Greater Napanee Council voted 4-3 to renew its contract with the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board (BQRMB) for three years, despite a push for a shorter term.
Tiffany Lloyd of Greater Napanee Connect requested a one-year renewal instead of three. She argued this would give her new nonprofit time to develop and eventually provide local tourism and marketing services. Lloyd has been working on community engagement projects, including restarting Shout Outs, planning a fire truck pull fundraiser, and reviving the Guitars & Cars event.
CAO Matthew Grant recommended the three-year renewal, saying the $26,162 annual investment offers good value. BQRMB provides destination marketing, job promotion, business resources, and tourism development. Grant emphasized that Greater Napanee Connect and BQRMB serve different purposes and could coexist.
Some councillors supported a more localized marketing approach, while others pointed to BQRMB’s long-term benefits, such as helping Belleville secure the Canadian National Soccer Championships.
Councillors Bill Martin, Bob Norrie, and Deputy Mayor Brian Calver voted against the three-year deal, favoring a more flexible approach. However, the majority backed Grant’s recommendation, ensuring BQRMB will continue handling Napanee’s regional marketing efforts.
Written by Emily Chatwood
