Area company making big plans, opens its doors to new development By TOM GAVEY Staff Reporter Politicians aren't the only ones trumpeting the benefits of the Ouinte area. As companies from across Canada and the United States look for new places to locate, Rick Belanger believes the Quinte region will continue to grow in popularity. Jenland Properties, Belanger is director of properties and leasing with the family-operated company that was formed in 1981 when 480 acres of land in Sidney Township was purchased from Bill Wills. The property borders WallbridgeLoyalist Road on the west, Highway 401 on the north and Belleville's city limits to the east. The area has been identified as one of the most desirable in the region because of its access to Highway 401 and proximity to both Belleville and Trenton. Performance Trucks was the first development on the property, followed quickly by land used so Ten Acre Truck Stop could expand. In the near future, a John Deere dealership will complement the site. "We've formed a sister company with 121 acres of additional land in Sidney Township at the border with Trenton in the west end. I think that demonstrates our feelings about the future of the area," says Belanger. He says Jenland Properties Ltd. sees tremendous potential for success not only in the area where they own land but in the entire region. "Sidney has a high residential tax base and a low industrial or commercial tax base. Development of more of the Jenland property would relieve some of the burden on the Sidney taxpayers," says Belanger. Companies from other areas of Canada and the United States have looked at Quinte and the Sidney property and Belanger says they've been pleased. "Services are the stumbling block right now. We hope there will be a time when that will sort itself out." Belanger says there is now hard water service available to industry but he is hoping that will change either with the construction of the new Bayside Water Treatment Facility or possibly an agreement between Belleville and Sidney. "We hope everybody would qain from development of the area. Certainly new business would help stabilize the economy." He stresses the property is not envisioned as another industrial park, but a business park. Belanger says there is a difference. "Business parks are also part of a community and actually form their own community. They should provide other related services to those in the park like food, banking or dry cleaning, "he comments. What Jenland Properties is hoping for is an eventual development that will enhance the quality of life for people working at various businesses or industries in the complex. "A small park or trail where employees could take their lunch is the kind of development we'd be hoping for." Although they haven't located at his property, Belanger says he's happy to see three companies in the past two years have chosen Quinte because of its stable workforce and relaxed atmosphere. "Sears, Network Transport and Halla Climate Control all chose Quinte for those reasons and that's nice to see." In the 1990s, Belanger says there are indications more new business will come Quinte's way. He says western Ontario and Toronto are saturated and companies are now looking east. "The only way for the region to go is to have all the answers when they come knocking and co-operate in having land serviced and ready to go."