Ratan Dhanjoon – RE/MAX Realty Specialists – Affordable Neighbourhoods a Priority for Ontarians – RE/MAX Blog

Affordability, low density neighbourhoods, and access to green spaces are top priorities for homebuyers in the Belleville area. In the post-pandemic, these considerations have stayed the same for homebuyers and are anticipated to remain the same for the foreseeable future.

“With increasingly attractive work opportunities, the luxury of being surrounded by greenery and water, and proximity to city centres like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, Belleville has an opportunity to grow into a thriving community,” says Karla Brennen, Sales Representative, REM/AX Quinte Ltd. “We believe the 15-minute neighbourhood model is realistic here, but it will take some work: better public transportation, more walking and cycling paths; smaller local necessities, like supermarkets; and investment in multi-unit dwellings in higher-density areas, are needed to ensure all necessities are within reasonable distance to housing.”

Quality of life for those living in Belleville is very satisfactory, which can be attributed to new developments intended to bolster quality of life for its residents: the area is expanding with new subdivisions and waterfront condos developments; more walking trails including Riverside Trail along Moira River, Bayshore Trail along the Bay of Quinte, Zwick’s Trail at Zwick’s Island Park; and cycling lanes and dog parks that have contributed to more active lifestyle for Belleville’s residents, especially with the city encouraging “active transportation.”

The city also expanded walking trails along the waterfront, added a new dog park in the north end’s new subdivisions, and built more bike lanes throughout the city. The city has invested in more family-themed and cultural events/festivals and summer pop-up markets in its Downtown District to encourage more active transportation and use of outdoor spaces around the city.

The city recently built a new casino, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, like wineries, breweries, museums, and art galleries, boosting local entertainment options.

Residents are looking forward to the recently announced Amazon Distribution Centre, which will bring a host of new jobs to the area within proximity of residents.

The top 3 priorities for homebuyers when selecting a residential neighbourhood: 

1. Affordability – Belleville is traditionally home to many “blue-collar” workers due to its many large industrial companies. Therefore, affordability is a priority for homebuyers; however, since the pandemic, finding affordable housing in the area has become difficult due to an influx of new residents.
2. Low density neighbourhoods– many residents seeking to move to Belleville (primarily retirees) do so for its space and distance from neighbours. Residents can easily find urban and rural properties with detached homes and 0.5 to 2 acres. While high-density areas are available, most Bellville residents enjoy low density neighbourhoods with plenty of green space and waterfront vistas.
3. Access to green space – waterfront properties/homes near the water are sought after by homebuyers, especially for those looking to Belleville to work-from-home and lead more active lifestyles outside of the city.

Factors/amenities currently missing that would improve residents’ quality of life:

1. Public transit– given Belleville is a low-density area, its public transportation offerings are limited. For the 15-minute neighbourhood to work, the city would need to invest in proper transit infrastructure, more walking paths and bike lanes.
2. Proximity to health or medical services – there is a hospital and many specialists in the area but Belleville lacks family doctors. Despite the municipal government implementing a program over 10 years ago to bring in more doctors to the area, waitlists are long and patient loads are full, meaning current and incoming residents may struggle to find a health care provider in the area.
3. Leisure activities – Belleville boasts excellent green space and proximity to water; however, the city is only now building up its leisure activities that could increase quality of life and promote movement to the city.