The City of Belleville is pleased to announce the selection of Monique Belair as its Director of Fire and Emergency Services and Fire Chief and welcome her to the City of Belleville.

Chief Belair is a skilled Fire Services leader with over 30 years of knowledge and experience planning, developing and implementing programs and processes in the fire services and field of emergency management. Chief Belair has over 7 years experience in the role of Deputy Fire Chief with the City of St. Catharines and most recently the Town of Oakville municipal fire services.

Ms. Belair started her career as one of five female firefighters serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. It was during this service that Chief Belair realized change was needed in the fire service. She proceeded to expand her portfolio by serving in roles within all divisions of fire services; including Communications, Prevention, Public Education, Investigation, and Training. To further enhance her knowledge and skills she took on leadership roles within the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management for the provision of fire protection services across Ontario. Chief Belair is a strong advocate for promoting diversity and inclusivity and demonstrates this commitment through several important initiatives including bringing Camp Molly to the Halton Region for young females. Chief Belair participates on several diversity, inclusivity and mental health committee’s. She also serves as a representative on multiple Board of Directors to ensure educational opportunities and awareness regarding diversity and inclusivity.

“We are very pleased that Monique Belair has accepted the position of Director of Fire and Emergency Services in Belleville,” said Rod Bovay, CAO, City of Belleville. “Chief Belair’s extensive experience includes working in communities which have ranged from the farthest northern rural regions to large urban city centres. In addition to her leadership role in Fire and Emergency Services, the City’s Executive Management Team welcomes her to the team and looks forward to benefitting from the valuable insight and experience she will contribute to the group.”

Mayor Mitch Panciuk welcomes Chief Belair to her new role. “The response to our posting for this position was amazing, providing exceptionally skilled and experienced candidates to choose from. I believe this speaks to our City’s reputation as a progressive community which offers career development opportunities in a setting residents are proud to call home. We extend a warm welcome to Chief Belair and the positive leadership skills she brings to Belleville.”

“The vast experience I have obtained from working with such a broad range of communities has provided me with unique opportunities to observe the diversity of fire service, identify risks specific to a community and contribute to the enhancement of fire protection services,” said Chief Monique Belair. “As the City of Belleville’s Fire Services Leader, I am committed to this exciting new challenge and look forward to fostering an open, collaborative and productive relationship with my Deputies, the training and prevention teams and firefighters for the provision of fire protection services and becoming a visible and integral part of the Belleville community.”

Monique Belair, will begin her new position as Director of Fire and Emergency Services and Fire Chief, effective June 28, 2021.