Councillor Carr Calls Urgent Roundtable with MPs on Key Issues

UPDATE: Councillor Carr has just announced a motion for an urgent roundtable meeting with local MPs and MPPs at Belleville Council set for January 2026. This crucial meeting, seconded by Councillor Brown, aims to address pressing issues impacting the community, including housing, homelessness, and healthcare funding.

The roundtable will bring together key local leaders: Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp, Hastings-Lennox & Addington MPP Ric Bresee, Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette, and Hastings-Lennox & Addington MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman. Councillor Carr emphasized the need for enhanced consultation and engagement with the City on legislative matters affecting residents.

“This is a crucial opportunity to tackle unaddressed correspondence and resolutions that have gone unanswered,” Councillor Carr stated. He cited inspiration from the City of Windsor, which recently held a similar successful roundtable. “We hear the community’s concerns daily; it’s time we have a frank discussion with our counterparts to seek clarity on funding and results,” he urged.

Councillor Kelly voiced strong support for the motion, expressing frustration over the lack of responses from local MPs. “We send letters to MPPs, and it feels like we are going in circles. It’s not personal; it’s about accountability,” he remarked. “We need straightforward answers to vital questions affecting our community.”

Councillor Brown also reinforced the motion, sharing her own experiences of being called out by MPPs for not reaching out directly. “This motion signifies we are stepping up to communicate our frustrations collectively,” she asserted. “With recent legislative changes, like Bill 33, Bill 60, and Bill 68, there has been a lack of consultation, and as community representatives, it’s our duty to voice the taxpayers’ concerns.”

Councillor Carr clarified that the intent behind this gathering is not to air grievances but to collaboratively address community issues. “The recent capital budget survey highlighted that residents feel we aren’t investing enough in homelessness—a responsibility that should not solely fall on the municipality,” he explained. “We must engage with our MPs and MPPs to find solutions, or we risk losing our ability to advocate effectively for the community.”

The motion passed unanimously in a recorded vote, with Council members voting 8-0 in favor. The urgency of these discussions has the potential to impact local services and community welfare significantly.

As this story develops, residents will be eagerly watching for responses from their elected officials. The upcoming roundtable represents a critical chance for local leaders to collaborate on solutions that can alleviate pressing community issues. Stay tuned for further updates on this important meeting.