Well hello, polar vortex...

A very special Happy Birthday to my mom, Tanya Wells! 🥳🎊 

Gooood morning everybody! Welcome to our 305 new subscribers. Thanks for joining, scroll through the next few emails to get a feel for what we do. You’re here with BOQtoday - the newsletter that signed an executive order to celebrate all the good news in the area.

Today Around The Bay:

• A new face and vision for B-Sens

• Winterfest in PEC

• Local brewery brings home gold

and more…

But first - The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched a new victim portal and website to assist individuals affected by SFO-investigated fraud. The public can explore the SFO’s website at sfo.opp.ca for fraud prevention tips, reporting tools, and victims' rights information.

We’ve got a question, have you been scammed on Facebook or another digital marketplace? Please let us know by replying to this email with your story.

WEATHER

Wednesday
High 🌡️ -8°C Low -10°C | ☁️/❄️ | 60% | S 18 km/h

Thursday
High 🌡️ -4°C Low -15°C | ☁️/❄️ | 80% | N 20 km/h

THE MID-WEEK SKIMM

Belleville Is Buzzin’

Belleville has been kind of on a roll lately in terms of media coverage. The U-haul top growth cities list blew up last week and now a recent article caught our attention not only because it highlighted this beautiful city, but it came from Narcity. What is Narcity? Narcity is one of Canada’s top lifestyle and travel platforms, with a massive following that spans millions of readers. Getting noticed by Narcity is a big deal because their content shapes how people view cities and regions across the country. Being featured on such a well-respected platform helps put Belleville on the map as a destination worth exploring, attracting attention from potential residents, visitors, and businesses. Read the article here. Narcity

Belleville Mayor Optimistic Leaving ROMA

No, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference doesn’t mean Belleville’s mayor set off to Italy — but Neil Ellis did return from the conference with plenty of optimism. The city pushed for more family doctors, nurse practitioners, and funding for a HART Hub to support vulnerable residents. With promises of announcements on the way and infrastructure funding decisions expected this spring, Belleville’s wish list is looking hopeful. More on that here. QuinteNews

Belleville Senators Welcome John Mathers as New VP of Business Ops

The Belleville Senators have named John Mathers their new Vice President of Business Operations. Mathers, previously with the NHL’s New York Islanders, brings a wealth of experience, including roles with AHL affiliates, CFL teams, and soccer clubs in England. Mathers aims to deepen fan connections in Belleville’s passionate hockey market. More here. B-Sens

Winterfest is Heating Up Winter Fun in PEC

Mark your calendar! Winterfest is back at Macaulay Village Park on February 1, from noon to 3 p.m., for a cozy afternoon of free, all-ages fun. Expect chili, hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, live performances, games, and even free books for the kiddos! Got bad weather? No worries—it’s moving to February 8. Catch all the info here. BOQtoday

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Brew News

Let’s show some love to a PEC gem. Gillingham Brewing snagged not one, not two, but THREE awards this year at the 2024 Ontario Brewing Awards, proving that they’re not just a local favorite—they’re a province-wide sensation.

Here’s the tea (or should we say, beer?):
🥈 Silver for their ES Märzen in the Amber Malty European Lager category.
🥇 Gold for their Vienna Lager in the Amber Bitter European Beer category.
🥇 Gold AGAIN for their Triple A in the Amber and Brown American Beer category.

Gillingham’s triple win is a reminder that great beer doesn’t need to come from the big city—it’s brewing right here in our backyard. So, next time you crack open a cold one, make it local and toast to the County’s champs.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

In partnership with Volunteer In Quinte

Continuing on in Education (COED) Help with evening bingos at Lions Club Hall, Belleville (5:45 PM–9 PM, once a month on Mon/Tues/Thurs). Duties include assisting winners and customer support. Proceeds support local programming.

Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario Deliver day programs on Success Skills, Personal Finance, and Work Readiness (Grades 7-12). Materials and training provided. Volunteer alongside teachers in local classrooms.

Scouts Canda Bay of Quinte Group Join the Bay of Quinte Group to support Beaver, Cub, Venture, or Troop programs (ages 5-17). Help foster teamwork, creativity, and adventure. Training provided.

ADOPT-A-PET

Who’s a good boy? Meet Billy! This 3.5-year-old German Shepherd mix is bursting with energy, love, and adventure. He’s looking for an active, experienced family ready to embrace his playful spirit and work on his training. Billy is a pro at fetch, loves the outdoors, and dreams of a big yard to explore. Think you’re the one for this lovable, high-energy pup? Go here for more info on Billy.

Want to meet to meet him and some awesome other pets? The Humane Society Open House is this weekend!

📅 Saturday, January 25, 2025
⏰ Noon – 4:30 PM
📍 34 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road

Tour the shelter, meet the team, and see how you can make a difference.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

🎨 Beyond Blue & White: Wedgwood Designed for Canada
🗓️ When: January 21 – April 13, 2025 (Tuesday to Sunday, times vary)
📍 Where: Glanmore National Historic Site, 257 Bridge St E, Belleville, ON
💵 Cost: Regular admission

Explore over 50 unique Wedgwood ceramic pieces featuring Canadian motifs, from breathtaking landscapes to charming souvenirs. This stunning collection, curated from Keith Alwyn McLeod’s lifetime passion, is a must-see for art and history lovers. For more details and tickets, visit Glanmore.ca.

🏒 Belleville Senators vs. Hershey Bears
🗓️ When: Friday, January 24, 2025, Game Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Where: CAA Arena, 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville, ON
💵 Cost: $24.42 – $56.60

Cheer on the Belleville Senators as they face off against the Hershey Bears in an electrifying hockey showdown! Don’t miss the action at the CAA Arena.

🏁 Winter Freeze Ice Races
🗓️ When: Saturday, February 1, 2025; Gates open at 8:00 AM, Races start at 11:00 AM
📍 Where: 132 Upper Lake Street, Picton, ON
💵 Cost: $10 admission (kids under 12 free); Driver registration $20

Feel the thrill of the Winter Freeze Amateur Ice Races featuring snowmobiles, dirt bikes, and more competing in five action-packed divisions. Enjoy concessions supporting Prince Edward Fire and an unforgettable day of winter excitement. Drivers must bring safety gear. Sign up here.

Belleville Festival of Faith: Kanyen’kehá:ka Traditional Beliefs
🗓️ When: Thursday, January 23, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Where: Belleville Public Library
💵 Cost: Free

Discover the rich heritage of Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) traditional beliefs and practices during this hour-long presentation with Q&A. Speakers Jennifer Brant and Tehohsén:nake Luke Jeffries will provide insights into cultural traditions and language from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. For the full festival schedule, visit bellevillefaithfest.com.

🎓 Loyalist College Open House
🗓️ When: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Where: Loyalist College, Link Lounge, 376 Wallbridge Loyalist Road, Belleville, ON
💵 Cost: Free

Explore Loyalist College’s programs, student services, and funding options at this in-person Open House. Discover how Loyalist can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

_{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

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

🎣 Gone Fishin’

No wonder people are “hooked” on travelling to this area, even in the colder months. Every Winter, the Bay of Quinte transforms into a winter wonderland, drawing anglers from near and far to experience some of the best ice fishing in Ontario. Known as a "Walleye Capital," the bay's unique geography and shallow waters make it a prime spot for reeling in trophy-sized fish. One glance at the water and you’ll see tons of cozy huts on the frozen surface, with locals and travelers alike, braving the chill for the chance to catch perch, pike, and the coveted walleye.

Today’s community snapshot was sent in by this avid angler who goes by DC fishin’. (This beauty of a walleye was released back into the bay as per the instagram video). What a catch!

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

Sponsored By The Bay of Quinte Clothing Club

They’re almost sold out! Do you want to look your best and represent the beautiful Bay of Quinte? 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.*

CIVIL NEWS

BELLEVILLE

Belleville Ward 2 residents are invited to a Town Hall Meeting on February 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. at St. Michael's Church, where city officials will provide updates and engage with the community. Visit here for more details.

QUINTE WEST

The Quinte West Council meeting on January 22, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., will cover topics like by-law amendments, budget updates, and a proclamation request for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month; full details are available here.

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Prince Edward County has made changes to its planning application process, focusing on improving transparency and public participation. For more details, visit here.

That’s all for today! Thanks for reading. Send this email to someone who loves ice fishing.