Belleville Council opposes 171% development charge hike, tightens rail project rules

Belleville City Council heard strong opposition from local businesses to a proposed 171% increase in non‑residential development charges. The businesses warned the hike could hamper the city’s short‑ and long‑term growth, citing thin profit margins and the need for new industry. The proposal stems from a background study by Watson Associates Economics Limited that recommends higher charges to fund anticipated infrastructure costs.

In a separate motion, the council voted 8‑1 to impose strict guardrails on negotiations with Alto over the high‑speed rail project. Councillor Kathryn Brown highlighted resident concerns about expropriation, farmland loss, emergency‑response times, environmental impacts and a potential new southern route near Highway 401. The motion rejects non‑disclosure agreements, demands transparency, and requires clear public accountability. An Eastern Ontario PC MPP caucus issued a joint statement urging that local feedback be reflected in the rail plan.