Belonging in the BoQ: The Kafana
Myra and Corinne, the dynamic duo behind The Kafana, have a shared dream of creating a community space shines through in everything they do.
May 6, 2025
A collection of our stories from the BOQ
Myra and Corinne, the dynamic duo behind The Kafana, have a shared dream of creating a community space shines through in everything they do.
Founded by Holly, a Wellington, Ontario native with a passion for wellness and inclusion, The Fit Collective in downtown Belleville is more than just a gym—it is a place where community, personal growth, and inclusivity take centre stage.
Get to know Tina Nguyen, founder of XXL Scrunchie & Co. Her Belleville-based family business sells handmade scrunchies in just about every colour you could image and has expanded to include more products like hair claws, tote bags, pillowcases, clothing and accessories.
Angela Wiggins is redefining how heritage, resilience, and culture are conveyed through art in the Bay of Quinte region and beyond. Her artistic journey has evolved into a personal movement advocating for Indigenous Peoples, earning recognition from the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and Hockey Canada, among others.
For 14 years, Belleville Downtown DocFest International Documentary Film Festival has been a cultural mainstay, bringing compelling documentary storytelling to the region. Running from February 21 to 23, this year’s festival offers a diverse lineup of thought-provoking films that celebrate local talent, foster community connections, and explore global perspectives.
The Mayer Building at 371-385 Front Street, once known as the Reynolds Block, stands as a testament to Belleville’s growth and resilience. As the city evolved, the businesses within this historic location followed suit—honouring the past while embracing the vibrant future of the neighbourhood.
For most hockey clubs, the summer slows down.
Players rest up before re-focusing on their offseason training, staff begin to put together the bones of the roster they hope to ice in the upcoming campaign, and fans turn their attention to their favourite summertime hobbies. And, while those things are true for the most part for the Belleville Senators as well, the summer season is also a chance to strengthen community connections and keep hockey on the brain when the temperatures rise.
If you are looking for a delicious handmade burger in a family-owned restaurant, look no further than Law and Order Burgers and Fries located at 394-400 Front St. in Downtown Belleville in the historically-significant building formerly known as Fire Station No. 2.
Dr. Jim’s Computer Repair sits at 392 Front St., the entrance of bustling downtown Belleville and backing onto the beautiful Moira River. One can easily be transported back to 1871 when the stately but unassuming red brick building was built, including the still visible vintage paint reading “Ontario Hotel” in faded letters that can be currently seen, after some restoration, on the front of the building. The mural is left over from when the building that serviced those coming through either on the corner of the “Upper Bridge”, now the Moira Bridge, the Railway, which ran up Pinnacle Street from 1856 – to June 1964, or those working in the lumber or one of the many industries along the Moira River.
Let’s see what we got!
The Bay of Quinte RMB Land Acknowledgement
The Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board is committed to acknowledging, appreciating and understanding the Indigenous Peoples’ historic connection to this land and to raising awareness by building relationships in collaboration with Indigenous partners and communities.
We recognize and acknowledge that we are living and working on the traditional territory of the Wendat, Mississaugas, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee which includes the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte) with whom we work in direct partnership with.
This partnership focuses on the common goal of celebrating the region with the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka who are equal partners within the organization and at the Board of Directors table contributing to the mandate and operations.
This mandate includes listening to, learning from, and collaborating with the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka and actively incorporating their culture and heritage into the practice of responsible destination marketing and management of the region.
We understand that this land acknowledgement is only a small step towards the larger process of reparations and reconciliation.
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