“People are coming here:” Belleville officials pleased by national survey results

By Mallory Day

BELLEVILLE – A national survey by U-Haul suggests that lots of people are moving to Belleville.

The city ranked second among 25 Canadian cities for U-Haul’s rental trucks being delivered in 2016. U-Haul trucks are often used by people moving their households.

Karen Poste, Belleville’s economic-development manager, said she’s thrilled about Belleville being second.

“I think it reflects what’s happening here. Belleville’s very affordable. We’re a beautiful, safe community and very attractive to folks looking for a new community to settle in,” she said.

“I think people are coming here for jobs and there are people coming here because it is affordable.”

Coun. Jack Miller said it’s a good sign for Belleville to be second on the list.

“It does say we have a lot more people moving into the city then we have moving out,” said Miller.

This area is becoming better-known to people who are relocating, he said.

“Housing prices here are so reasonable compared to what they are in major areas like Toronto. While we have very strong housing numbers for sales, we’re cheap compared to what you would pay in longer markets. And that’s got to be attractive to people.”

Poste said that having more families moving in is great for Belleville businesses.

“The more people we draw into the community … the more customers our businesses have,” she said. “We all know that moving or building is very good for the economy, because people tend to spend money when they’re changing home location.”

Belleville has room for a lot more people and a lot more investment, said Poste.

Lesley Hately, the owner and manager of Parker Street rental and storage, said she has noticed the trend.

“There’s a lot of one-way traffic where people are coming from other cities to Belleville,” she said. “I think it’s a good opportunity for our community to grow.

**your words** and it shows definitely with the casino and stuff coming, there’s been a lot of growth in the area.”

Trenton was also on the list, at No. 8. Kingston and Peteborourgh ranked 14th and 19th respectively.