, with the initial plans for the development dating back to 2014.
The property would be accessed through Old Bay Bridge Road, which will be turned into a cul-de-sac, with the railway crossing via Mary Street being closed, except for vehicular traffic.
The plan does include a chicane to allow pedestrians to cross safely at Mary Street, with the waterfront rail also extending through the site, to connect with existing trails at Zwicks Park and along Dundas Street.
Planning Consultant Ruth Ferguson Aulthouse says the developers are thrilled with the location, calling it “one of the best properties in the city.”
“First of all, it’s situated within the city centre. It’s a very walkable site with excellent access to the waterfront trails. It has a well-established and successful marina, which is part of the project and also quick access to Prince Edward County.”
The developers are already working with local planning, engineering, environmental and surveying consultants and say they plan to work with as many local suppliers and contractors as possible once the project begins, if those deals make sense.
Contracts for work on the project will be awarded through a competitive bidding process.
The neighbouring Crates Marina will work alongside the Dockside Quinte developers, but will continue to operate on its own, allowing the rental or lease of boat slips as they are available.
Once complete, Dockside Quinte plans to have 302 condos, which will be available for purchase in one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
Aulthouse tells Quinte News along with with bringing more residential units to the city, the plan features a heavy commercial component as well
“The buildings are mixed use. At grade, there will be spaces that will be developed for commercial purchases such as restaurants, patios and other commercial uses that will draw people down to the project.”
As far as the financial impacts, Aulthouse says detailed designs still have to be completed, so an overall project cost and potential pricing for the condos themselves, aren’t yet available.
With work being done between the developers, planning consultants and the city, it’s expected that phase one construction will begin in late 2022, with further construction being done in phases based on demand.
NOTE: An earlier version of this story said vehicles would be able to access the site via Mary Street and condo owners would be able to buy slips from the marina as a partnership. Those errors have been corrected.
