🐝 It's going to be a long Winter ❄️

🐝 Gooood morning everybody! We’re back with the Bay of Quinte Buzz. The only email that you’ll actually read today… We won’t tell your boss. 🤐

In today’s buzz

• Real Estate Market Update 🏠

• Teddy Bear Toss for a cause 🧸

• City budgets and tax increases approved (bottom of newsletter) 💸

and more…

REAL ESTATE MARKET PULSE BY TEAM TARA LYONS

November saw a huge dip in PEC sales prices. Wondering what the market is like in your area? Watch the video below for the latest insights and updates on current market conditions.

Looking to buy or sell your home? Trust Team Tara Lyons for expert guidance and personalized service. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the market, they will help you find your dream home or get the best deal for your property. Check out the current listings here.*

THE DIGEST

Community Bakehouse: A Sweet Spot in Belleville
Heading to a holiday party or craving a treat? Visit the Community Bakehouse at 37 Pinnacle Street, Belleville. More than a bakery, it's a social enterprise offering delicious baked goods while supporting individuals with diverse abilities and addressing food security for seniors. Through employment and inclusivity, it strengthens the local community. Check them out here.

Doctor Recruitment
Belleville has signed McMaster University medical student Jack Moher to its Doctor Recruitment Program. Jack, a former nurse who was raised in Belleville, will complete his medical training and return to serve the community. He is the 55th physician recruited through this successful program. Full story here.

Weather
Brace yourselves for a wild winter ride. The Farmers’ Almanac predicts the region will see above-normal precipitation, so expect plenty of snow, rain, and everything in between. If you haven’t changed over the tires yet (you know who you are), check out this great mobile tire service in the area. To help, the City of Belleville offers free salt and sand at these locations; 📍 75 Wallbridge Cres. 📍 29 Ritz Rd. Bring a shovel and pail.

Travel
If you're avoiding bad weather, consider your departure airport when leaving the Bay of Quinte for a warm destination this winter. A new global ranking for 2024 criticized Canadian airlines and airports. AirHelp assessed on-time performance, customer satisfaction, and claim handling. Toronto Pearson and Air Canada ranked poorly both nationally and globally. Air Transat was 36th with a score of 6.82, WestJet 45th with 6.59, and Air Canada 91st with 5.13. Among airports, Billy Bishop ranked 124th (7.57), Ottawa 181st (7.28), Montréal 215th (7.04), and Toronto Pearson 227th (6.95).

Food Recall
Oh boy, Canada’s food recall list just got a little longer and if you’ve got cucumbers or bread in your kitchen, you might want to double-check those labels before you end up with an unexpected and very unwanted surprise. Full list here.

PRESENTED BY THE FIT COLLECTIVE

Everything you need and nothing you don't! Sign up for our 24/7 month-to-month gym membership HERE and don't forget to check out our class schedule to get you started on your fitness journey this New Year!

THE BUSINESS

Geen’s Medical Clinic 
Great news for the area! Set to open in January 2025, offering walk-in and family practice services to support the health and well-being of the community. Stay tuned for updates and get ready for exceptional care close to home. Check out the clinic website here

PEC Wine Club
Bay of Quinte wine-o’s, you’re in luck. Memorial Marketplace just announced its most recent signing with the PEC wine club hopping on board in Spring of 2025. PEC wine club has been operating at Base31 in Picton, and this will now expand the club into Belleville. You can find out more about the wine club here. Here’s what they had to say on instagram.

World’s Finest Chocolate
The World’s Finest Chocolate Factory Outlet Store in Campbellford, Ontario, will close permanently on December 31, 2024. This marks the end of a beloved community landmark, leaving a bittersweet void for locals and visitors who cherished its sweet offerings for decades. Full story here.

PRESENTED BY QUINTE SPORT AND SOCIAL CLUB

This is your last chance to save on the Quinte Sport and Social Club's upcoming Winter season!❄️💸 Teams who register before December 13th will save $50 on their team registration for the season. Message the group chat today and get your spot before it sells out! Sign up and save here.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

^{_{Some events need tickets and might be canceled or have different times. Check the event venue's website or contact them before you go}}

🎨 Kids Art Classes at these4walls gallery 
📅 December 10, 2024 @ 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 these 4 walls gallery, Trenton
Let your kids explore their creativity with fun art classes. More Info

🧶 Crochet Circle 
📅 December 10, 2024 @ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
📍 36 Bridge St E, Belleville
Join fellow crochet enthusiasts for a fun and relaxing evening. Get Tickets

🏒Gleaners Food Bank Night - Belleville Senators vs. Syracuse Crunch 
📅 December 11, 2024 @ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
📍 CAA Arena, Belleville
Cheer on the Belleville Senators in this exciting hockey match.
More Info

🎨 Fishing | Autumn Ducharme 
📅 December 13-15, 2024, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍 Melt Studio and Gallery, Base31, Picton
Explore the artistic works of Autumn Ducharme in this exhibition. More Info

🎻 “The Littlest Angel” Christmas Concert by the Carpe Diem String Ensemble 
📅 December 14, 2024 @ 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 J.M. Parrott Gallery, Belleville
Experience a heartwarming Christmas concert by the Carpe Diem String Ensemble. More Info

🎶 Christmas Concert 
📅 December 14, 2024 @ 3:00 PM
📍 Bridge Street United Church, Belleville
Celebrate the season with a beautiful Christmas concert. Get Tickets

🏡 Quinte West Holiday Home Tour 
📅 December 14, 2024 @ 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
📍 City of Quinte West
Tour beautifully decorated homes and get into the holiday spirit. More Info

Looking to get out of the house? This holiday season, the Stirling Festival Theatre presents three versions of “Cinderella - Stuck in Hallmark,” offering a unique twist on the classic tale. Use our unique discount code to receive 10% off tickets to the family or naughty shows. (excludes pre-show meals and the New Years Eve show).
Naughty show discounts click here. 
Family show discounts click here.

ART, THEATRE & CULTURE

^{_{Some events need tickets and might be canceled or have different times. Check the event venue's website or contact them before you go.}}

🎭 The Great Canadian Roadtrip 
📅 December 13, 2024 @ 7:30 PM
📍 The Regent Theatre, Picton
Enjoy a journey across Canada with this entertaining show. Get Tickets

📚 Small Things Like These 
📅 December 14-19, 2024
📍 The Regent Theatre, Picton
Experience this touching story brought to life on stage. Get Tickets

🎶 Arts on Film André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver 
📅 December 15, 2024 @ 1:00 PM
📍 The Regent Theatre, Picton
Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu’s festive concert. Get Tickets

🖼️ Chase Cha: THIS MIDLIFE CRISIS 
📅 December 1, 2024 - January 11, 2025
📍 The Parrott Gallery, Picton
Explore the unique artworks of Chase Cha in this intriguing exhibition. More Info

🎻 Carpe Diem String Ensemble: The Littlest Angel 
📅 December 14, 2024
📍 Parrott Gallery, Belleville
Enjoy a beautiful performance by the Carpe Diem String Ensemble. More Info

🎷 PEC Jazz Festival presents the Steve Holt Trio Jazz & Christmas Concert 
📅 December 10, 2024, 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 The Waring House Inn, Picton
Get into the holiday spirit with jazz and Christmas tunes. More Info

🎭 Scrapbook Showcase Finale 
📅 December 14, 2024 @ 7:00 PM
📍 Quinte Little Theatre, Belleville
Don’t miss the final showcase of this creative scrapbook event. More Info

LOCAL SPORTS INSIDER

Belleville Senators

Past Games:

Future Games:

Trenton Golden Hawks

Past Games:

Upcoming Games:

Wellington Dukes

Past Games:

Upcoming Games:

CIVIL NOTES

Belleville

Employment 
Belleville’s unemployment rate dropped to 1.8%, contrasting with the national rate increase to 6.8%, signaling strong local job growth.

Construction
Belleville issued 46 building permits in November, amounting to $64.52 million, showing a significant increase in construction activity compared to last year’s $4.57 million with 44 permits.

The County

Budget 
Prince Edward County’s new budget includes a 3.79% tax increase to support infrastructure and community services. Read more.

Development 
Prince Edward County approved a mixed-market rental housing complex and social services hub at the former Queen Elizabeth School site. The project includes 198 rental apartments, greenspace, and a community hub.
Read more.

Construction
Prince Edward County issued 44 building permits in November, amounting to $10.78 million, reflecting robust construction activity.

Infrastructure 
A study on Picton Town Hill intersection improvements recommends installing traffic signals instead of a roundabout to enhance safety and traffic flow.

Quinte West

Budget
Quinte West Council approved a budget that reduces the residential tax levy increase to 5.98%.

Recognition 
Elizabeth Edwards, Quinte West’s Economic Development Officer, has been recognized as a 2024 Young Leader of Change by the Rural Ontario Institute. This honor acknowledges her significant contributions to local economic development and community improvement. The Rural Ontario Institute is a charitable organization that develops leaders and addresses key issues in rural and northern Ontario.

Thanks for reading, send this email to someone who still hasn’t put on snow tires.