BOQ is Buzzin'

Together With

Gooood morning Bay of Quinte!

After months of collectively willing summer into existence, the heat has finally arrived in full force and right on cue.

If you slept with your windows open last night, you’ll understand this:

Confused About Market Shifts?

Presented by Tara Lyons

Home prices, interest rates, and inventory are changing fast in the area. Don't make costly decisions based on outdated information. Since 1999, Team Lyons has helped thousands navigate local market changes, achieving what feels undoable - finding perfect homes within budget and selling within tight timelines.

Get the insider insights successful buyers and sellers are using right now.

Do not miss this June market report.

Pollinator-Friendly Gardens

The scoop: Our city is taking its Bee City designation seriously with major upgrades to pollinator habitats. Natural gardens are popping up everywhere, from East Zwick's Park to West Riverside Park. The city's also considering a new by-law that would let residents create their own pollinator paradises.

Why this matters to you:
- Natural gardens help increase local biodiversity and support our food system
- You could soon have the freedom to grow native plants in your yard legally

The details:
- Multiple parks now feature designated natural areas
- West Riverside Park hosts a specialized bee garden with native species
- New by-law vote scheduled for next week
- Current locations: East Zwick's Park and Clifford Sonny Belch Park

Real talk: While some folks might see unmowed areas as messy, these natural spaces are actually working hard to keep our local ecosystem healthy and buzzing.

What's next: Watch for the upcoming by-law vote next week that could green-light natural gardens on residential properties. Want to learn more about creating your own pollinator garden? Visit Belleville.ca/Pollinators.

(Source: City of Belleville Facebook) Read More →

News Notes

🚣 Quick-Thinking Neighbour Saves Students in Lake Drama
Three students got more than a sunrise view when their canoe capsized on Stoco Lake in Tweed. A local hero sprang into action with his pontoon boat after hearing their calls for help. Here's your reminder; wearing a life jacket isn't optional, it's essential. (OPP East) Read More →

🎯 Local Athlete Throws His Way to US Nationals
Eastside Secondary's Aidan Crawford is making Belleville proud. The Quinte Legion Lynx athlete has qualified in both discus and javelin for the prestigious New Balance US Nationals. This remarkable achievement comes just before Crawford heads to Mount St Mary's University in Maryland this autumn. (InQuinte) Read More →

👔 New Leadership at Trenval Community Futures
A fresh chapter begins as Graham Copestake steps in as Executive Director at Trenval Community Futures. He brings over a decade of experience in private and non-profit sectors. Copestake succeeds Amber Darling's remarkable 30-year tenure. His background includes strategic planning and community development at Loyalist College and Hastings County. (Belleville Intelligencer) Read More →

🚗 Quinte West Roads Getting Safety Makeover
Four local streets are getting clever new safety features this June. The city will install smart solutions like speed humps and flexible posts on Couch Crescent, Lester Road, Montrose Road, and Moira Street West. These changes aim to make our neighbourhoods safer for everyone, though expect brief delays during installation. (Quintewest) Read More →

🎉 Front Street Festival Brings Local Favourites Downtown
Mark your calendars for a proper shop-till-you-drop experience! Our beloved Front Street is transforming into a bustling marketplace with dozens of local vendors setting up shop. You'll find everything from handmade crafts to mouth-watering treats from our community's finest makers. (Downtown Belleville FB) Read More →

🐾 Local Brewery Launches Beef-Flavoured 'Beer' for Dogs
A Belleville favourite, Signal Brewing, is making happy hour truly inclusive with their new "Ale Hound" brew for four-legged friends. This tail-wagging treat uses locally sourced Angus beef bones from Meaford's Higginson Farms. Here's the best part - each purchase helps our local humane society with a $0.75 donation. (Instagram) Read More →

Dual Citizen? Your U.S. Tax Obligations Haven’t Gone Away.

Presented by Stateside Tax

If you were born in the U.S. or have dual citizenship, you may need to file annual U.S. tax returns—even if you’ve lived in Canada your whole life. At Stateside Tax Solutions, our team helps you understand and meet your IRS obligations with confidence.

Get expert advice here.

Events

🎸 Dead Root Revival Summer Solstice Show | June 21 | 8:00 PM | Signal Brewery
Kick off summer with raw, electrifying rock and roll under the solstice sky, complete with cold brews and soul-shaking tunes for just $20 advance/$30 door.

🎲 ALCDSB Foundation 50/50 Raffle | Until June 20th | Online via Rafflebox
Take a chance at winning over $10,000 while helping local Catholic school families in need - the pot's already hit $20K and climbing!

🛍️ Side Hustle Vintage Market | June 22 | 10AM-3PM | Market Square, 169 Front St, Belleville
Treasure hunters will delight in this eclectic marketplace featuring vintage clothing, retro toys, antiques, and homemade treats - complete with tarot readings and old-fashioned fudge to sweeten the deal.

🌅 Downtown @ Dusk | Friday June 20 | 4-8 PM | Downtown Belleville
Stroll through the heart of downtown for an evening of live music, sidewalk sales, and al fresco dining under the summer sky.

🚲 Kids' Bike Safety Fun Day | Saturday July 15 | 10 AM - 12 PM | Children's Safety Village, Belleville
Little cyclists will learn the rules of the road through hands-on activities at this free family-friendly safety workshop.

🎭 Comedy Country Returns with Star-Studded 11th Season
Mark your calendars for thirteen hilarious shows coming to Prince Edward County this summer. The beloved comedy festival features award-winning headliners like Geri Hall and Ali Hassan. And yes, they've even squeezed in some holiday laughs for December. Local talent joins big-city comics at venues across The County from July through December. (Belleville Intelligencer) Read More →

_{Note: Events may be cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to see our event calendar and reach out to the venue before going.}

Before You Go

Weather Forecast

Thursday: 🌦️ High 22°C / Low 15°C - Light rain
Friday: ☁️ High 24°C / Low 15°C - Overcast clouds
Saturday: 🌦️ High 22°C / Low 17°C - Light rain

🌡️ View current weather here.

🚗 See live traffic here.

⛽ Check out local gas prices here.

Signing Off

Get some shade this weekend and check into a local restaurant for a cold water beer. Share this with someone who owes you a cold one.

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