Mighty Moira clean up

Together With

Gooood morning everybody! Every spring, the Moira River does its thing—rises up, floods our basements, overworks every sump pump in the area — it even takes peoples boats. We’ve seen it all before. But this year? My wife and I woke up to this guy chilling in our basement like he owns the place.

The sump pump can fight the water... but not the wildlife.
The house is now yours little friend, you win.

Why Are Buyers Still Holding Back?

Presented by Tara Lyons Real Estate Team

The housing market is heating up — more homes are selling, prices are creeping up, and interest rates are still low. So why does it still feel like buyers are hesitant? Tara Lyons breaks it all down in her latest market update, including why this could be your rare chance to make a bold move before the market shifts again.

Have a look at what’s on the market here.

ICYMI: One post, thousands of views — and a full-scale cleanup.
Over the weekend, a Facebook post showing a riverside mess near Old Cannifton Road caught fire online — we’re talking 1,000+ reactions, 900+ comments, and hundreds of shares in just a day.

Locals were sounding the alarm about trash piling up by the Moira River, and by Monday, city crews were on site with dump trucks and heavy equipment, clearing out what’s believed to be an abandoned encampment. According to QuinteNews, over four truckloads of debris were hauled out — from mattresses and clothes to appliances and propane tanks.

This is a post with pictures of how it looked after the clean.

News Notes

♻️ Free stuff
Now we got some deets! Belleville and Quinte West are rolling out Giveaway Days on May 3 &4 — and if you’ve been looking for a sign to ditch that old blender, this is it.

What you should know:
• Put out clean, gently-used household items with a FREE sign by 8 a.m.
• Good stuff: furniture, books, appliances, kitchenware, renovation leftovers, electronics
• Off-limits: cribs, car seats, walkers, mattresses, blinds, recalled items — if it’s been banned or broken, keep it
• Anything still there at 8 p.m.? Bring it in or risk a bylaw violation

All the fine print’s here via the City of Belleville.

🎣 The Walleye World is Back, Baby
And on the same weekend as the Giveaway days, the 41st Annual Kiwanis Walleye World Fishing Derby is casting off in Bay of Quinte waters. All proceeds reel in support for local youth programs. Download the 2025 Booklet

🔍 Did you know? It’s the largest walleye fishing tournament in the world.

🧑‍💼 Big hiring energy
The Work in Quinte Career Fair is back on Wednesday, April 16 at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre (256 Cannifton Rd., Belleville). Swing by to connect with local employers who are ready to hire — no registration required.
Here’s the full scoop. (Work in Quinte)

Local Biz

🍽️ Pier Patio broken into — twice
Tough month for the Pier Patio Bar and Grill, the popular Meyers Pier summer spot. According to reports from InQuinte, the seasonal restaurant was broken into and vandalized twice in March, with smashed windows, scattered garbage, and damage to fridges and exterior doors.
(InQuinte)

French As a Second Language

Together with ALCDSB

Welcome to French as a Second Language (FSL) in the ALCDSB! The ALCDSB offers a range of FSL programs, including French Immersion, Core French and Extended French. French programming is offered starting in Kindergarten and all the way to Grade 12.

Events

Easter Weekend

🛍️ Easter Market at the Bay View Mall
Saturday, April 12 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 470 Dundas St E, Belleville | Free
Grab your baskets — 550+ locals are already hopping over to this packed Easter market. Expect dozens of vendors, sweet treats, spring finds, and maybe even a bunny or two.

🇨🇦 Elbows Up for Picton Main Street – Shop Canada Saturday
Saturday, April 12 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Picton Main Street | Free
Picton’s turning up the local love with sidewalk sales, Canadian-made everything, and street-wide activations.

🔍 Spring Into Treasure
Saturday, April 12 | 12–3 p.m. | Downtown Belleville | Free
Kids, families, and savvy treasure hunters — this one’s for you. Pick up a Bingo card at the Downtown District Booth (by the library), visit 17 local stops, collect stamps, win prizes, and enter the Grand Prize draw.

🥚 Easter Scavenger Hunt at Grills Orchards
Saturday, April 19 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 886 Grills Rd, Belleville | $12 per child
Hop into the hunt — Grills Orchards is back with its annual Easter scavenger fun. Time slots run every 15 minutes, with up to 16 kids per group, and spots fill fast.

Plan Ahead

Large Item Swap
Sat. May 3–Sun. May 4 | County-wide | Free
This one’s got curbside couches, chairs, tools, and treasures. Residents across Prince Edward County are putting out big, gently-used items marked “FREE” for the weekend. Post your giveaways in this Facebook event to help folks find the good stuff — and don’t forget to bring leftovers back inside by Sunday night.

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

Hosting an event? Submit it to our calendar here.

City

🏗️ 66 Apartments + Daycare Could Replace Belleville’s Old Police Station
Here’s what you need to know:

• What’s happening: The City’s looking to rezone 93 Dundas St. East (former police station) from commercial to residential.

• Why it matters: Habitat for Humanity wants to build a 66-unit apartment complex and standalone daycare.

• The catch: Daycares aren’t normally allowed in this residential zone—so a special exception is needed.

• What’s next: This is just the kickoff. Staff will collect public feedback before a final decision.

🗣️ One resident has already chimed in with concerns about height, ownership, and site usage.
Source: City of Belleville

🚧 Call to Rename Road After Seryn Lazzaro
A heartfelt push is underway to rename part of 2nd Dug Hill Road to “Seryn’s Way”, honouring 14-year-old Seryn Lazzaro, who was tragically killed in a 2023 hit-and-run.

A delegation led by Diane Lyndon will speak to Quinte West Council next month, hoping the tribute will replace tragedy with remembrance.
Read more from Quinte News. (Quinte News)

Schowcase your property like a pro

Together with By The Bay Real Estate Photography

By The Bay Real Estate Photography offers comprehensive documentation services for your property, including detailed photographs, 3D virtual tours, and floor plans. These services benefit a range of clients, from realtors and property managers to homeowners and renovators, by providing thorough visual records for insurance, rental, and renovation purposes. Additionally, we offer property videos and REELS to showcase your space.

Need stunning real estate visuals? Go here www.iguidebythebay.ca and view our full list of services, portfolio and book online.*

Hot Links

Canada just updated its U.S. travel advisory with stricter rules — including possible device searches, detainment, and a new 30-day registration requirement. (Daily Hive)

The Fashion Bunny is hitting the food court — for free selfies, spring style, and a shot at a $300 Quinte Mall prize pack. Here’s how to spot him and enter.

Spring thaw means runoff — and possible bacteria. The South East Health Unit is giving out free water testing kits so you can keep your drinking water safe. (HPE Public Health)

Spring produce is popping off — Here’s 30 colourful recipes make April feel deliciously doable.

Canada Child Benefit is dropping early thanks to the Easter weekend shift. Here’s why your deposit’s arriving April 17.

Prince Edward County is celebrating Earth Day with hands-on events and green action.

Weather

Wednesday
High 3°C 🌡️ Low -5°C | ☀️/❄️ |

Thursday
High 5°C 🌡️ Low 2°C | ☁️/❄️ |

🌡️ View current weather here.

🚗 See live traffic here.

⛽ Check out local gas prices here.

Signing Off

That’s it y’all! Share this with someone who wants a pet salamander.

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