Belle River residents receiving new postal codes as the community grows
Residents in Belle River will be getting new postal codes, a move Canada Post says is being made because of the community's growth. But some residents say they're not looking forward to the change.
Canada Post announced the change from a the single N0R 1A0 code used for the entire Belle River delivery area to a series of postal codes that align with their typical postal code distribution.
Residents received noticed in the mail last week advising them of the change.
Canada Post told CBC News the change factors in Belle River's growth.
"These postal code changes will allow better processing of mail and parcels and improve service to the community," a spokesperson said in a statement.
The agency says it tries to avoid postal code changes, but sometimes changes are needed to accommodate growth or delivery route adjustments, among other reasons.
"Customers will also be provided with free mail forwarding services for 12 months to allow them time to update their addresses with those who send them mail."
A postal code's first three characters determine the geographical region, while the last three characters correspond to a range of local addresses or large-volume receiver, like a community mailbox, apartment building, or a specific side of the street, the agency said.
But some residents say they aren't happy with the change.
'Putting us to the test,' residents say of postal code change
"It means changing everything under the sun," said Belle River resident Beverly Svarc, who recalled when her street name was changed years ago.
"Doctors, Canada pension … your income tax, doctors, dentists, eyes, you name it. It's really putting us to the test and I don't think it's right. I don't think they have to do it."
Heather Moore is a Belle River resident who says the new postal code change should be applied to new subdivisions and buildings. (Dax Melmer/CBC)
"We got a notice in the mail to say that it was changing," said Heather Moore, another resident. "Both my husband and I are upset because it's really, really inconvenient.
"Why don't, if they're going to do new postal codes, then do it to the newer subdivisions and stuff."
Ron Blake, another Belle River resident who recently got notice of the change, called it "stupid."
"I don't know why they're doing that. Now, I have got to change everything ... One thing after another."
Change shows the community's growth
Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey and Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt, as well as the councillor representing Belle River, Kelsey Santarossa, declined to comment. Santarossa directed questions to Canada Post.
Frazier Fathers is Windsor researcher. He says the change is a sign of Belle River's growth.
"They're just reaching a point where they're going to rationalize those numbers in some way," Fathers said.
"It's becoming part of that urban, suburban area."
