Could your business use a boost? Advertise with us. Find out more here.
Together With
Gooood morning Bay of Quinte!
Happy New Year — did you miss us?
After a short holiday break, BOQ Today is back, refreshed and ready to kick off 2026 with you. Let’s get straight into what matters — here’s what you need to know today.
• 🏗️ Development News — Record-breaking permits, housing delays, and climate milestones across the region
• 🎵 Entertainment Scene — Tribute shows, brewery parties, and unique vineyard experiences coming your way
• 🐱 Community Spotlight — Meet Blobfish, this week's adoptable sweetheart looking for his forever home
"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."
Taste the Difference
Together withThairific
Thairific caters everything from team lunches to big celebrations with a customizable menu of flavour-packed apps and unforgettable entrées.
Check their website for up-to-date hours, special pop-ups, and event bookings. Planning something special?
News Notes
⛸️ Ontario Vineyard Creates Forest Ice Trail
Potter Settlement Artisan Wines is building Ontario's only vineyard ice skating trail. The 1.1 km Northern Lights trail winds through forest and costs $20 per person. (Ontario Hidden Gems) Read More →
🌱 Belleville Hits First Climate Milestone
The city just completed its greenhouse gas inventory as part of the Partners for Climate Protection program. Belleville joins over 450 Canadian municipalities working to reduce emissions. (City of Belleville) Read More →
🏗️ Belleville's Building Boom Hits Record High
December construction permits jumped to $18 million from $5.1 million last year. Major projects include $10 million in Procter & Gamble upgrades and renovations at Memorial Marketplace. (The Intelligencer) Read More →
🏒 Local Olympic Hockey Connections Keep Growing
More local athletes are making their mark on international ice. The Olympic roster announcements continue revealing Belleville ties to the world's biggest stage. (Quinte News) Read More →
🏗️ Habitat Housing Project Hits Asbestos Snag
The former Belleville police station demolition is delayed until January after crews discovered more asbestos than expected. The 66-unit affordable housing complex still targets June 2028 occupancy. (Quinte News) Read More →
📈 Belleville Drops to 22nd in U-Haul Growth Rankings
Belleville slipped 19 spots from its third-place ranking in 2024. Still 52.4% of moves were people arriving versus leaving the city. (Intelligencer) Read More →
Got a business you’re dying to tell us about? Go here.
Continued Learning
Together with Loyola School of Adult Learning and Education
Ready to earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)? Loyola offers free, flexible learning designed for adult learners.
📚 Continuous enrollment from Sept–June
💻 Courses available online and in-person
Whether you’re finishing what you started or planning your next step, Loyola is here to help you succeed.
👉 Learn more at learningatloyola.ca
Events
📸 Local Photographer Shares Her Vision | January 15 | Parrott Gallery
Stephanie Trattner explores the gap between what we dream and what we capture, with beverages and light bites to soften the existential blow.
🍺 Sea Shanties & Suds | Monday Jan 12 | 555 Brewery, Picton
Because apparently singing about sailors while drinking beer is scientifically proven to boost your mood and sailing skills.
🎸 STYX & Journey Tribute Night | January 17 | Maranatha Church Auditorium, Belleville
Five world-class musicians channel arena rock's golden age while raising funds for Diabetes Canada—because nothing says "Don't Stop Believin'" like a good cause.
🌕 Full Moon Party | Jan 31st | Doors 8pm | Parsons Brewing
Dance away those winter blues with DJ dames spinning tunes and Parsons serving up the good stuff until midnight.
🥁 Phil Collins Tribute Show | February 6 | The Empire Theatre
A full-scale docu-concert celebrating the Genesis drummer turned solo superstar, complete with all the hits that made you cry in your car.
🍺 Stoutfest 2025 | February 7th | Prince Eddy's Brewing
Beat the winter blues with free tastings from a dozen local breweries, plus food trucks and family-friendly vibes.
Note: Events may be cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to see our event calendar and reach out to the venue before going.
Pet of the Week
🐱 Blobfish, 1 Year 10 Months — Domestic Shorthair Mix
This shy but sweet young male starts with cautious hisses but quickly melts hearts with adorable meows and gentle affection.
🎯 Needs patience — thrives in calm, adult-only homes with another friendly cat
🧸 Playful spirit — loves wand toys and soft pets once he feels secure
Weather
📍 Belleville, Ontario, CA — 3-Day Forecast
☁️ Monday: broken clouds, 0°C/-7°C
☁️ Tuesday: broken clouds, 2°C/-1°C
☁️ Wednesday: overcast clouds, 4°C/1°C
🌡️ View current weather here.
🚗 See live traffic here.
⛽ Check out local gas prices here.
Signing Off
Here’s to kicking off 2026 with momentum, ambition, and a few big wins along the way. Whatever goals you’re chasing this year, let’s make it a good one — together. ✨
What did you think of this edition of BOQtoday?
*indicates sponsored advertising content