THRIVE | City of Belleville Economic Development

Your Vision. Our Waterfront City.

We’re connecting community, culture and commerce to make Belleville a must-see destination – and a smart place to do business.

With investments in culture and tourism, Belleville is a destination that fosters discovery and belonging. This approach attracts visitors, future residents and opportunities that expand the local market, strengthen businesses, creating a community where people choose to stay, grow and thrive.

By the Numbers:

Destination Development means we are creating an environment that makes it easy to visit and experience an emerging waterfront community, a reimagined historical downtown and see the vision of your business come to life here.

Explore Discover Belleville

1M + Visitors

With appealing sites and services, Belleville hosts premier events, festivals and tournaments that draw over 1 million people each year.

1000+ Rooms

We have the room to host our guests while they explore and experience the city.

$10 Million

We are a small but mighty town that generates close to $10 Million in economic activity from special events annually.

Building with Intention

Guided by authenticity, community input and innovation, Belleville is building a city with sustainability at the core. Positioned in a unique location, Belleville is the epicentre of a burgeoning region and home to untapped experiences at its waterfront and historic downtown district. With environmental integrity at the heart of city-wide strategic plans, visitors, residents and businesses are sure to build a future that lasts.

Build it. They will come.

Tourism is one of Belleville’s fastest growing sectors. This is important. It creates opportunities for explorers to visit the city, experience the atmosphere and see themselves being a part of it.

We have resources, tools, services and expertise to help you create, test and refine a new tourism-related business.

"A cultural event that turns into an annual festival "
"A food truck that transforms into waterfront dining location"
"A specialty workshop evolves into a training centre"
"A unique hobby becomes a downtown attraction"
"A crafters market becomes an innovative retailer"
"A former in-law suite that transforms into a charming accommodation experience"

Downtown Patio Permits

Situated in the historic downtown district these patios and parklets set the stage for new connections and expanding ideas.

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Special Events

Festivals, Tradeshows, Tournaments, events of all sizes are looking at Belleville as a new market with all the services and support to help you host something special.

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Short Term Accommodations

Becoming a licensed STA operator has major perks. Get on the map and keep your accommodations actively welcoming guests.

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Big Ideas Thrive with the Right Support

Discover existing funding, grants and supports.

City Tourism Grants

The City of Belleville invests in eligible events that innovate and activate the city year-round.

Appy for a Grant

Partnership Opportunities

With a strong regional ecosystem of organizations committed to a shared goal, local businesses have access to a dynamic network that includes provincial and federal partners to expand reach and impact.

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MAT Dollars at Work

Revenues from this visitor driven source provides dynamic marketing opportunities, programs, resources and infrastructure to enhance Belleville as a premier destination.

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Resources

Turn your vision into reality.

Data + Planning Tools

Empowering businesses with insights and tools to make informed, data-driven decisions.

TREIM Tool - Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model data analysis simulation tool

Partnership Resources

Building valuable connections that support collaboration, growth, and shared success.

RTO9 - Regional tourism organization promoting and growing tourism in Southeastern Ontario.

Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board - Marketing tourism and resident attraction.

Strategic Documents

Guiding your decisions with plans and strategies that shape long-term success.

Waterfront Master Plan
Downtown Commons Development Strategy

Success Stories

What People Say About Us

Belleville has proven to be a winning partner — a community that understands the value of sport, tourism, and investment. It’s a city where professional hockey thrives and visitors keep coming back.

John Mathers, Vice President of Business Operations

Questions about getting started?

Our team connects you with the right resources.

Contact Tourism Development

FAQ's

How do I host an event in Belleville?

Thank you for identifying that Belleville is a great place for your event!

The first step is to complete a Special Events Application to share your idea with key staff who can then provide you with important information and services that can assist you to produce a successful event.

What services and funding does the city provide to assist me with my tourism project, event or business?

Many local ideas need financial backing to become reality.

Market Research
Business Development Support
Facilities and City Resources Booking
Tourism and Arts and Culture Grants

What marketing opportunities exist to promote my event or tourism business?

Through the city’s tourism brand: Discover Belleville, we manage various impactful marketing channels along with our website including our printed Visitor Guide with 15,000 copies distributed through key visitor centers and growing our social media @discoverbelleville on Instagram and Facebook.

What does Destination Development mean for a municipality, and how does it benefit my business?

Destination Development is the process of enhancing our appeal to visitors through improved infrastructure, experiences, and marketing. For your business, this means:
• More visitors - Increased customer traffic
• Longer stays - Higher spending in the local economy
• Shared promotion - Exposure through municipal marketing efforts
• Better access - Upgraded roads, signage, and amenities
• Collaboration opportunities - Partnerships with other businesses and tourism initiatives

In short, Destination Development helps create a stronger tourism economy that drives growth for local businesses.

What is Belleville’s strategy for Destination Development, and how does it support local businesses?

Belleville’s Economic Development Strategic Plan (2025–2028) identifies Destination Development as a key pillar for growth. The strategy focuses on:
• Enhancing public amenities and revitalizing the waterfront
• Showcasing cultural and natural assets through events and experiences
• Strengthening partnerships with local businesses and regional tourism organizations
• Building on thriving initiatives like downtown revitalization and trail development

By 2027, Belleville aims to implement a ready-to-launch strategy. In the meantime we continue to expand visitor experiences, improve infrastructure and support existing successful products. This approach will attract more visitors, extend stays, and increase local spending—creating new opportunities for businesses in hospitality, retail, and services

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