Advocacy

Help us help you.

Your voice matters!

And so do the challenges you face in managing an organization. The Belleville Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of our members at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels, working to influence policy and create a stronger environment for business in our community.

Use the button below to share a concern or issue affecting your business. Every submission is reviewed monthly by the BCC Government Affairs Committee, which follows a process to determine how best to act on your behalf. This may include a brief survey to other members facing similar challenges, or outreach through the broader Chamber network provincially or federally to inform a coordinated response. Municipal issues are addressed on a case-by-case basis.

If your concern is already being actively supported, we'll let you know the current status and keep you updated on progress. If it's a new issue, it may be developed into a policy resolution for consideration at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) or Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), giving your concern a voice at the highest levels

BCC Working for You

The Belleville Chamber of Commerce develops advocacy at all levels of government with a variety of events connecting members to community leaders and elected officials.

We also connect you to municipal, provincial and federal opportunities to provide feedback and input.

The Government Affairs Committee meets monthly to review issues as they apply to municipal, provincial and/or federal oversight and escalates these as appropriate - either through surveys, additional sector insight or chamber network representation.  Cabin chats also serve to bring issues forward.

Cabin Chats

  • Mayor Neil Ellis
  • MP Chris Malette
  • MPP Tyler Allsopp

Elections

Sept. 29: Municipal Candidates Forum

Empire Theatre

Development Charges: The Question is bigger than the Rate

August 2026 - Council is preparing to vote on a proposed bylaw that will approve non-residential development charges increasing from $9.84 per square foot in the urban area to $26.64.  The new “eligible rate” based on projected growth and estimated infrastructure requirements through a report presented by Watson & Associates at Council on July 27.  Public feedback has been limited but the potential impact on growth of new business and expansion of current ones is of great concern to members of the Chamber.  READ the full release  PROVIDE YOUR FEEDBACK HERE (Survey closes August 21 @ 11:59 pm)

James Gordon Carnegie Memorial Award goes to BCC's Jill Raycroft

April 2026 - BCC CEO Jill Raycroft was selected through a nomination from her peers with the James Gordon Carnegie Memorial Award, which recognizes a chamber leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, mentorship, contribution, impact, and integrity within the chamber network. It honours someone who leads with vision, supports others generously, and strengthens both the profession and the community through service. She also received an Honourable Mention for the Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award, which recognizes a chamber professional who demonstrates excellence in chamber management and outstanding commitment to the community through volunteer service. Read more.

Advocacy Day - 2026

June 2026 - BCC CEO Jill Raycroft, with BCC Board Vice-President, Dean Tisdale, at Queen's Park  for Advocacy Day with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. The day was packed with discussion on growth and economic development, barriers, and policies and legislation for communities across Ontario. Read more.

OCC AGM & Conference 

April 2026 - CEO Jill Raycroft was joined by incoming President, Sandi Ramsay, for the 114th OCC AGM held in Ottawa, ON. BCC submitted three separate resolutions and made recommendations to strengthen others to represent your voice based on input from the Government Affairs committee, Cabin Chats and the issues raised within the Chamber network, including community safety.  Learn more about the OCC’s advocacy work and government’s actions in the 2025-2026 OCC Compendium of Policy Resolutions Update Report: Read more.

City of Belleville

The City of Belleville is managed at the direction of Council and is responsible for the services and policies that shape our community, from planning and development, business licensing, and property taxes to transportation and economic development. The Belleville Chamber of Commerce works closely with the City and Council, and below you'll find information and resources we've identified as most relevant to economic development and community prosperity.

For additional information related to general taxpayer interests, including property taxes, water and sewer services, and applications, licences and permits, visit the City's website.

Development Charges Study undertaken to update existing bylaw

The City has completed a draft Development Charges Background Study, which will support the creation of a new Development Charges By-law to replace the existing by-law (2021-201). The study evaluates how growth will impact infrastructure and community service needs over the next several years and recommends updated development charge rates and policies in accordance with the Development Charges Act, 1997.

ASSOCIATED REPORTS AVAILABLE HERE          Belleville Chamber POV

Residents Encouraged to Verify Voter Information Ahead of 2026 Municipal Election

August 2026 - The City of Belleville is encouraging residents to confirm, update or add their information to the voters’ list to help them prepare for the 2026 Municipal Election, to ensure a smoother voting experience. Residents can check, update or add their voter information by visiting RegisterToVoteON.ca. Read more 

Economic Development Strategic Plan

2025 to 2028 - The City of Belleville's vision is that, through innovation, sustainable progress, and cultural vibrancy, the City will strive to be the epicenter of the region through strategic forward thinking, building a community for the future, sustainable progress through measured strategic response, consideration of the environment and longevity and provide cultural vibrancy through events, inclusivity, and diversity. Read more

2026 Capital Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan

November 2025 - The City's Capital Budget and 10-Year Plan are in alignment with the Asset Management Planning, budget policy framework, and Council guidelines. Two separate surveys were completed, with feedback from the public to focus on core infrastructure (water, wastewater, transportation) and asset renewal activities; as well as roads, policing, and social services. Read more

City of Belleville Strategic Plan, 2012-2032

February 2022 - The City of Belleville will be a healthy, progressive, inclusive and economically vibrant community that invests in its future in a financially sustainable and environmentally responsible manner through leadership, innovation, and strong partnerships. Read more

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) supports advocacy on behalf of Chambers and Boards of Trade across Ontario at Queen's Park. The Belleville Chamber of Commerce is one of 143 chambers and boards of trade represented within the OCC's network, which accounts for more than 60,000 members across Ontario. As a member, BCC helps shape that collective voice, ensuring the priorities of our local business community are reflected in provincial policy.

Your membership with us provides you with access to affinity programs and regular updates on relevant topics through webinars, podcasts and in-person events. Through their surveys, reports and the policy compendium developed within the network, their team builds the voice of business from across Ontario.

Below, you'll find resources, reports and opportunities to provide feedback provided by the OCC.

Advancing Community Prosperity Through Partnership: A Strategic Roadmap from the Inaugural CEO Forum

July 2026 - Three intended objectives in this roadmap: 1. Build a shared understanding of leading practices among major Ontario employers for shared prosperity; 2. Identify opportunities to scale successful approaches through collaboration between businesses, governments, and community service providers; 3. Develop pathways for future business leadership in Ontario communities. Read more.

Towards a single Canadian Market: Findings from the One Canada Summit

May 2026 - As Canada’s premiers prepare to meet at the Council of the Federation, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce urges government to accelerate the removal of barriers to internal trade that continue to increase costs, limit investment, and impede growth. This report outlines steps to strengthen our domestic economy and create a more integrated national market. Read more.

OCC Compendium of Policy Resolutions & Update Report

April 2026 - There were 33 resolutions were voted on successfully and passed during the OCC Conference. They have now been added to the 2026-2029 Compendium of Policy Resolutions. Read more.

OCC's 10th annual Ontario Economic Report 

February 2026 - The OCC’s 2026 Ontario Economic Report (OER) is now in its 10th year. It describes an economy under sustained pressure but showing surprising resilience. The report shows business confidence remains low and largely unchanged, and overall, Ontario competes well as an investment destination, but there is room for improvement. Read more.

From Crisis to Care: Addressing Ontario's Mental Health & Addictions Crisis

January 2026 - Ontario's interrelated mental health, addictions, and homelessness crisis are systemic, persistent, and increasingly visible across workplaces, downtown cores, schools, healthcare settings, and community spaces. Read more.

OCC Welcomes New 2026–2027 Board of Directors

April 2026 - The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has announced its new Board of Directors for 2026–27, and our very own Jill Raycroft is on the roster! Check out the full Board list of experienced leaders from across the province who will guide the OCC's advocacy on behalf of its 60,000 member businesses. Read more.

Investing in Critical Technologies and Commercialization

March 2026 - The Government of Ontario announced $107 million over three years, starting in 2026–27, to renew the Critical Technology Initiatives (CTI) program. Funding will support projects to accelerate the development, commercialization, and adoption of critical technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, advanced connectivity, and robotics. Read more

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

As a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the Belleville Chamber of Commerce is part of Canada's most activated business network, fuelled by a network of over 400 chambers, representing over 200,000 businesses.

The CCC works to contribute to the development of national public policy and connects businesses to valuable insights, savings programs, and growth opportunities at the national level. Through our affiliation, the BCC advocates on behalf of our members by bringing local business priorities to the national table, ensuring the voice of our members are represented in federal policy discussions.

Below, you'll find resources and programs available to our members through the CCC.

A More Competitive Canada

July 2026 - The Chambers of the Federation Policy Framework reflects a collaborative effort among provincial and territorial chambers of commerce to address shared challenges and create opportunities that benefit all Canadians. Read more. 

Proposed Tariffs Stack onto the Ongoing Investment Freeze

July 2026 - Renewed U.S. tariff threats have fueled a feeling of uneasiness for affected businesses across the Canadian economy. Now, a report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Business Data Lab suggests the greatest economic cost goes beyond the tariffs themselves, it's the business investment that never happened because of prolonged uncertainty. Read more

Advocating to Strengthen Labour Relations and Better Support Workers   

May 2026 - CCC's report to the Government of Canada advocates to strengthen labour relations and provide better support for workers, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country. Read more

Business Insights Quarterly

Q2 - 2026
Q1 - 2026
Q4 - 2025

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce....

Advocacy

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Programs

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Webinars

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Attending Advocacy Day - 2026

At Queen's Park on June 2, 2026

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Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce....

Advocacy

  • xxxx
  • xxxx

Programs

  • xxxx
  • xxxx

Webinars

  • xxxx
  • xxxx

Attending Advocacy Day - 2026

At Queen's Park on June 2, 2026

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BCC Working for You

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce....

Advocacy

  • xxxx
  • xxxx

Programs

  • xxxx
  • xxxx

Webinars

  • xxxx
  • xxxx

Attending Advocacy Day - 2026

At Queen's Park on June 2, 2026

xxxxxx

xxxxxx

BCC Working for You

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce....

Advocacy

  • xxxx
  • xxxx

Programs

  • xxxx
  • xxxx

Webinars

  • xxxx
  • xxxx

Attending Advocacy Day - 2026

At Queen's Park on June 2, 2026

xxxxxx

xxxxxx

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce represents the provincial network of chambers at Queen's Park.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce represents the national network of chambers in Ottawa.

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Belleville Chamber of Commerce
5 Moira E
Belleville, ON K8P 2S3
(613) 962-4597

Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

© Belleville Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
Belleville Chamber of Commerce
5 Moira E
Belleville, ON K8P 2S3
(613) 962-4597

Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

© Belleville Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.