kids encyclopedia robot

Belleville, Ontario facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Belleville
City (single-tier)
City of Belleville
Skyline of Downtown Belleville
Skyline of Downtown Belleville
Official logo of Belleville
Logo
Nickname(s): 
Bellevegas
Motto(s): 
The Friendly City
Belleville is located in Southern Ontario
Belleville
Belleville
Location in Southern Ontario
Country Canada
Province Ontario
County Hastings
Settled 1789
Named 1816
Incorporated 1836 (as police village)
Incorporated as city 1878
Area
 • Land 247.21 km2 (95.45 sq mi)
 • Metro
741.36 km2 (286.24 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)
 • City (single-tier) 55,071
 • Density 222.8/km2 (577/sq mi)
 • Metro
111,184
 • Metro density 83.1/km2 (215/sq mi)
Gross Metropolitan Product
 • Belleville CMA CA$5.1 billion (2020)
Time zone UTC−5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Postal Code FSA
K8N, K8P, K8R
Area codes 613, 343, 753
Website www.belleville.ca

Belleville is a city in Ontario, Canada. It is located on the eastern side of Lake Ontario. The city sits where the Moira River meets the Bay of Quinte. Belleville is found between the cities of Ottawa and Toronto. It is part of the busy Quebec City-Windsor Corridor. In 2021, about 55,071 people lived in Belleville. The larger area around it, called the Census Metropolitan Area, had a population of 111,184. Belleville is the main city of Hastings County. However, it runs its own government and is not part of the county's political system. It is also the main hub for the Bay of Quinte Region.

Belleville's History: From Creek to City

Belleville, Ontario (1900)
Front Street in Belleville, around 1900.
HCM188 (Front Street Belleville Ontario 1972) (32697637021)
Front Street in 1972.
Belleville Armouries
The Belleville Armoury is a historic building.
Highway 401 - Belleville 2001
A flowerbed next to Highway 401 near Belleville.

Belleville was first known as Singleton's Creek. This name came from an early settler, George Singleton. Later, it was called Meyer's Creek. This name honored John Walden Meyers, who was important in starting the settlement. He built a sawmill and a grist mill there.

In 1816, a leader named Sir Francis Gore visited the settlement. His wife, Lady Annabella Gore, was with him. The town was then renamed Belleville in her honor.

Henry Corby moved to Belleville in 1832. He opened a grocery store and other businesses. He also started the H. Corby Distillery. Henry Corby helped the town grow and was even a member of Parliament.

His son, Henry Corby Jr. (Harry), continued his father's work. He gave money to build the public library. He also helped create the park at Massassaga Point. Harry Corby set up a charity fund. He also helped build the first bridge over the Bay of Quinte. He donated land for Corby Park.

In 1836, Belleville became an official village. By 1846, it had 2,040 people. Many stone buildings were built, like a jail and a courthouse. There were also seven churches. People traveled by stagecoach or steamboat. Two newspapers were printed every week. The post office received mail daily.

The town also had small factories. These included cloth factories, a paper mill, and grist mills. There were also tanneries and breweries. The oldest house still standing was built in 1814.

When the Grand Trunk Railway was finished in 1856, Belleville became a key railway stop. This, along with a strong lumber trade and good farming, helped the town grow. Belleville became a town in 1850.

In 1858, an iron bridge was built over the Moira River. It was the first iron bridge in Hastings County. By 1865, the population reached 6,000. Telephone service started in 1883. Electricity became available in 1885. In 1886, the town began offering water service.

In 1870, Ontario's first school for the deaf opened in Belleville. It was later renamed the Sir James Whitney School. This school helped many students with special needs.

Belleville's city hall was built in 1873. It first held a public market and offices. In 1877, Belleville officially became a city.

In 1998, Belleville joined with the nearby Township of Thurlow. This made the city bigger. It also took in parts of Quinte West to the west.

Some well-known companies started here. These include Dixie Lee Fried Chicken in 1964. Journey's End Corporation, an economy hotel chain, started in 1978.

Belleville's Location and Climate

Belleville is located where the Moira River flows into the Bay of Quinte. It is in southeastern Ontario. To the west is Quinte West. To the east is Napanee.

Major roads connect these cities. These include Highway 2 and Highway 401. Highway 37 goes north from Belleville towards Tweed. Highway 62 goes north towards Madoc. It also goes south to Prince Edward County over the Bay Bridge.

Belleville is sometimes seen as part of Central Ontario. Other times, it is considered part of Eastern Ontario. This is because it uses the area code 613 and a "K" postal code, which are common in Eastern Ontario.

Belleville's Neighbourhoods

Besides the main city center, Belleville includes many smaller communities. These are like villages and hamlets. Some of them are Bayshore, Cannifton, Corbyville, and Foxboro. Other communities include Gilead, Halloway, and Honeywell Corners. Latta, Loyalist, and Philipston are also part of Belleville. Plainfield, Pointe Anne, and Roslin (partially) are included. Thrasher's Corners, Thurlow, Thurlow South, and Zion Hill are also within the city limits.

Belleville's Weather

Belleville has four clear seasons. Its weather is called a humid continental climate. This means it has hot summers and cold winters. But Lake Ontario helps to make the weather less extreme. The lake cools hot summer days. It also warms cold days in fall and winter.

Because of the lake, there is less snow in winter. More rain falls during the colder months. Severe thunderstorms are not common in summer. This is due to the lake breeze. The city is also not in a good spot for heavy lake effect snow. However, in December 2010, 14 cm of snow fell in one day from a lake snow band.

Summer temperatures are usually not too hot. But humidity can make them feel uncomfortable. Summer rain comes from thunderstorms or warm fronts. Sometimes, leftover tropical storms bring a day or two of steady rain.

Winter weather changes a lot. Temperatures can be above freezing one week. The next week might bring cold and snow. Autumn is usually mild. Rain increases in late September as fall storms begin.

The hottest temperature ever recorded in Belleville was 40.0°C (104°F) on July 9, 1936. The coldest was -39.4°C (-39°F) on February 9, 1934.

Climate data for Belleville, 1981−2010 normals, extremes 1866−present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 14.5
(58.1)		 13.0
(55.4)		 23.0
(73.4)		 29.0
(84.2)		 35.0
(95.0)		 35.6
(96.1)		 40.0
(104.0)		 36.1
(97.0)		 35.0
(95.0)		 28.3
(82.9)		 22.2
(72.0)		 16.5
(61.7)		 40.0
(104.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −2.2
(28.0)		 −0.5
(31.1)		 4.1
(39.4)		 11.7
(53.1)		 18.7
(65.7)		 23.9
(75.0)		 26.8
(80.2)		 25.7
(78.3)		 21.0
(69.8)		 13.7
(56.7)		 7.2
(45.0)		 1.2
(34.2)		 12.6
(54.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) −6.7
(19.9)		 −5.1
(22.8)		 −0.4
(31.3)		 7.0
(44.6)		 13.7
(56.7)		 19.0
(66.2)		 21.8
(71.2)		 20.8
(69.4)		 16.3
(61.3)		 9.5
(49.1)		 3.6
(38.5)		 −2.6
(27.3)		 8.1
(46.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −11.1
(12.0)		 −9.7
(14.5)		 −5
(23)		 2.3
(36.1)		 8.7
(47.7)		 14.0
(57.2)		 16.9
(62.4)		 15.9
(60.6)		 11.7
(53.1)		 5.3
(41.5)		 0.1
(32.2)		 −6.3
(20.7)		 3.6
(38.5)
Record low °C (°F) −37.8
(−36.0)		 −39.4
(−38.9)		 −29.4
(−20.9)		 −17.2
(1.0)		 −7.2
(19.0)		 0.0
(32.0)		 6.1
(43.0)		 3.3
(37.9)		 −1.7
(28.9)		 −10
(14)		 −22.2
(−8.0)		 −34.4
(−29.9)		 −39.4
(−38.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 67.3
(2.65)		 58.1
(2.29)		 62.4
(2.46)		 75.8
(2.98)		 81.3
(3.20)		 74.5
(2.93)		 65.1
(2.56)		 75.5
(2.97)		 91.9
(3.62)		 85.2
(3.35)		 95.7
(3.77)		 79.1
(3.11)		 911.6
(35.89)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 30.6
(1.20)		 29.4
(1.16)		 40.3
(1.59)		 69.2
(2.72)		 81.2
(3.20)		 74.5
(2.93)		 65.1
(2.56)		 75.5
(2.97)		 91.9
(3.62)		 84.9
(3.34)		 84.7
(3.33)		 44.6
(1.76)		 771.9
(30.39)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 36.8
(14.5)		 28.6
(11.3)		 22.1
(8.7)		 6.5
(2.6)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.2
(0.1)		 11.0
(4.3)		 34.5
(13.6)		 139.7
(55.0)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 15.4 11.8 12.0 12.2 12.4 11.6 9.7 10.5 11.3 13.5 14.0 14.2 148.6
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 5.3 4.9 7.4 11.0 12.3 11.6 9.7 10.5 11.3 13.4 11.4 7.5 116.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 11.7 8.5 6.4 2.1 0.04 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.12 3.7 8.8 41.2
Source: Environment Canada

Who Lives in Belleville?

Bridge Street United Church
Bridge Street United Church.

In 2021, the city of Belleville had about 55,071 people. This was an increase from 2016. The larger Belleville - Quinte West area had 111,184 people.

Most people in Belleville are of European background (85.1%). About 5.6% are Indigenous. About 9.3% are from other visible minority groups. The largest of these groups are South Asian (3.9%), Black (1.3%), and Filipino (0.9%).

Most residents (89.7%) speak English as their first language. A smaller number speak French (1.5%). Other languages include Gujarati, Punjabi, Spanish, and Chinese.

In terms of religion, 53.4% of people in Belleville are Christian. This includes Protestants (22.7%) and Catholics (19.8%). About 42.1% of residents do not follow a religion. Other religions like Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam are also present.

Belleville's Economy: Jobs and Shopping

Belleville is home to many different companies. These companies help the city's economy.

Some big companies with operations in Belleville include:

  • Procter & Gamble
  • Kellogg's
  • Bardon Supplies Limited
  • Redpath
  • W.T. Hawkins Ltd
  • Sigma Stretch Film Canada
  • Autosystems Manufacturing (Magna International)
  • Amer Sports Canada
  • Avaya (formerly Nortel)

Many other manufacturing companies are also in Belleville. These make things like life sciences products, food, and car parts. Examples are Bioniche Life Sciences, Sprague Foods, and Berry Plastics Canada. Parmalat Canada and Norampac Inc are also here.

Belleville has two main shopping malls. These are The Bay View Mall and the Quinte Mall. The Quinte Mall is located along Bell Boulevard. In 2017, a Shorelines Casino opened on Bell Boulevard.

Fun Things to Do in Belleville: Arts, Culture, and Sports

Belleville offers many activities in arts, culture, and sports.

Theatre and Dance

  • Pinnacle Playhouse
  • The Empire Theatre
  • Moonpath Productions
  • Quinte Ballet School of Canada

Yearly Events

Belleville hosts many events throughout the year:

  • January: Civic Levee
  • February: Downtown Docfest
  • March: Quinte Sportsman Boat & RV Show
  • May: Quinte Trash Bash, 5k Fun Run, Front Street Farmers Market
  • June: Berrylicious, Rockfest, Quinte Ballet School of Canada Spring Showcase
  • July: Belleville's Canada D'Eh, Waterfront and Ethnic Festival, Belleville Poutine Feast, Quinte Ballet School of Canada Summer Dance Intensive, Belleville Jazz Festival
  • August: Quinte Ribfest, Dragon Boat Festival
  • September: Quinte Fall Fair and Exhibition, Porchfest Belleville
  • November: Belleville Festival of Trees, Belleville Nighttime Santa Claus Parade, Christmas at the Pier
  • December: Quinte Ballet School of Canada performs Holiday Dance (from "The Nutcracker"), Christmas at the Pier

Sports in Belleville

Belleville is home to the Belleville Senators. This is a professional ice hockey team. They play in the American Hockey League (AHL). They are connected to the National Hockey League's Ottawa Senators. The Senators play at the CAA Arena.

Before the Senators, the Belleville Bulls played in the Ontario Hockey League. They played from 1981 to 2015. Belleville also had two senior hockey teams: the Belleville Macs and the Belleville McFarlands. The McFarlands won the Allan Cup in 1958. They also won the World Championship in 1959.

The Bay of Quinte Yacht Club is also in Belleville. They even challenged for the America's Cup in 1881. Belleville has minor hockey teams too, like the Belleville Bearcats (girls) and the Belleville Jr. Bulls (boys).

Shannonville Motorsport Park is nearby. It hosts car and motorcycle races.

Getting Around and Healthcare in Belleville

VIA Rail train 57 arrives in Belleville 6138 (6997681427)
A VIA Rail train arriving at Belleville station.

Transportation

Belleville is connected by the 401 highway. Bus service to Toronto Pearson International Airport is available through Megabus. Deseronto Transit offers public transportation to nearby towns.

Belleville is on the main train lines between Toronto and Montreal. Both Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway use these lines for freight. VIA Rail also runs passenger trains five times a day in each direction.

Main Roads in Belleville

  • Highway 62
  • Highway 37/Cannifton Road Parkway
  • Highway 2/Dundas Street
  • Bell Boulevard/Adam Street
  • College Street/Airport Parkway

Hospital

Belleville General Hospital is the city's main hospital. It is part of Quinte Health Care. The main office for Quinte Health Care is located at the Belleville hospital.

Learning in Belleville: Schools and Colleges

Loyalist College Kente Building 09-22-23 (IMG 4407)
The front entrance of Loyalist College in 2023.

Colleges

  • The Academy of Learning College is a local college in east Belleville.
  • Loyalist College is a public community college. It is located near the border of Belleville and Quinte West.

Public Schools

Public schools are managed by the Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board. Catholic schools are managed by the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.

High Schools

  • Centennial Secondary School
  • Eastside Secondary School
  • Bayside Secondary School (located in Quinte West)

Elementary Schools

  • Susanna Moodie Elementary School
  • Parkdale Public Elementary School
  • Queen Elizabeth Elementary School
  • Prince of Wales Elementary School
  • Harry J. Clarke Elementary School (offers French immersion)
  • Queen Victoria Elementary School
  • Sir John A Macdonald School
  • Prince Charles Elementary School
  • Foxboro Public School
  • Bayside Elementary School (offers French immersion)
  • Harmony Public School

Catholic Schools

These schools are managed by the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.

High Schools

  • Nicholson Catholic College
  • St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School

Elementary Schools

  • Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School
  • St Michael's Catholic School (French immersion)
  • St Joseph's Catholic School
  • Georges Vanier Catholic School
  • Holy Rosary Catholic School
  • Saint Maracle Catholic School

Special Schools

  • Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf
  • Sagonaska School

Private Schools

  • Albert College (for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12)
  • Academy of Learning College
  • Quinte Ballet School of Canada
  • Quinte Christian High School
  • Belleville Christian School
  • Belleville Montessori School

Belleville's Media: News and Entertainment

Print Media

  • Belleville Intelligencer (published Tuesday through Saturday)
  • Community Press (published every Thursday)

Radio Stations

Frequency Call sign Branding Format Owner Notes
AM 800 CJBQ CJBQ 800 Full service Quinte Broadcasting
FM 90.3 CBO-FM-1 CBC Radio One Talk radio, public radio Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Rebroadcasts CBO-FM from Ottawa
FM 91.3 CJLX-FM 91X Campus radio Loyalist College
FM 94.3 CJBC-1-FM Ici Radio-Canada Première Talk radio, public radio Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Rebroadcasts CJBC from Toronto
FM 95.5 CJOJ-FM 95.5 Hits FM Adult hits Starboard Communications
FM 97.1 CIGL-FM Mix 97 Hot adult contemporary Quinte Broadcasting
FM 100.1 CHCQ-FM Cool 100.1 Country music Starboard Communications
FM 102.3 CKJJ-FM UCB Radio Christian radio United Christian Broadcasters Canada
FM 107.1 CJTN-FM Rock 107 Classic rock Quinte Broadcasting

Television Stations

OTA virtual channel (PSIP) OTA actual channel Call sign Network Notes
22.1 22 (UHF) CICO-DT-53 TVOntario Rebroadcasts CICA-DT from Toronto
OTA virtual channel (PSIP) OTA actual channel Call sign Network Notes
4 & 700 4 (Cable TV only) YourTV Quinte YourTV Part of Cogeco Community TV

Online News

  • Quinte News
  • QNet News
  • InQuinte.ca

Belleville's Sister Cities

Belleville has special partnerships with three cities outside of Canada. These are called sister city arrangements.

Famous People from Belleville

Many notable people have connections to Belleville.

  • Lee Aaron, a hard rock and jazz singer.
  • Lauren Ash, an actress known for Superstore.
  • Drew Bannister, a professional ice hockey player.
  • Sir MacKenzie Bowell, who was Canada's fifth Prime Minister.
  • Stevie Cameron, an award-winning journalist and author.
  • James Collip, who helped discover insulin.
  • Matt Cooke, an NHL hockey player.
  • Nick Cousins, an NHL player.
  • Marc Crawford, an NHL head coach.
  • Herbert Henry Dow, who founded Dow Chemical.
  • Rick Green, a retired NHL player.
  • Ellie Anne Harvie, an actress.
  • Bobby Hull, a Hockey Hall of Fame member.
  • Brett Hull, Bobby's son, also a Hockey Hall of Fame member.
  • Dennis Hull, Bobby's younger brother, played for 1972 Team Canada.
  • Frances Itani, a writer and poet.
  • Avril Lavigne, a Canadian singer and songwriter, born in Belleville.
  • James Marker, the inventor of Cheezies.
  • Rick Meagher, a retired NHL player.
  • Farley Mowat, a famous author, born in Belleville.
  • Brian Orser, a figure skater and coach.
  • Shawn O'Sullivan, an Olympic silver medalist boxer.
  • Andrew Raycroft, an NHL goaltender.
  • Brad Richardson, an NHL forward.
  • Alexander Milton Ross, an abolitionist who helped the Underground Railroad.
  • Andrew Shaw, a retired NHL player.
  • Derek Smith, an NHL forward.
  • Matt Stajan, an NHL forward who lived in Belleville.
  • Alex Stieda, a former professional road bicycle racer.
  • John Weldon, an animated movie director and Oscar winner.
  • Ed Westfall, a retired NHL player.
  • The Wilkinsons, a country music group.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Belleville (Ontario) para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Belleville, Ontario Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.