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Are you snowed in?
Grocers under pressure, family day plans, and win Docfest tix!
Shane Brady
February 17, 2025
Presented By
Gooood morning, Bay of Quinte! Welcome to the 317 new subscribers who joined us over the weekend. This is BOQtoday. Folks, take your time reading today — the only thing on the other side is your snow filled driveway.
Made In Canada?
Last Minute Family Day Plans
Win Docfest tix!
and much more…
But first - how was Valentine’s Day in the BOQ? Restaurants were packed, theatres buzzing, and date-night spots booked solid. But here’s what we really want to know—where did YOU and your partner first meet? A swipe-right success? A coffee shop moment? A small-town love story in the making? Spill the details!
🎟️ Win 2 Downtown DocFest Gala Passes!
One lucky reader who answers our "How'd you meet your partner?" poll will score two tickets to the Downtown DocFest Gala this Friday. Ready to share your story?
The Question
How'd you meet your partner?PS give us your story if you met here in the BOQ! |
Presented By Thairific Cuisine
Experience The Difference
Thairific offers more than just food truck services; they provide full catering for private dinners, office lunches, or holiday gatherings. Experience the Thairific difference beyond typical meals at your next event! Whether you're hosting a small team lunch or a large party, they can accommodate your needs with a customizable menu that includes a variety of dishes—from savoury appetizers to mouthwatering entrees. Follow them on facebook and instagram to see the delicious food and offers.*
🌡️ WEATHER
Monday, February 17
-8°C 🌡️ -18°C | 🌥️ | 0% | NNW 35 km/h
Tuesday, February 18
-10°C 🌡️ -20°C | ☀️ | 0% | NW 35 km/h
📈 TRENDING
Calls grow for ‘Product of Canada’ labels in grocery stores | A Change.org petition urging grocers to label Canadian-made products has gained over 21,000 signatures, pushing for more transparency amid the tariff dispute with the U.S. Supporters argue that clearer labels would help consumers buy local, support farmers, and reduce environmental impact. Some retailers, like Sobeys and Metro, say they’re already prioritizing local goods, while others have yet to respond. (blogTO)
Canadian labels are starting to appear in grocery stores nationwide.
The Question
Should this be mandatory for all stores across the nation? |
🗞️ WEEKEND WRAP-UP
🚪 What’s Open & Closed Today | Most government offices, banks, LCBOs, and grocery stores will be closed on Family Day. Some drug stores and restaurants will stay open, and Galaxy Cinemas in Belleville will be showing films as usual. (QuinteNews)
📖 Facades on Front brings Belleville’s history to life | Local author Connie Carson’s new book explores the stories behind 68 historic buildings on Front Street, from early merchants to modern businesses. Packed with rich storytelling and detailed research, it’s a must-read for history lovers and downtown enthusiasts alike. (Memories of Belleville)
📊 BOQ ranks 11th for tariff exposure | A new report ranks the Belleville-Quinte region as the 11th most exposed Canadian city to potential U.S. tariffs, particularly on steel, aluminum, and manufacturing. With a strong industrial base and cross-border trade ties, local businesses could face rising costs and economic uncertainty if tariffs increase. (Business Data Lab)
🚆 VIA Rail Service Cuts | VIA Rail has suspended several trains in the Ottawa-Toronto corridor due to aging LRC cars and issues with its new Venture fleet. Service reductions will last until at least March. (Trains.com)
🏛️ Step back in time at Glanmore | Heritage Week (Feb. 18-22) is getting a history-packed upgrade with Museum Chats—think heirloom hacks, hidden corners of Glanmore, and the wildest Victorian ideas (spoiler: arsenic was very popular). Regular admission applies, and pre-booking is recommended. (Glanmore National Historic Site)
🌱 Seedy Saturday Sprouts in Belleville | Belleville’s first-ever Seedy Saturday is happening March 1 at Centennial High School. Expect gardening tips, a seed swap, and local vendors. Hosted by the City’s Green Task Force and partners.
🎟️ ALCDSB Launches 50/50 Raffle | The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board is hosting its first-ever board-wide 50/50 raffle, running until March 7. Half the jackpot goes to a winner, the rest supports students in need. Get tickets here. (ALCDSB)
📊 HPEDSB Wants Your Budget Input | The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is inviting community feedback for the 2025-2026 budget through a ThoughtExchange. Priorities include reading, math, and credit accumulation. (HPEDSB)
🚑 Faster Paramedic Response Times | New ambulance bases in Stirling and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory have cut response times by minutes, while Belleville and Quinte West remain steady. Community paramedics are also expanding services. (The Intelligencer)
Presented By The Fit Collective
Welcome to your downtown gym. A space dedicated to giving you what you need for an amazing workout in a down to earth environment. Check out our membership and class options HERE. Oh, and please follow our instagram!*
🎞️ A MOMENT IN TIME
Then & Now
“Nathan Jones was a prominent merchant, which was evident when he erected a building in 1862, later advertising his business as the city's oldest and most reliable. Jones expanded fifteen years later, and the building remained in the family until 1974. The legacy of Nathan Jones is marked by weathered brass letters spelling his name, preserved in the sidewalk at 292-296 Front Street.
💼 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
🔧 A1 Plumbing Gives Back | A1 Plumbing in Quinte West is launching the “In the Community Series,” awarding $500 and a pro-made video to a local charity each month. December’s winner? The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation. (Quinte News)
🥪Nine Hand Hill Farmhouse Foods | New location, same farm-fresh goodness. 📍2595 Stirling Marmora Road, Stirling. Swing by for all-day breakfast, fresh-baked treats, and hearty meals that hit the spot. (Hastings County)
Presented By I-Float Spa
Unplug & Recharge
This local float spa is changing the way people relax—helping them de-stress, sleep better, and relieve pain effortlessly.
If you’re constantly feeling drained, dealing with sore muscles, or just need a break from the chaos of daily life, floating might be exactly what you’re looking for. A one-hour float in a weightless, sensory-free environment has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even enhance creativity.
Kick-start your wellness journey today. Try a float session and experience total relaxation—mind and body. Get your first float session today. Book now.*
🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Family Day Edition
🎉 Family Day at QSWC | Monday, Feb. 17 | Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre
Enjoy a day of activities, including free public skates and swims, open gym time, and lane swims. Don’t miss the Belleville Senators vs. Utica Comets at 3 p.m. (City of Belleville)
🎉 Family Day Event @ CFB Trenton | Monday, Feb. 17 | 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | 21 Namao Dr E, Trenton | Free
Enjoy open swim, an inflatable pool obstacle course, public skating, open gym play, and family fitness & yoga classes. Open to both military and non-military families. (CFB Trenton)
⛸️ Family Day Activities in Prince Edward County | Monday, Feb. 17 | 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Various Locations | Free
Enjoy free public skating in Wellington and Picton, family-friendly games, reading programs, and free soup and chili at Highline Hall. Over at Macaulay House, create mini family photo albums, sip cider by the hearth, and hike Macaulay Mountain.
🦕 Family Day at Quinte Museum of Natural History | Monday, Feb. 17 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | 99 Dufferin Ave, Unit G, Trenton | Admission by Donation
Explore prehistoric creatures, fascinating fossils, and hands-on crafts at the Quinte Museum of Natural History. Plus, visit the National Air Force Museum’s Polar Lab for Arctic insights! (QMNH)
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
Growing Pains
Get the book here
Have you ever looked at your life one day and thought, “How did I get here?” Maybe you don’t recognize yourself or the life you’re living. You thought by this time you’d be somewhere else. But here you are, and you have so many questions.
If this sounds familiar, this book might be for you. While the specifics always differ, the common threads of personal hardship, fear of the unknown, and self-discovery remain. Get the book here
🎭 ART, THEATRE & CULTURE
🎬 DocFest is this weekend! | Don’t forget—Belleville Downtown DocFest kicks off Friday, Feb. 21 with a lineup of award-winning documentaries, filmmaker Q&As, and live music. The Opening Gala at The Empire Theatre features Paul Anka: His Way plus a special performance by Ryan Malcolm. Grab your festival pass before the weekend rush!
🏅 LOCAL SPORTS INSIDER
The Answer
Last week, we asked almost 9,000 BOQ locals what they’d love to see in Phase 2 of Memorial Marketplace and if you’re a bibliophile, baker or brewer debating a new venture, now might be the time to make it happen—because the responses poured in, and the demand is real.
🏛️ CIVIC NEWS
Belleville
Nothing today — stay tuned!
Quinte West
Nada — see you Wednesday
Prince Edward County
💼 PEC Career Fair Returns March 6 | More than 50 employers with 150+ job openings will be at the Prince Edward Community Centre from 2–6 p.m. Bring your resume for on-the-spot interviews. (Prince Edward County)
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