Are trophies tariff free?

PRESENTED BY THE BEAUTY COLLECTIVE

Gooood morning everybody! Welcome to the 183 subscribers who just joined us. This is BOQtoday - it’s almost midnight while we’re writing this, Canada just won and we’ve been white knuckling a Meyer’s Creek tallcan for the entire overtime… What. A. Game. Go Canada Go!!!

Today Around The Bay:

• 4 Nations Local Connection

• Forever 21

• Weekend-plans

and much more…

Stop Settling for Dull Skin

Sponsored By The Beauty Collective

Feeling like your skin needs a refresh? This Belleville beauty studio is redefining self-care—helping women feel confident, rejuvenated, and radiant with expert treatments designed just for them.

If you’re looking to enhance your natural beauty, The Beauty Collective offers luxurious facials, rejuvenating injectables like Botox and fillers, and restorative massage therapy—all tailored to help you look and feel your best.

Try The Beauty Collective’s customized treatments and experience next-level self-care. Book your appointment now and follow @beautycollectivebyinjct for exclusive updates and offers.

🌡️ WEATHER

Friday, February 21

-7°C 🌡️ -15°C | 🌥️ | 0% | NW 20 km/h

Saturday, February 22

-2°C 🌡️ -14°C | 🌥️ | 0% | Breezy conditions

Sunday, February 23

0°C 🌡️ -6°C | 🌥️ | 40% | Light to moderate breeze

More Than A Trophy

Question for a friend… are trophies tariff-free? Because Team Canada just took down Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off and hauled that silverware back to where it belongs.

But this win comes with an extra local touch—because that trophy? It has Belleville roots.

The 4 Nations Face-Off Trophy was designed by Belleville native Robert Grier, a Moira Secondary and Loyalist College grad who now leads Creative Solutions at the NHLPA. Grier and his team had just three months to craft the shiny new prize, making it lighter and easier to lift than the Stanley Cup—something Team Canada definitely appreciated after last night's celebrations.

So while Canada takes home the title, Belleville gets its own gold medal moment, proving once again that hockey greatness runs deep in this city. See what Grier had to say in this NHL Presents: Making of the Trophy video—fair warning, you won’t need a coffee after watching. It’ll have you ready to run through a wall. (QuinteNews)

🗞️ News Notes

❤️ United Way Quinte Hits $2.25M Goal—By $619!
Talk about a photo finish—United Way Quinte just surpassed its record-setting $2.25M goal, thanks to a last-minute anonymous donor who closed a $65K gap with 90 minutes to spare. The funds will support 50+ programs across 40+ local agencies, tackling housing, food security, and mental health. Source: The Intelligencer

🚲 Bike Café & Resort Proposed for West Lake
A former trailer park on West Lake could soon transform into a tourist hotspot. Plans for Dunes Lookout Resort include 20 two-bedroom villas, a guest clubhouse, a dock, and a public bike café. If approved, the project will bring new accommodations and amenities near Sandbanks Provincial Park. Source: insauga

🎓 Loyalist College Suspends Multiple Programs
Loyalist College has confirmed a series of program suspensions, blaming lost revenue on the federal cap on international student visas and the closure of its Toronto campus. Affected programs—ranging from Culinary and Cloud Computing to Civil Engineering Technology—will stop accepting new students, though current students can still graduate. Even with these cuts, the college is still facing a $1.5M budget shortfall. Source: Quinte News

🏪 Loblaw’s Big Expansion—Is BOQ on the List?
Loblaw is dropping $2.2 billion to open 80 new stores and revamp 300+ locations this year—bringing fresh updates to No Frills, Maxi, Shoppers, and T&T. No word yet if the BOQ is getting a slice of the action, but hey, a little store glow-up could be in the cards. Source: blogTO

💰 Belleville Approves 2025 Budget—Here’s What It Means for You
Belleville’s 2025 budget is locked in, bringing tax increases across all residential areas—ranging from 4.25% in Belleville Urban to 6.27% for Cannifton Rural to Urban. The City says it’s balancing priorities while managing growing financial responsibilities. Full budget details will be available soon, but you can catch the meetings now on YouTube. Source: BOQ Today

Stop Ignoring Your Hearing

Sponsored By Local Care Hearing Centre

Struggling to hear clearly? Constant ringing in your ears? It’s time to stop guessing and start taking care of your ear health. Local Care Hearing offers comprehensive ear exams with clear, easy-to-understand results—no referral needed. Whether you're experiencing hearing issues or just want peace of mind, their experts are here to help.

Don’t wait until it gets worse—book your hearing checkup today. Call 613-961-1180 or visit localcarehearing.ca.

💼 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Bye-Bye Forever 21

The countdown is on—Forever 21 at Quinte Mall is closing its doors for good on March 10th. The fast-fashion giant has been quietly disappearing from Canadian malls for a while now, but here's the silver lining: everything is under $10 until the last hanger is packed up.

So, what’s moving in? Urban Kids. Think trendy, budget-friendly fashion for the younger crowd—aka, the spot where tweens and teens stock up on graphic tees, joggers, and all things cool. Basically, Forever 21 is out, and the next generation is moving in (source: store employees).

🥙 Foodie Friday - Restaurant Of The Week!

When it comes to great local eats, who better to trust than fellow food lovers in the community? Laurie recently reached out to share her go-to spot for flavour-packed Middle Eastern cuisine—Oxus Kebab & Shawarma in Belleville. Let’s see what Laurie had to say. Oh, and here’s a little insider — they’ve even got a bakery with some of the freshest bread in the city, but get there early, they sell out quick… sshhhhh don’t tell.

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

Brighten Your Smile in Just One Hour

Sponsored By Whiter By Jackie

Tired of dull, stained teeth? A whiter, more confident smile is just an hour away with safe, pain-free professional teeth whitening that delivers guaranteed results. Jackie, a registered dental hygienist with 15 years of experience, uses high-quality whitening gel and LED light to help you achieve a noticeably brighter smile. Plus, you can bring a friend and whiten together with two chairs available for simultaneous sessions!

Spots fill fast—book your appointment today! Call 613-847-1301 & follow @whiteoutwithjackie

👪 FOR THE FAMILIES

🎨🏕️ March Break Fun in BOQ

March Break is just around the corner, and BOQ is packed with camps, events, and adventures for the kiddos—and even a wine festival for the grown-ups. From gymnastics and martial arts to art, science, and pony camps, there’s no shortage of fun. Spots are filling up fast, so grab your March Break game plan now!

💰 Canada Child Benefit Payments Arrive This Week
Parents, check your accounts! The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) drops this today, with a 4.7% increase over last year. The max annual benefit is now $7,787 per child under six and $6,570 for kids aged 6–17. Another (smaller) increase is coming in July 2025. Source: blogTO

Scratch That Hunger Itch

Presented By B-Boyz

Looking to cure that hunger itch, but don’t want to cook? B-Boyz has your taste buds covered. Check out this weekend offer. Fresh Cheeseburger or Fried chicken sandwich only $5. Limited time offer. In-store only!

🎟️ WEEK-END PLANS

Friday, Feb. 21

Good Medicine: Shelley Vanderbyl Art Opening 🎨 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Belleville Frameworks | Free | Experience the healing power of art through Shelley Vanderbyl’s unique oil paintings in vintage medicine tins and frescoes, inspired by themes of breakage, repair, and resilience.

Saturday, Feb. 22

Savour the Chill 🥣 | 12-3 p.m. | Downtown Belleville | $3 per soup | Warm up with the 21st annual soup-tasting competition as 19 downtown restaurants serve up their best recipes. Vote for your favourite and grab a spoon before the soup runs out!

Barn Burner Hockey Game & Strolling Dinner 🏒🎶 | 3 p.m.-1 a.m. | 24 Wharf Street | $20+ | Catch the action at the Barn Burner Hockey Game with gourmet concession snacks from local restaurants, or upgrade to the Strolling Dinner + After Party for a night of food, music, and dancing.

County Jam at The Waring House 🎸 | 7:30 p.m. | The Waring House | By donation ($20-$25 suggested) | Enjoy a night of live music as 20 local musicians take the stage to perform their favourite tracks in this lively jam session. Proceeds support the Waring's Creek Improvement Association.

Matthew Barber at Base31 🎶 | 7:30 p.m. | Sergeants Mess Hall, Base31 | Price varies | Catch two-time Juno nominee Matthew Barber in an intimate performance at Base31’s newest venue.

_{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

🏛️ CIVIL NEWS

BELLEVILLE

🍔 Pop-ups on the Bay Applications Now Open!
Calling all vendors and food trucks—Pop-ups on the Bay is gearing up for another waterfront season at West Zwicks Park! From delicious eats to fun experiences, businesses can apply now to be part of this summer staple. The pop-ups run May 29 – Sept. 1. Source: BOQ Today

QUINTE WEST

🌳 Quinte West Wants Your Input on Parks & Rec

Quinte West is updating its Parks & Rec Master Plan and wants feedback! Drop by the open house on Feb. 26 (4–7 p.m. at Trent Port Marina) or share your thoughts online until mid-March. Source: City of QW

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

⛵ Picton Marina Seeks New Operator
Prince Edward County is cutting ties with Tenacity Marina a year early after complaints about accessibility and missing amenities. The search for a new operator is on, but the marina will stay open for the summer season—whether privately run or municipally managed. Source: Picton Gazette

Share this with someone who loves soup.