It's The BOQ Buzz! We're back...

Presented By The Beauty Collective

Gooood morning everybody! Woah woah woah - stop right there! It’s us, it’s the BOQ Buzz. I know, I miss the bee, too. But ahhhh - the smell of fresh paint, am I right? We came up with a new logo you see above to reflect better on the communities we cover. Hope you like it!

One more thing. We launched a brand new website. We only see you twice a week here, but there’s SO much more going on in this region. That’s why we renamed the brand to BOQtoday. The site is constantly updated, so now you can stay up to date everyday. Think of it like a digital bulletin board for your community. It’s sort of like a Facebook feed but none of the… other stuff?

So, if you need a place to go to cut through all of the chaos of social feeds and find out what’s happening, this websites for you.

BOQtoday Website

You’ll find an event calendar, articles and updates for things going on in each area we cover. It’s even divided into municipalities, so you can find the most relevant information to you. We post about local businesses, local updates, lifestyle topics, media releases and so much more. Hope you enjoy it! We’re open to feedback.

Now let’s dive in!

Presented By The Beauty Collective

Discover a new level of beauty at The Beauty Collective in Belleville. Unlock your glow with our luxurious treatments, from transformative injectables like Botox and dermal fillers to rejuvenating facials tailored just for you. Experience cutting-edge technology with our non-invasive solutions that deliver real results, ensuring you feel confident and radiant. Unwind with our registered massage therapy options or indulge in classic esthetic services—your wellness is our priority. Located at 6835 Highway 62, we invite you to book your appointment today and embark on your beauty journey. Join us on Instagram @beautycollectivebyinjct for the latest updates and special offers. Your beauty journey starts here.

THE DIGEST

New year, New you?

We've all taken the oath. At midnight on New Year's Eve, we all started fresh. Some of us set big goals, while others have already broken them. Oops. If you’re still searching, here are the top 5 New Year's resolutions for 2025, along with some local businesses to help you crush them.

City of Belleville New Year’s Levee

Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis kicked off the year on a positive note at the New Year’s Levee, emphasizing growth, affordable housing, and medical recruitment successes, including signing 11 new family doctors and 8 nurse practitioners. He highlighted the city’s achievements, like over 50 new businesses in 2024, and stressed the importance of collaboration and optimism to tackle challenges ahead. Full story. InQuinte

Golden Lab Rescued by Quinte West Firefighters

A good news story right off the hop for 2025! Crews from Frankford Station 7 saved a two-year-old Golden Lab trapped on an ice floe in the Trent River near Rosebush Road. Using a carefully planned operation with a boat team and shore backup, the pup was safely brought to shore. Fire Chief John Whalen praised the effort but reminded locals to leave icy rescues to the pros, as the right equipment and training are essential. More here. InQuinte

2025 CRA Benefits and Payment Dates

We compiled a list of all the 2025 CRA benefits and payment dates to help you plan ahead! You can check it out here. 

Food For Thought

Over the holidays, Chef Matt DeMille launched his new show on FibeTV named “Full”. Full is a series where Chef Matt tours around to cook with some amazing local chefs and friends and hear about their journey. We watched episode 1, and gave it a review. Check it out here.

Speed Cameras Moving

Watch. Your. Speed. Belleville. Beginning on Jan 6, the speed cameras will be moving to new locations. You can see where here.

South East Health Unit Merger Complete

The new South East Health Unit launched January 1, merging three regional health units. Dr. Piotr Oglaza is expected to become Medical Officer of Health, with Drs. Ethan Toumishey and Linna Li as deputies. The Ministry of Health will fund the three-year transition. Full story here InQuinte

Catching Up

If you missed news or updates over the holidays because you were too busy enjoying yourselves, we recommend you head over to our friends at InQuinte and play some catch-up, they’ve got some great articles from the holiday break!

Sponsored By Local Care Hearing Services

Introducing Belleville’s newest audiology clinic - Local Care Hearing Services. They are a breath of fresh air being independent and locally owned. Unlike previous experience in corporate clinic, they prioritize their clients.  Using the most updated assessment equipment in the region and working with all major hearing aid manufacturers, they ensure both thorough testing and treatment options.

If you're in need of audiology services, don't hesitate to reach out to Local Care Hearing Services. Their dedication to putting clients first is evident, and they are ready to exceed expectations. Call (613) 961-1180 today and discover the difference yourself. You won't be disappointed.

THE BUSINESS

Luna Boutique

Luna Boutique Says Goodbye to Picton Storefront, Now Online-Only! After seven amazing years serving the Picton community, Luna Boutique has closed the doors to it’s physical storefront. However, for all you Luna fans out there, there's no need to fret! The boutique may not be on Main Street anymore, but you can still shop the gorgeous, high-quality collection online and continue to enjoy the same stylish staples you've come to love. Even though you won’t find Alicia in a storefront anymore, she’s still here to help with all your shopping needs!

Adega Wine Bar

In a very emotional instagram post Adega Wine Bar in the county confirmed it is now permanently closed. This eclectic spot in the heart of PEC was known for it’s great wine and jazz nights. You’ll surely be missed!

The Party’s Not Over

An article circled around over the holidays that confirmed that Party City stores would be closing. But that was just the US stores, so rest assured, your favourite party supply store in Belleville will remain open for the foreseeable future.

The Bay of Quinte Clothing Club

Check out this new apparel line made by people from the Bay of Quinte, for people from the Bay of Quinte. Shop now to get yours! Free local shipping.*

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

New Event Calendar

This is one of the pieces we brought together that I was most excited to share. On our new site, we have a brand new event calendar. It is packed with events from Prince Edward County, Belleville, Trenton, and the surrounding areas.

It’s got live music, things to do for foodie’s, art classes, sports and rec calendars, festivals and much more. You live in Picton? Just change the location to see what’s happening in your area. Quinte West? Same thing. Belleville but willing to drive? Change the radius. Play around with it, you can’t break it (I hope) and we’ll be back next week where we will continue to share our 5 featured events every newsletter.

Oh, by the way, if you don’t see your favourite venue in here - let me know, we’ll get it added.

Sponsored By Quinte Sport and Social Club

Hey if you haven't heard of us before, we are the Quinte Sport and Social Club and we are a fun community for adults live, play, work, and connect by participating in the largest, most organized, and FUN assortment of sports leagues, tournaments, social events, and classes! Go here to register today!

LOCAL SPORTS INSIDER

CIVIL NEWS

Belleville

Curbside Tree Collection

If you live in zone 3 I hope you opened this before work. Curbside tree collection begins today. Go here to see the collection schedule.

Garbage and Recycling

Reminder that if your regular collection day for garbage, green bin or recycling is on Wednesdays, then it will be collected on Saturday, Jan. 4 (instead of Jan. 1) this week.

Quinte West

Reminder that if your collection was on Wednesday, Jan. 1 moves to Saturday, Jan. 4 These changes are ONLY for people with Wednesday pick-up. Other days are not affected.

PEC

The Municipal Agricultural Grant Program is now open, offering small grants to support local farmers in overcoming challenges. Applications are due by noon on Monday, January 20, with details and assistance available through The County Foundation.

Let us know what you think of the new look and website! If you’d like to see something else, just ask, I’m an email away.