The City of Belleville held a press conference on Monday, February 12, 2024 at City Hall.
The conference was lead by Mayor Neil Ellis, on behalf of Council and the City of Belleville.
The City of Belleville has submitted a Request for Assistance to the provincial government following the Declaration of Emergency last Thursday.
In the letter outlining the drug addiction, mental health and homelessness crisis the City is facing, and resulting impact on local emergency services, community health care and local business, Mayor Ellis made the following specific asks of the Province:
· Investment, guidance and support for a community hub for addiction, mental health and homelessness (“The Bridge”)
· Investment in a local detox centre
“With these resources and supports in place, I am confident that we, as a City, would be able to start making real positive change in our community,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “While we understand that this alone will not solve all of the complex issues that come with drug addiction, mental health and homelessness, we feel that we would at least be better equipped to support our community.
It is my hope that with this request, the Province recognizes the challenges we are facing and that we can start to have collaborative, meaningful conversation about solutions for these issues moving forward.”
Media were invited to ask questions to Ellis along with the Chief of Police and the Chief of the Belleville Fire Department.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
