The City of Belleville is a world leader in using the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) process to understand and adapt to the needs of business.
Adapted from the International BRE program, the Belleville BRE process surveys local businesses and business leaders to determine and quantify the current and future needs and issues. The survey process is designed to be fast, simple and confidential, providing the City with the information needed to support and encourage the retention and expansion of local businesses.
The BRE process and its lasting impacts
The first BRE survey was implemented more than 20 years ago and the information received is still being used today to inform the decisions of the Economic Development office and City Council. Some of the changes that have been made as a result of the BRE survey results include:
- Implementation of a successful family physician recruitment program
- Tax class adjustments to support industrial development
- Development of the “Work in Belleville” labour initiative
- Implementation of a seven day per week transit service that includes late-evening service until midnight
- Transportation improvements including intersection changes, new linkages, road improvements, etc.
- Business park signage installations
- Downtown Community Improvement Plans (CIP)
- Revised planning and development policies to streamline development
- Building and planning department restructurings to ensure efficient service
- Downtown Redevelopment
- Infrastructure improvements including new water mains, increased water pressure, sanitary sewer extensions, fibre optic service extensions, etc.
- Implemented and supported skilled workforce initiatives targeted at students
- Worked with Loyalist College to facilitate the development of more training programs geared toward the needs of local business
- Gathered useful statistics and information that detail the state of the local economy
- City officials have used the information received to lobby the Provincial and Federal levels of government for changes and initiatives that support local business.
While there have been many other notable outcomes, the partial list above shows that the BRE process works is important to the City. The results of the surveys help to inform our capital priorities list and are considered during the strategic planning process for the City.
The BRE process continues to play an integral role in our economic development function and is one of the best programs we have implemented. Not only has it provided useful and timely information on the needs of the business community, but it has opened the lines of communication between City Hall and our businesses.
The Economic Development department is often called upon when issues, questions or concerns arise and our businesses know they can count on us to address their concerns and provide the information they need to allow them to focus on the business at hand. The relationship that has developed consists of mutual respect and trust.
In Belleville, we care about business and we will continue to work hard to ensure the community provides the infrastructure and culture needed to make your business as successful and profitable as possible.
For more information on this valuable process or to view previous reports, please contact the Economic and Strategic Initiatives Department.