Quinte - We've officially been discovered!

PRESENTED BY TEAM TARA LYONS

Congrats to Judith and Davie Burrows of Trenton on your $550,000 win on the Big Spin! 🥳🎊

Gooood morning everybody! Welcome to our 78 new subscribers and thanks for joining BOQtoday - the newsletter that usually writes something clever and witty here. But not today. Today I’m sick as a dog and can’t think straight.

Today Around The Bay:

• Real Estate Market Update

• Belleville & Trenton - not so secret oasis anymore?

• NEW Adopt-A-Pet & volunteer opportunities

Before we dive in. There is a correction from Monday’s newsletter. Turns out the Trent Severn runs from Port Severn (who would have thought?) all the way to Trenton. Thanks to the dozens of you for pointing that out. You learn something new everyday!

Here we go!

REAL ESTATE MARKET PULSE SPONSORED BY TEAM TARA LYONS

Have you heard the recent rumblings about the market fluctuations and performance? Make sure you stay informed each month with our real estate expert, Tara Lyons, as she breaks down the real estate market statistics, predictions, and more for each section of the Bay of Quinte. Watch below!

Looking to buy or sell? Head here to check out what’s on the market today and get started!*

WEATHER

Wednesday
High 🌡️ -5°C Low 🌡️ -11°C | ☀️ | 10% | W 20 km/h

Thursday
High 🌡️ -3°C Low 🌡️ -7°C | ❄️ | 70% | NE 25 km/h

THE MID-WEEK SKIMM

Welcome to the mid-week skimm, our new Wednesday news feed.

The Quinte Area - Not So Secret Anymore

It seems like our secret little oasis in Quinte has officially been discovered. It was only a matter of time! Belleville and Trenton have made waves on U-Haul’s 2024 Canadian Growth Cities list, ranking No. 3 (Belleville) and No. 4 (Trenton), respectively. Belleville saw a 24% rise in arrivals, while Trenton had a 22% increase, showcasing their growing appeal for newcomers. We broke down the analytics and more here.

Savour The Chill is Back

Get ready to stir up some fun at Savour the Chill in Downtown Belleville. The 21st annual soup-tasting contest is back, and it’s hotter than ever—well, warmer at least! On Saturday, February 22nd, from 12 PM to 3 PM, downtown restaurants will compete for the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice Awards. Bring your own spoon to keep it eco-friendly and your taste buds ready! Stay with us for more details.

Belleville Council Green Lights New Condo

Urban living, coming to Thurlow ward! GCL Developments Ltd. is moving forward with the phased condominium project at 99 Cloverleaf Drive. Instead of going through a lengthy review process, this development will head straight to final approval. Northgate Condominiums will feature 25 townhouse units spread across seven buildings, designed around a private internal roadway for a more modern, compact urban vibe. Construction is already underway, with some buildings nearing completion. Check out the full site plan and phasing details here. Full story here. InQuinte

City of QW Puts Brake On Parking Fees

Quinte West has introduced free two-hour on-street parking in downtown Trenton and Frankford, along with unlimited free parking in municipal lots, while implementing a 30-day grace period before enforcing two-hour limits with the new HotSpot parking management system. More on that here. BOQtoday

Sponsored By The Bay of Quinte Clothing club

Welcome to 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.*

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Alzheimer Society of Hastings- Prince Edward
ASHPE is looking for volunteers for its In-Home Activation program. Volunteers commit to one 1.5-hour visit per week for 12 weeks and receive training in dementia care.
Learn more about volunteering with ASHPE.

Gift From The Heart
GFTH needs a volunteer to assist with social media, creating content to engage audiences and attract donors. Orientation and remote opportunities are available.
Learn more about volunteering with GFTH.

Community Care PEC
Community Care Prince Edward County is seeking volunteer drivers for door-to-door transportation to medical appointments and essential shopping.
Learn more about volunteering with PEC Community Care for Seniors.

ADOPT-A-PET

Meet Kilowatt

Kilowatt is a playful, energetic sweetheart who’s always ready for a toy-chasing adventure. Part of "the electricians," Kilowatt and her feline friends came from a tough past and are now looking for loving, patient homes. Kilowatt needs to be adopted with another cat or into a home with an outgoing feline buddy. The Humane Society staff will happily guide you through her care needs. Ready to light up your life with Kilowatt? Go here to see more. Humane Society HPE

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Somatic Breathwork Experience ✨
📅 Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: We Thrive Wellness Centre, 161 Front St, Belleville, ON
💲 Price: C$35.00 (plus HST)
Description: A calming breathwork session designed to promote relaxation and self-discovery.

Yoga at Baxter Arts Centre 🧘‍♀️
📅 Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Baxter Arts Centre, 3 Stanley St, Bloomfield, ON
Price: C$15.00 – C$25.00
Description: Join a beginner-friendly yoga class at Baxter Arts Centre! Enjoy a mix of strengthening and relaxing postures to unwind, with options for all levels including chair yoga postures. For questions, contact [email protected].

Salsa Dancing 💃🕺
📅 Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Little Texas Bar and Grill, 327 North Front, Belleville, ON
Price: Free
Description: Join for basic salsa dancing lessons from 7-8 PM, followed by dancing to Latin beats until 10 PM. Enjoy a night of music and fun!

Hotel California: The Eagles Tribute 🦅
📅 Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
📍 Location: The Empire Theatre, 321 Front St, Belleville, ON
Price: C$45.50
Description: $45.50 + taxes and fees. Hotel California: The Original Tribute To The Eagles! Relive the iconic sounds of The Eagles at this tribute concert.

Beginner Barn Quilt Workshop 🧶
📅 Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 9:00 AM
📍 Location: 22 Front St, Quinte West, ON
Price: Varies
Description: Create your very own 34"x34" Barn Quilt! Choose from four designs and customize with colours to match your decor. Includes all materials, lunch, and dessert. Wine and beer available for an additional cost.

Check out these and many more on our event calendar below:

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

Check out this local photographer’s awesome shot of a short eared owl on the hunt. Follow Yagnesh Mangukiya on instagram below to see some amazing shots from around the Bay of Quinte.

Want to see your photos in our community snapshot section? Tag us on instagram @BOQtoday or send us a message!

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

John Sharkey | Capers | Friday, January 17, 2025, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | 272 Front St, Belleville, ON |

Bobby Cameron at North Docks | North Docks - Pub and Patio | Saturday, January 18, 2025, 6:00 PM | 153 Main Street, Wellington, ON |

Nolan Hubbard | Capers | Saturday, January 18, 2025, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | 272 Front St, Belleville, ON |

Fearless Love plays the Speakeasy | Karlo Estates | Saturday, January 18, 2025, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | 561 Danforth Rd, Wellington, ON |

Mike Conto | Meyers Creek Brewing Company | Saturday, January 18, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | 60 Dundas St E, Belleville, ON |

MUDMEN at The Regent Theatre | The Regent Theatre | Saturday, January 18, 2025, 8:00 PM | 224 Main Street, Picton, ON |

CIVIL NEWS

BELLEVILLE

Queen Mary Affordable Housing Public Meeting – Feb. 4

A public meeting will be held on February 4 at Prince Charles School to discuss a proposed affordable housing project and parkland use in Belleville’s West Hill. The meeting will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 75 Ritchie Ave. Feedback collected will help shape the future design of the site. For more information, visit belleville.ca/QMProject or email [email protected].

Water Plant Upgrades

Belleville's Gerry O'Connor Water Treatment Plant is set to receive communication upgrades. City council approved a $250,000 plan to improve the outdated system, which will enhance the connection between the plant and outside pumping stations. More here.

QUINTE WEST

Nothing other than the free parking to update today!

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Mayor Steve Ferguson Elected Vice-Chair of Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus for 2025

County of Prince Edward Mayor Steve Ferguson has been elected Vice-Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) for 2025. Ferguson, who highlights priorities like infrastructure, housing, and healthcare, will collaborate with Chair Bonnie Clark and other members to advocate for regional municipal issues.

County of Prince Edward Hosts Free Rental Housing Workshops

The County of Prince Edward is offering a series of four free workshops on rental housing. Topics include tenant rights, eviction prevention, and housing for new immigrants. Workshops will be held at Picton Town Hall and virtually. To register, email [email protected] or call 613.476.2148 ext. 1069. More info here.

That’s all folks! Share this email with someone who needs a cat!