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The City of Belleville is advancing the redevelopment of the former Queen Mary School site into a mixed-use area that provides affordable rental housing while preserving valued community green space. This project responds to growing local housing needs and follows Council’s directive to balance new development with the protection of parkland.
The underutilized 4.23-acre site will be transformed into a combination of affordable residential units and a public park. Highlights of the project include:
Reuse or redevelopment of the existing Queen Mary School building
Construction of new affordable housing units
Long-term affordability secured through agreements with the successful developer
Protection of approximately 1.47 acres of parkland at the northwest corner, consistent with the existing playground
Alignment with the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund Housing Action Plan
The initiative supports Belleville’s broader goals of improving housing availability and fostering inclusive, sustainable neighbourhoods. A Building Condition Assessment has been completed to assist developers in preparing proposals and to explore options for effectively reusing the former school building.
The redevelopment process will be guided by a formal Request for Proposals, which outlines key selection criteria, including:
Number and type of housing units
Commitment to long-term affordability
Compliance with zoning regulations
Adaptive reuse potential of the former school building
Commitment to invest in the upgrade and expansion of the existing parkland
Proponent qualifications and delivery timelines
A survey and appraisal of the site have been completed, and Council has endorsed the use of Community Improvement Plan Program 6: Municipal Lands Program to facilitate the Request for Proposals.
The Request for Proposals for the developable portions of the site has now been released and is available for review on the City's Bids and Tenders website.
The selected proponent will then proceed with the development of the affordable housing project, aligned with pre-established development timelines confirmed with the City, as part of the land sale.
Stay Informed:
Stay informed and get involved in this important community project by visiting the City’s website and subscribing to this project page. You can subscribe to be notified as the project reaches key milestones, request draft reports through the site, participate in upcoming public meetings (with details shared via this project page and mailing list), and share your feedback by completing the online comment form.
The City of Belleville is advancing the redevelopment of the former Queen Mary School site into a mixed-use area that provides affordable rental housing while preserving valued community green space. This project responds to growing local housing needs and follows Council’s directive to balance new development with the protection of parkland.
The underutilized 4.23-acre site will be transformed into a combination of affordable residential units and a public park. Highlights of the project include:
Reuse or redevelopment of the existing Queen Mary School building
Construction of new affordable housing units
Long-term affordability secured through agreements with the successful developer
Protection of approximately 1.47 acres of parkland at the northwest corner, consistent with the existing playground
Alignment with the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund Housing Action Plan
The initiative supports Belleville’s broader goals of improving housing availability and fostering inclusive, sustainable neighbourhoods. A Building Condition Assessment has been completed to assist developers in preparing proposals and to explore options for effectively reusing the former school building.
The redevelopment process will be guided by a formal Request for Proposals, which outlines key selection criteria, including:
Number and type of housing units
Commitment to long-term affordability
Compliance with zoning regulations
Adaptive reuse potential of the former school building
Commitment to invest in the upgrade and expansion of the existing parkland
Proponent qualifications and delivery timelines
A survey and appraisal of the site have been completed, and Council has endorsed the use of Community Improvement Plan Program 6: Municipal Lands Program to facilitate the Request for Proposals.
The Request for Proposals for the developable portions of the site has now been released and is available for review on the City's Bids and Tenders website.
The selected proponent will then proceed with the development of the affordable housing project, aligned with pre-established development timelines confirmed with the City, as part of the land sale.
Stay Informed:
Stay informed and get involved in this important community project by visiting the City’s website and subscribing to this project page. You can subscribe to be notified as the project reaches key milestones, request draft reports through the site, participate in upcoming public meetings (with details shared via this project page and mailing list), and share your feedback by completing the online comment form.
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The City of Belleville has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of the former Queen Mary Public School property, advancing a significant opportunity to increase the supply of affordable housing in the community.
The project site includes the former school property at 41 Octavia St. and has been identified as a priority location for residential development that supports the City's housing goals while preserving valuable community green space.
As part of the project, the existing 1.47-acre park located at the corner of Octavia and Catherine streets will be maintained. Proponents are encouraged to commit to enhancing or upgrading the existing park as part of their proposed development concept.
To support project viability and help reduce development costs, the City will use funding received through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to rebate the cost of the land back to the successful proponent as they hit key development milestones. This investment is intended to help facilitate the construction of new affordable housing units while maximizing the long-term community benefit of the site.
The successful proposal must include a minimum of 50 per cent affordable rental units. Affordable rental rates for this project are defined as less than 80 per cent of the Median Market Rent for Belleville, based on the most recent values published in the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Rental Market Survey. Proponents are encouraged to exceed this minimum requirement and explore innovative housing solutions that address local housing needs.
“Creating more affordable housing is one of the most important priorities facing communities across Ontario, and Belleville is committed to being part of the solution,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “This project will help deliver much-needed housing while preserving neighbourhood green space and making strategic use of Housing Accelerator Fund dollars to reduce development costs. We look forward to receiving proposals that will transform this site into a vibrant community asset for current and future residents.”
Submitted proposals will be evaluated using a comprehensive set of criteria, including:
Experience and qualifications of the proponent
Overall conceptual site plan
Proposed added-value components
Financial plan and project schedule
Housing affordability
Incorporation of the adaptive re-use of the existing Queen Mary school building
The City invites proposals from qualified developers and housing providers with demonstrated experience delivering affordable housing projects. The City is seeking innovative, financially viable solutions that prioritize housing affordability, high-quality design and timely project delivery while creating lasting benefits for the community.
The RFP is open until Aug. 24, 2026. Interested proponents can view the complete RFP document and submission requirements on the Bids and Tenders portal.
The City of Belleville has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of the former Queen Mary Public School property, advancing a significant opportunity to increase the supply of affordable housing in the community.
The project site includes the former school property at 41 Octavia St. and has been identified as a priority location for residential development that supports the City's housing goals while preserving valuable community green space.
As part of the project, the existing 1.47-acre park located at the corner of Octavia and Catherine streets will be maintained. Proponents are encouraged to commit to enhancing or upgrading the existing park as part of their proposed development concept.
To support project viability and help reduce development costs, the City will use funding received through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to rebate the cost of the land back to the successful proponent as they hit key development milestones. This investment is intended to help facilitate the construction of new affordable housing units while maximizing the long-term community benefit of the site.
The successful proposal must include a minimum of 50 per cent affordable rental units. Affordable rental rates for this project are defined as less than 80 per cent of the Median Market Rent for Belleville, based on the most recent values published in the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Rental Market Survey. Proponents are encouraged to exceed this minimum requirement and explore innovative housing solutions that address local housing needs.
“Creating more affordable housing is one of the most important priorities facing communities across Ontario, and Belleville is committed to being part of the solution,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “This project will help deliver much-needed housing while preserving neighbourhood green space and making strategic use of Housing Accelerator Fund dollars to reduce development costs. We look forward to receiving proposals that will transform this site into a vibrant community asset for current and future residents.”
Submitted proposals will be evaluated using a comprehensive set of criteria, including:
Experience and qualifications of the proponent
Overall conceptual site plan
Proposed added-value components
Financial plan and project schedule
Housing affordability
Incorporation of the adaptive re-use of the existing Queen Mary school building
The City invites proposals from qualified developers and housing providers with demonstrated experience delivering affordable housing projects. The City is seeking innovative, financially viable solutions that prioritize housing affordability, high-quality design and timely project delivery while creating lasting benefits for the community.
The RFP is open until Aug. 24, 2026. Interested proponents can view the complete RFP document and submission requirements on the Bids and Tenders portal.
