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A North American First?

A North American First?

Which animal you voted for, a crazy week, and much more...

Shane Brady
February 28, 2025

PRESENTED BY

🗳️ Election Results Are In
Curious about how the votes landed? You can find the full Ontario election results right here.

Gooood morning Bay of Quinte! And welcome, to our 134 new subscribers. The last time the BOQ had an election twice in 12 months was 1966. First time in almost 60 years — and I started a newsletter that doesn’t cover politics…

Today Around The Bay:

A North American First For PECMH
Picklepalooza
Event ideas

and much more…

The Answer

Earlier this week, we asked which Canadian animal you'd elect as leader if we had to pick one—and the responses did not disappoint. And actually, some of you are straight-up savage with your responses (some we couldn’t ethically share… you know who you are).

Teaser: there was a dark horse in the mix… the Great Horned Owl?

Are You Done Settling for Dull Skin?

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🌡️ WEATHER

Friday, February 28
3°C 🌡️ -5°C | 🌤️ | 10% | NW 15 km/h

Saturday, March 1
5°C 🌡️ -3°C | ☀️ | 5% | SW 10 km/h

Sunday, March 2
7°C 🌡️ 0°C | ☁️ | 20% | S 18 km/h

A North American First in Sustainability

Rendering of PECMH

A hospital that heals the planet while healing people? That’s exactly what’s coming to Prince Edward County.

The new Picton hospital is setting a North American precedent as the first fully sustainable hospital—and it’s not just about solar panels. Designed for future climates, the building will feature a timber frame structure, a partial green roof, and energy-efficient designs that could cut operating costs by $1.9 million over time. Patients will even be able to open their windows for fresh air, a rarity in modern hospitals.

A Community-Powered Project

This eco-friendly hospital wouldn’t be possible without the $24 million raised by local residents and businesses through the Back the Build Campaign. Now, as construction begins, local tradespeople and businesses are bringing it to life. Prince Edward County-based companies like Drew Harrison Haulage, Otter Energy, Picton Home Hardware, Southside Sanitary Solutions, and Wentworth Landscapes are all part of the project.

What’s Next?

3D Rendering of The Lobby At PECMH

The hospital is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027, with full completion—including the demolition of the old building and landscaping—by 2028. It’s a game-changer for both healthcare and sustainability in the region.

Quinte Health’s CEO Staucy Daub put it best: “It’s the donors that are making the vision for this hospital a reality.” And with the support of the community, this once-in-a-lifetime project is officially underway.

🗞️ NEWS NOTES

🏌️‍♂️ Endless Summer Tees Up Military Night
8 Wing/CFB Trenton is teaming up with the world’s biggest Long Drive event for Military Night on June 13. Expect big swings, big honour, and a big competition at Trillium Wood Golf Club. (BOQ Today)

💙 Kindness Week Kicks Off in Quinte
March 3-9 is all about good vibes! Expect kindness crews, a candlelight vigil, and a hunt for Quinte’s Kindness Citizen of the Year. Wear blue on March 5 and pass it on. (BOQ Today)

🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃 Kids of Steel Triathlon Returns to PEC
Calling all future Olympians - The County Kids of Steel Triathlon is back June 8, giving kids 3-17 a chance to swim, bike, and run to victory. Register by May 25. (InQuinte)

🏆 Quinte West Events Win Big
Hops on the Water, Quinte West Pop-ups, and The Great Summer Carnival just landed on Ontario’s Top 100 festivals list. Seems like Quinte West knows how to throw a party. (BOQ Today)

🎟️ ALCDSB Launches 50/50 Raffle for Families in Need
Feeling lucky? The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board has launched its first-ever 50/50 raffle, with proceeds supporting local families in urgent need. The jackpot is already nearing $11,000, and the draw happens March 7. Anyone 18+ in Ontario can enter! (ALCDSB)

🛠️ Cold Creek Gets the Green Light
The 870-home Cold Creek subdivision is officially happening. Council approved it with added environmental protections, heat pumps, and public trails. A win for housing—but expect more discussion ahead. (Picton Gazette)

Stop Ignoring Your Hearing

💼 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Peter Piper Plucked A Pickleball

We told you this was coming—and now it’s getting real. Belleville’s first indoor pickleball facility is set to open this spring at 250 Sidney St. The massive 15,000 sq. ft. space will feature eight courts, lockers, showers, and a pro shop. Get ready to “dink” year-round. Can’t wait ‘til Spring? Here’s a guide for where to play Indoor Pickleball in the area. (BOQ Today)

🥤 YaYa Foods Moving Into Former Sears Warehouse
some news out of the old Sears warehouse. YaYa Foods, a Canadian beverage packager, is moving into the College Street East space after buying Truss Beverages from Tilray Brands last summer. The company makes everything from protein shakes to plant-based drinks—and they’re expected to open later this year. (Quinte News)

🥙 Foodie Friday - Restaurant Of The Week!

Nasr’s Falafel Facebook.

This weeks food reco comes from an avid BOQtoday reader who goes by Alana. She wanted to share her experience at Nasr’s Falafel - parked right over the bridge in between PEC and Belleville... Let’s see what she had to say.

I was just craving some real Syrian food without driving to Toronto, and someone mentioned Nasr’s Falafel in Rossmore. It’s small and super unassuming, but the food? Soo good. The falafel was crispy, herby, and tasted fresh, and the tahini sauce actually felt homemade. The owner was so friendly!!! If you’re after authentic, homemade Syrian eats in the Bay of Quinte, this is it. No fuss, just incredible food.

Alana T

Brighten Your Smile in Just One Hour

👪 FOR THE FAMILIES

Friendly reminder to check out our March Break guide below!

🎟️ WEEK-END PLANS

Capers Downtown Belleville

Friday
🔮 Galaxy Psychic & Crystal Fair | 2-6 p.m. | Ramada Harbourview, Belleville | Price Varies | Crystals, tarot, energy healing—the Galaxy Fair kicks off and runs all weekend!

🏒 Women in Sports Night with the Belleville Sens | 4:30 p.m. | CAA Arena, Belleville | Game Ticket Required | Celebrate women in sports with a pregame panel featuring pros like Rebecca Leslie & Shelley Kettles—plus snacks, autographs, and surprise guests all night long.

🎶 John Sharkey Live at Capers | 6-9 p.m. | Capers, Belleville | Free | Catch John Sharkey’s soulful sounds over dinner and drinks. Can’t make it? He’s back March 14.

🌀 Sound Sanctuary: Gong, Sound & Frequency Experience | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Andrew, Picton | $22-$65 | Immerse yourself in a meditative sound bath with gongs, mantras, and deep relaxation.

🎸 Whiskey Mojo at Shorelines Casino | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Shorelines Casino, Belleville | Free | Classic rock and country hits—no cover, just good tunes.

Saturday

🎤 The Boujees Play the Speakeasy | 6-9 p.m. | Karlo Estates, Wellington | Free | From ABBA to Zappa, this eclectic cover band brings the energy. Reserve ahead!

Sunday

🦸‍♂️ Belleville ComiCon | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Masonic Hall, Belleville | Price Varies | Comics, toys, collectibles, and all things geeky—ComiCon is back!

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

🔗 To see more info on these events and many more, hit the button below

Hosting an event? Submit it to our calendar here.

Plan Ahead

🏎️ Brighton Speedway Gears Up for 2025
Fasten your seatbelts—Brighton Speedway is bringing 24 action-packed events, including monster trucks, school bus races, and a NASCAR legend. The season starts May 3. Ready to get dirty? (BOQtoday)

The Answer

Earlier this week, we asked whether Belleville should shake things up or stick with tradition when it comes to the Waterfront & Multicultural Festival—and wow, did you all have opinions. Some of you want to bring back the glory days, others are ready to ditch the old ways entirely (Oktoberfest, anyone?).

Signing Off

Thanks as always for reading. Send this to someone who would vote for a beaver.

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A North American First?

Which animal you voted for, a crazy week, and much more...

PRESENTED BY

The Answer

Are You Done Settling for Dull Skin?

Presented By The Beauty Collective

🌡️ WEATHER

A North American First in Sustainability

A Community-Powered Project

What’s Next?

🗞️ NEWS NOTES

Stop Ignoring Your Hearing

Sponsored By Local Care Hearing Centre

💼 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Peter Piper Plucked A Pickleball

🥙 Foodie Friday - Restaurant Of The Week!

Brighten Your Smile in Just One Hour

Sponsored By Whiteout With Jackie

👪 FOR THE FAMILIES

🎟️ WEEK-END PLANS

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

Plan Ahead

The Answer

Signing Off

Reply