Memorial marketplace gossip + JYSK in QW?

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Gooood morning everybody! Welcome to our 231 new subscribers. Happy Valentine’s Day, Bay of Quinte—the ultimate test of how well we know our partners. Surprise or no surprise? Roses or tulips? Who’s to say. What is certain? If you forgot, consider this your warning—there’s still time (sort of). Just don’t panic and suggest “frozen pizza and a high-five.” Trust me, they always know when you forgot.

Today Around The Bay:

• Memorial marketplace phase 1

• JYSK new location

• Picton Marina contract talks

and much more…

We have some news at BOQtoday! After 7.5 months since my first newsletter (👈🐝 LOL) we’ve added reinforcements—meet Sarah Williams, our first writer! With experience at The Picton Gazette and The Napanee Beaver, Sarah’s passion for local storytelling makes her a perfect fit. She’ll bring even more depth to our coverage of the people, places, and stories that make the Bay of Quinte special. Please join me in welcoming Sarah to BOQtoday!

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🌡️ WEATHER

Friday, February 14

-4°C 🌡️ -12°C | ☁️ | 0% | NNW 11 km/h

Saturday, February 15

-6°C 🌡️ -11°C | ❄️ | 80% | NW 22 km/h

Sunday, February 16

-8°C 🌡️ -14°C | ❄️ | 80% | NW 22 km/h

🔊 COMMUNITY UPDATE

🏛️ Memorial Market Place: What’s The Scoop?

It’s February; you’re probably sick of Winter. So let’s look to spring shall we? Here’s a brief update on Downtown Belleville’s Memorial Market Place — it’s buzzing with fresh energy as Phase One is officially complete.

Here’s what’s happening:
✔️ Now Open: Cracked Glass Design, Benji’s Café
📅 Coming in Spring 2025: PEC Wine Club, The Salon (moving in soon from Front St), a beauty bar and more… (we’ll keep you updated)
🎉 The Rink, a 15,000 sq. ft. event space, is set to open in 2025—perfect for big celebrations, markets, and community events.

So what’s next? Phase Two leasing is now available, offering 4,000 sq. ft. of space for new businesses to join downtown’s revival.

With prime foot traffic, a historic-meets-modern aesthetic, and on-site parking, Memorial Market Place is shaping up to be a downtown hotspot. We spoke with Joe Shunock and he gave us the lowdown. Read our full article on the future plans, where they are at and more here.

🗞️ News Notes

🏡 JYSK is coming to Trenton! The Scandinavian-inspired home décor retailer is opening its first Quinte West location at 135 Dundas St. E. this year. (BOQtoday)

🏒 Belleville Sens celebrate Women in Sports Night – The Belleville Senators are hosting Women in Sports Night on Feb. 28 at CAA Arena, featuring a pre-game panel with industry leaders and special guests. (Belleville Sens)

🚨 Scam season is in full swing – From fake car purchases to phishing texts and romance scams, fraudsters are keeping busy in the BOQ. Stay alert! (BOQtoday)

🌱 Grow your own! – Belleville’s community garden plot applications are now open. Apply by Feb. 26 to claim your space for the season. (BOQtoday)

⚓ Picton Marina lease under review – Prince Edward County is considering terminating its lease with Tenacity Capital over alleged breaches in marina operations, with a final decision expected soon. (QuinteNews)

🚑 Paramedic demand surges – Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services saw record call volumes in 2024, with Belleville calls up 37% over five years. Staffing shortages remain a challenge as demand continues to grow. (The Intelligencer)

🏥 HART Hub funding decision delayed – Hastings County is holding off on Belleville’s request for financial support for the new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub, revisiting it in future budget discussions. (InQuinte)

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💼 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

🛍️ Vendor opportunities at Base31 – The Commissary at Base31 is looking for local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses to join its vibrant retail space. With flexible leasing options, including year-round shops, seasonal pop-ups, and micro-retail cabanas, this is a great opportunity to showcase unique products in a high-traffic destination. (Base31)

🥡 Foodie Friday - Restaurant Of The Week!

When it comes to Chinese food in Frankford, locals swear by Riverside Restaurant. With generous portions, fresh ingredients, and all the classic dishes you crave, it’s a go-to spot for takeout or a cozy dine-in meal by the river. Here’s what long time BOQtoday reader Paul had to say about this local hidden gem.

Got a go-to spot? Spill the secret! Share your favourite local eats and get them featured! Submit here!

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👪 FOR THE PARENTS

Looking for plans for family day? Head to our event calendar here.

☕🎉 Now Open: @cafeauplaytrenton is Ready for Play! Trenton’s newest café and indoor play space is officially open. Kiddos aged 0-8 can burn off energy while parents sip and relax. Family Day bookings are already 50% full, so grab your spot or swing by for a walk-in. Open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM. Located at 56-C Quinte St, Trenton.

🎟️ WEEK-END PLANS

Featured Event

Tickets for the Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward's Black & White Gala (March 26th, 2025 at The Grand in Belleville) go on sale on Friday February 14th, 2025 (today). Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by calling 613-962-0892 or by e-mailing [email protected]. All funds raised stay local. www.alzheimer.ca/hpe

Friday, Feb. 14

Paperclip Princess in the Bay | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Batawa Community Centre | Free | A hands-on community event hosted by Nikki Clarke, featuring claymation, business-building workshops, and a love note project.
Italian Valentine’s | 6:30-11:30 p.m. | The Belleville Club | $50/person, $95/couple | A romantic evening with bubbly, handmade pasta demos, a 3-course Italian dinner, and wine pairings.
Tarot Comedy Night | 7-9:30 p.m. | Slake Brewing | Price TBD | Live tarot readings inspire this hilarious interactive comedy show at one of PEC’s best breweries.

Saturday, Feb. 15
Escape Camp Picton: Flashback February Special | 10:30 a.m. | Escape Camp Picton | Price varies | Step back in time with WWII-inspired escape rooms, food rations, victory gardens, and a taste of history.

Home-Town Heroes Comedy Tour | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Signal Brewery | Price TBD | A night of top-tier laughs featuring Evan Dubois (JFL Toronto), Jordan Trafford (LA Roast Battle), and headliner Drew Behm (Just For Laughs, SiriusXM).

Monday, Feb. 17
Make family day plans in our calendar below!

_{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

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🏛️ CIVIL NEWS

BELLEVILLE

💼 Boost for small businesses – Belleville is committing up to $35,000 annually to support the Small Business Centre, helping local entrepreneurs with planning, marketing, and funding guidance. (The Intelligencer)

QUINTE WEST

🏗️ Quinte West’s CIP is back with $200K for business upgrades! Applications are open for the spring round of the Community Improvement Plan, offering matching funds for renovations, signage, and façade improvements—now open to tourism operators too. Covers 50% of project costs, and the deadline is March 31. Fall round opens Aug 18.

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

🏡 Building boom in PEC – Prince Edward County issued 27 building permits in January, totaling $4.1M in construction value, including new homes, commercial projects, and renovations. (Quinte News)

HASTINGS COUNTY

🗳️ Hastings-Lennox and Addington all-candidates events set – Provincial election candidates will debate in two public events next week, with live-streaming available via the Lennox and Addington Chamber of Commerce. (InQuinte)

That;s all today! Send this email to some that shops at JYSK!