Belleville Chamber of Commerce
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Ideally situated between Toronto and Montreal, and less than one hour from a U.S. border crossing, Belleville truly is at the centre of it all. Approximately 49,000 people make Belleville their home and over 200,000 live within 30 minutes of the City. Belleville's bustling city streets contrast the rolling rural landscapes that surround them.
The City of Belleville attracts and retains quality people who share the community's strong rural work ethic. Our labour force is particularly strong in the area of skilled trades, and with the presence of Loyalist College and its specialized training programs, the community has a generous capacity to learn and upgrade skills. Belleville's employers have recognized this quality in the labour force as being their primary competitive advantage.
Traditional values remain strong in Belleville. With more than 19,000 households in the City, nearly half (47%) of the population over the age of 15 is married. Those separated or divorced represent 13% of that same population.
Nine percent of Belleville's population are immigrants, adding to the cultural diversity of the City with their blend of skills and experience. Belleville is home to a large aboriginal population — more than double that reported throughout the Province. Those identifying themselves as visible minorities in Belleville (3.6%) were roughly double the number of those in the Province (1.8%).
Belleville residents show a higher rate of completion of college than reported at the provincial level. The practical skills obtained through a college certificate or diploma are often geared specifically to the needs of business and industry.
A local daily newspaper and several local radio and television stations offer up-to-the minute local and national news service. The City of Belleville is serviced by an excellent telecommunications network and a full range of service providers.
As a regional centre, Belleville enjoys the comfort of having comprehensive emergency and health services only moments away. Fire, police, ambulance, hospital and emergency-room services, air evacuation, and marine and air rescue are headquartered in or immediately around Belleville, providing a secure environment for both workplace and leisure activities.
The Economic and Strategic Initiatives Department of the City of Belleville will be pleased to assist you with all of your relocation, expansion, or start-up needs, including assisting you with accessing several federal and provincial grant programs that may subsidize your labour and training costs.
Visit our website, www.city.belleville.on.ca, contact our staff, or drop by for a visit to see what Belleville and the Economic & Strategic Initiatives Department have to offer.
In recent Business Retention and Expansion surveys, Belleville businesses and manufacturers told us that Belleville's skilled labour force is one of the greatest benefits of doing business here. Strong work ethics and high retention rates are characteristic of the local labour force. The quality of life that Belleville offers plays a great role in attracting job seekers from outside of the region to the City. Many companies relocating to the City have found that staff eagerly seek relocation to Belleville.
In 2007, our current City Council established the Green Team Committee to work towards the common goal of creating a green footprint for the municipality. The City of Belleville recognizes the importance of a healthy, sustainable environment, and is committed to fulfilling the Strategic Plan and Community Vision with regard to sustainability. The City endeavours to preserve and green Belleville's environment while maintaining economical, social, cultural and community health. The City is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community today while ensuring a desirable future for following generations.
Copyright © 2010 Belleville Chamber of Commerce
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