Are you ready to soup up your January?

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Gooood morning everybody! We’re back with BOQ Today - did something big happen in the news yesterday?

Today around the Bay:

• Loyalist College faculty could hit the picket lines

• Geen’s Medical Clinic opened it’s doors

• Stoutfest is BACK and bigger than ever

and much more…

But first - folks, check your pantry’s. The Health Canada recall list just went out and there’s a biggie in here (President’s Choice Salts with plastic contamination!).

Let’s dive in!

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TOP STORY

Loyalist College faculty could hit the picket lines as early as Thursday if contract talks with the College Employer Council stall. After three months without a deal, they’re pushing for better job security and working conditions. Mediation is underway—fingers crossed for a resolution before classes are disrupted! More here.

THE DIGEST

2025 Year Ahead By Municipality/Organization

PS: we just summarized the key highlights please click the links for interviews and full articles.

Belleville

Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis is gearing up for a big 2025, with plans to develop 500 acres of industrial land and attract over 25 new industries, bringing more jobs and strengthening the city’s tax base. After a record-breaking 2024 packed with business openings, including restaurants and private colleges, Ellis hinted at even bigger commercial announcements on the horizon. Queue the “but what about Costco?!” questions. Read more.

Quinte West

Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison has big plans for 2025, focusing on major infrastructure upgrades like a $440M wastewater system overhaul and road improvements. Housing projects, including Staikos Development and Klemencic Homes, are creating first-class living spaces, while recreation facilities like the YMCA and arenas are getting upgrades. Council’s also teaming up with provincial and federal reps to secure funding and keep the momentum going. Read More.

Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is focused on major priorities in 2025, including infrastructure, healthcare, and housing. Mayor Steve Ferguson has made Highway 49 the top priority, with $7M set aside in the budget, but the $52M project will depend on provincial and federal funding to move forward. Physician recruitment is also in the spotlight, with seven of 14 needed doctors already signed on and efforts ramping up to fill the rest. On the housing front, $18M from the province is driving water infrastructure upgrades, unlocking potential for thousands of new homes. Read more.

Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte

The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte are planning major projects for 2025, including $6M in water infrastructure upgrades and a feasibility study for a centralized sewage treatment plant. Other projects in the works include a new ambulance bay and an expanded police services building. Read more.

Bay of Quinte Marketing Board

The Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board is focused on bringing film production to the region in 2025. Executive Director Dug Stevenson shared that a big priority is working with local municipalities to establish policies on how they handle filmmakers, including providing services like police support. The goal is to have these policies approved by spring 2025, paving the way for a marketing campaign to attract film and television professionals to the area. Could the next Schitt’s Creek be filmed here? Read more.

Loyalist College

Loyalist College is feeling the squeeze from a federal cap on international study permits, with enrolment for fall 2024 already down 25% across its Belleville and Port Hope campuses. Deanne Saunders, VP of Strategic Planning, predicts this trend could worsen, potentially dropping by 50% in the next few years. The college is still working to understand what this means for its future, with clearer insights expected by the end of the fiscal year. Read more.

Didn’t find your city/town? Check out quintenews for more.

Changes Coming to Blue Box Recycling in 2025

Quinte Waste Solutions is wrapping up 35 years of service as blue box recycling in the Bay of Quinte transitions to new providers. Starting July 17, 2025, E360 Solutions will take over collection, with updated depot locations and services—plus, their hazardous and electronic waste programs will keep running strong. Full release.

Planning Ahead

Planning vacation time in the next year? Here’s all of the 2025 stat holidays.

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THE BUSINESS

Scalliwag Toys: End of An Era

It’s the end of an era in Belleville: Scalliwag Toys, a beloved staple for 40 years, is closing its doors for good at the end of January 2025. After decades of bringing joy, games, and memories to the community, the owners have made the tough decision not to renew their lease. Starting January 3, everything in the store is 40% off (excluding certain items), and there will be special gaming events until January 21. It’s a bittersweet farewell, but the impact Scalliwag Toys has had on the community will never be forgotten. All the details can be found here.

Geen’s Medical Clinic Opens in Belleville!

Mark your calendars—Geen’s Medical Clinic opens Monday, January 6th, at 9 AM, 305 N Front St. Walk-ins welcome, meet the doctor, and enjoy accessible, stress-free care. A great new healthcare option for our community! Geen’s website here.

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Stoutfest Is BACK!
Get ready for the ultimate winter event at Prince Eddy’s on February 1st, 2025! Local breweries will be serving up stouts galore, with live music, food, games, marshmallows roasting by the fire, and plenty of non-stout, non-beer, and non-alcoholic options to go around. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season, so bring everyone you know and mark your calendars! Want to be a vendor? Email [email protected].

Soup For a Cause
This January, Wild Lot is giving back with Soup For A Cause! They’re donating 100% of soup proceeds to the Picton Food Bank, plus aiming to collect 1000lbs of non-perishables. If they hit the goal, they’ll add $1000 to the donation. Warm up, give back, and support the cause!

Exhibition: Layers & Light 📍 Oeno Gallery, 2274 County Rd 1, Bloomfield, K0K 1G0, Canada 📅 January 7-13, 2025, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (daily)
This exhibition showcases a diverse collection of artworks, including paintings, glasswork, sculptures, and mixed media. The pieces highlight the techniques of layering to create intricate textures and unique forms. The interplay of shadow and light, especially during the winter season, adds a dynamic contrast that enhances the atmosphere and defines the forms within the artworks.

Belleville Senators vs. Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins 📍 CAA Arena, 265 Canifton Road, Belleville, ON 📅 Friday, January 10, 2025 🎟️ C$24.42 to C$56.60
Catch the Belleville Senators in action against the Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins! Don't miss out on the excitement—check availability and get your tickets now!

Quinte Film Alternative Presents: COUP! 📍 The Empire Theatre, 321 Front St, Belleville, ON 📅 Wednesday, January 8, 2025 🕒 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 🎟️ C$12.00
Set during the Spanish Flu of 1918, this film follows a mischievous cook who leads a revolt against his wealthy employer.

2 Night Workshop for Alcohol Ink and Posca Marker (6pc) 📍 22 Front St, Quinte West, ON, K8V 6C5 📅 Thursday, January 9, 2025, 6:00 pm
Join mixed media artist Brandy Calvert Ringelmann for a 2-night workshop where you'll learn to create with alcohol ink and Posca markers. You'll create 6 panels, each 8x8", with ink and marker. The workshop costs $60, including all materials. Limited seating available, so don't miss out on this opportunity for self-expression and creativity!

ART THEATRE & CULTRE

Ghost Light is coming to Hastings County!

Don’t miss this powerful one-man show by Canadian theatre legend Shawn Wright. Returning after an acclaimed run, Ghost Light tells the emotional story of Shawn’s late mother, an amateur actress, and her lasting impact on his passion for theatre. With humor, heart, and unforgettable storytelling, this performance will move you. Catch it in Tweed on January 29 & 30, or in Bancroft on February 1 & 2. Tickets start at $20.50 + HST—hurry, they’re selling fast! Get yours at www.tweedandcompany.com.

LAST CHANCE to join the 2025 PEC Studio Tour!

The deadline to apply for this year’s event is fast approaching—January 8th! Whether you’re an artist with a studio or a guest artist, this is your opportunity to showcase your work to art lovers across Prince Edward County and beyond. The PEC Studio Tour runs from September 19-21, 2025, and offers benefits like year-round promotion, marketing support, and membership perks. Don’t miss out—apply now at pecstudiotour.com before it’s too late!

Dept Of Illumination - Aurora Borealis Choir

The ABC Choir starts next Friday, January 10, and it's time to sing for the pure joy of it! Directed by Sam Hirst, the choir meets monthly at The Department of Illumination in Picton, with fun pop-up performances planned throughout the year. All are welcome, no matter your age or experience. Membership is $25 + HST for the year, and if this fee is a hardship, pay what you can. To register, etransfer $28.25 to [email protected]. Don’t miss out on this fun, casual choir experience!

LOCAL SPORTS INSIDER

CIVIL NEWS

Belleville

Speed Cameras

If you’re cruising around Belleville this week, keep an eye out for some changes on the road! The City of Belleville is relocating its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras to new spots starting between January 6 and 10.

Quinte West

Building Permits 2024

Quinte West wrapped up 2024 with a construction boom, issuing 680 permits worth $203M—up from 617 permits valued at $145M in 2023. December alone saw 60 permits, including 30 new residential units, marking a solid jump from the year before. More here.

Christmas Tree

Miss tree collection yesterday? No worries, have it out by 7am on Jan 13 or drop it off at the Frankford yard waste depot.

Prince Edward County

2024 Business Excellence Awards

The 2024 PEC Business Excellence Awards are almost closed for nominations. These awards celebrate local businesses for their excellence, community service, and contributions to Prince Edward County's economy and character. Nominations end January 7, 2025. For details on eligibility and how to submit, visit PEC Chamber's website.

We hope you enjoyed this edition! Remember to stay tuned to our website for daily updates!