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The Tragically Hip receive 2021 JUNO Humanitarian Award

“Making our neighbourhood a better place”

Their first JUNO award – in 1990 – was for “most promising group of the year.” And The Tragically Hip certainly lived up to their promise. They went on to win 14 more JUNOs and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. At this year’s JUNO ceremony on June 6, they’ll receive the 2021 Humanitarian Award.

The Humanitarian Award recognizes outstanding Canadian artists or industry leaders whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and beyond. Members of The Hip – Rob Baker, Paul Langlois, Gord Sinclair, and Johnny Fay – will receive the award from Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson from Rush (the 2015 Humanitarian award recipients).

The Hip also will perform at the JUNO event, with singer Leslie Feist on vocals. This will be the band’s first televised performance since lead singer Gord Downie died in 2017. The event will be broadcast on Sunday, June 6 at 8pm on all CBC platforms:  CBCmusic.ca/junos.

Rob Baker, the band’s lead guitarist, talked about getting this award, the importance of supporting local causes, and one of his favourite Kingston musical memories.

“It feels strange to receive a humanitarian award,” he says modestly. “We just try and make our neighbourhood a better place.” Charitable work has always been part of the band’s ethos. Most recently, the band has been working with the Unison Benevolent Fund, which provides emergency relief services to people in the Canadian music industry, both musicians and crew members. “Things have been pretty bad in our industry,” says Rob. “We know people who lost tours, who are out of work, and are clinging to their livelihoods. We don’t want to lose an entire industry to COVID!” 

The Tragically Hip have been raising awareness and money for the fund, including through proceeds of their “Courage” masks. Learn more at https://thehip.com.

And while they continue to support national causes, the members of The Hip have always prioritized Kingston projects. “In the early years,” says Rob, “we never shied away from doing benefit shows. Our first big one was for Almost Home. We put on a concert at Fort Henry with The Pursuit of Happiness. Almost Home [which provides support for families with sick kids in Kingston hospitals] had just secured a place but didn’t have the funds to renovate it and make it into what it could be – what their dream was. So, we were able to raise a significant amount of money for them.”

“You just start small,” he continues, “but then you get a taste for it. You can see the impact of your support [for a small charity], and you start to dream a little bigger.”

And sometimes, a cause hits really close to home.

“Joe Chithalen was a friend,” says Rob somberly. “And we had great plans to play together … and that didn’t happen. The unexpected has a way of poking its head up every once in a while.”

Joe Chithalen, a talented Kingston musician, died tragically in 1999 at the age of 32. In his honour, the Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library – Joe’s MILL – was established. The library loans out a variety of musical instruments at no charge to Kingston residents. The Tragically Hip have supported Joe’s MILL since its beginning.

Music builds community

So, why is Joe’s MILL so transformational? Why is having access to music and musical instruments so important, especially for young people? For Rob Baker, “it’s just being able to have the opportunity. Not everyone is going to play an instrument; not everyone is going to have dreams of making albums or touring the world. But [access to music instruments] is just such a good way to investigate yourself and build community with other people. The connection that music makes with people! And not just the way music connects with a person’s heart and mind, but the way it connects them with other people. It really does build community. So, if you can extend some of those opportunities, then, by all means, you need to do it.”

Kingston musical memories

Kingston live music venues are shuttered for the time being. But Rob has fond memories of two special concerts here in Kingston, one as a performer and the other as an audience member.

“At the Leon’s Centre, coming up on five years ago, [The Tragically Hip] played our final show. And I remember being on stage and looking over, and my wife and son were standing side stage. And I kind of gave them a little smile. And two or three years later, I was standing side stage there with my wife, watching my son [Boris Baker, bassist for Kasador] on stage, warming up for The Glorious Sons. And he looked over at us and gave us a smile. And I saw that look in his eye. We both recognized that this flip had happened. And that was a pretty special moment for me.”

Insider itinerary

Rob Baker and his wife, Leslie, have been sticking close to home this past year. They’re both avid cooks and enjoy trying out new recipes. But, Rob says, “we realized that restaurants must be taking a beating due to COVID. So, we committed to ordering in once a week. We have our favourites – Chez Piggy, Harper’s, Olivea, Wooden Heads. One of our favourite Indian restaurants, Curry Original, is temporarily shut down, but it’s under new ownership and will be re-opening.  Taste of India is also excellent. I have a friend in Toronto who says he has had to come to Kingston to get the best Indian food!”

Sticking close to home has also enabled Rob to discover some local treasures.

“I found a great little corner store on John Street recently,” he says. “Daughter’s General Store. Wow – that’s a treat! Really enjoyed that place. It’s kind of like a corner store. But everything in there is kind of upscale and interesting. You can buy orchids! Or, if you want a popsicle, you can go in, but they’re not just popsicles, they’re Mexican paletas – they’re homemade, beautifully crafted popsicles that are fantastic! And they have so many interesting things that you’re not going to get at a regular corner store.”

JUNO’s poster in support of Joe’s M.I.L.L. 

Joe’s M.I.L.L. is a registered charity in Kingston, Ontario founded by musician, Wally High, in memory of his friend and band member, the late Joe Chithalen, who was a talented bass player in several well-known Kingston bands. Joe’s M.I.L.L. operates in tribute to Joe’s love of music, so that anyone who wants to can enjoy playing music as much as he did.

All proceeds from sales of the poster will go to support Joe’s M.I.L.L.

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Best in bloom: 7 great places to experience Kingston’s spring flowers

If you’re looking for a mid-day break, a weekend treat, or simply a place to connect with nature, Kingston is bustling with blooms for you to explore. Research shows that experiences in nature can improve physical fitness and the ability to cope with stress. Experiences in nature are linked to good health, both physical and mental. More than 200 parks are open to the public year-round in Kingston, so you can revel in the spring weather by checking out what nature has to offer in your own backyard. All these spaces are open to the public and free of charge, making your next walk even brighter.

Please remember to responsibly enjoy Kingston’s parks: stay with your household and physically distance from others. 

Confederation Basin, Confederation Park & City Hall

216 Ontario St

If you’ve got a craving for tulips this season, or just want to discover some flowery views in historic downtown Kingston, check out the Confederation Basin area located in front of . Here you’ll find a bright, spacious green space offering views of the marina, sparkling Lake Ontario, and Royal Military College. This area includes the lush gardens and fountains of Confederation Park just in front of City Hall and other blooms lining the Waterfront Pathway. Did you know that Shoal Tower, one of the four Martello Towers in Kingston, is also located here? The tower was built in the 1840s to defend Kingston’s harbour. Confederation Basin proves that you can be at the centre of downtown Kingston – and its selection of great coffee and snacks for you to grab and go – while still satisfying your urge to get back to nature.

The Walk at City Park, Hospice Kingston

Bordered by King St E, Barrie St, Bagot St, and West St

Travel west of City Hall and you’ll find the leafy grounds of City Park. You can also enjoy the Walk located in the northeast corner of the park. The Walk was developed by Hospice Kingston to be a family-friendly space for quiet contemplation. Here you can rest on a bench and listen the bubbling fountain or wander the Walk’s pathway, which features several memory stones commemorating loved ones and their accomplishments. With flowers that shift with the seasons, this is a peaceful place for reflection and mindfulness.

Lions Civic Gardens

875 Gardiners Rd

Those in the west end of Kingston may be familiar with the Lions Civic Gardens, which has hosted many free music concerts over the years. (It’s also a popular toboggan run in the winter.) But this park next to Cataraqui Town Centre also offers some lovely walking trails. These gardens offer the opportunity to roam and discover wildflowers; there are also several maintained garden beds here.

Queen’s University campus

99 University Ave

There’s perhaps no better place in Kingston to witness spectacular flowers and trees than on the Queen’s University campus. Beds of daffodils and tulips make a bright contrast to the backdrop of limestone buildings. Later, as the flowering bulbs finish blooming, they’ll be replaced by annual flowers. Did you know that each year the grounds crew constructs a detailed plan about what they’ll be planting in the campus garden beds and planters?

While beautiful flower beds can be found across the entire campus, take some time to view the trees there, many of which are unlikely to be found elsewhere in Kingston, or even in Southeastern Ontario. This is because a unique microclimate is created here by the combination of building placement and proximity to Lake Ontario. The Snodgrass Arboretum, located in front of Theological Hall and Summerhill, was established in 1999 to recognize these rare trees. In fact, the slope in front of Summerhill was the site of Canada’s first botanical garden, established in 1861 by the Botanical Society of Canada. You can also virtually tour the Arboretum.

From the hanging baskets studded along University Avenue or the lush spring garden beds at Agnes Benidickson field, Queen’s campus is a must-see for those looking for blooms.

Joseph Dominik Garden

191 Portsmouth Ave

Joseph Dominik Garden is the first fully accessible public sensory garden in Kingston. The Ongwanada Centre opened the therapeutic garden in 2006. Since then, the garden has won several awards from the Kingston Communities in Bloom program. The garden was designed to elicit a beautiful sensory experience for those with developmental and physical disabilities. Come discover how this space engages all the senses!

Churchill Park Flower Garden

On Brock Street, between Napier and Regent streets, you’ll find Churchill Park, known for its stunning flowerbeds. The space also boasts a sundial monument, erected in 1973 to celebrate Kingston’s 300th anniversary and the 500th anniversary of the birth of Copernicus.

Barriefield Rock Garden

The Bill Robb Barriefield Rock Garden that runs from the bottom of Main Street alongside James Street to the rock-cut along Highway 2 was created in 1990. Bill Robb was a retired Bell Canada lineman and engineering technician who was instrumental in devising the project. He cultivated the garden systematically, using an aerial photograph that he marked off as he proceeded. Having volunteered at the local federal prisons, Bill enlisted inmates to help with the gardening, many of whom went on to work in the landscape industry.

The garden, with its unique natural landscaping, has won Kingston Community in Bloom awards over the years and it continues to be maintained by volunteers, with funding from the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund.

Paterson Memorial Garden

111 Norman Rogers Dr

Tended by members of the Kingston Horticultural Society, the Paterson Memorial Garden, (next to the City of Kingston greenhouse in Roden Park), is a perfect place to wander. With new additions every year, this garden is constantly evolving. The garden pays tribute to Willie Paterson (1891–1983), who shared his plants and botanical knowledge with the Kingston community for many years. The Kingston Horticultural Society also offers online informational meetings for members and guests. You can check out its website for information on upcoming Zoom meetings. The Kingston Horticultural Society also maintains the Pollinator Garden at the Memorial Centre at 303 York Street. Dedicated to providing continuous bloom and confronting the challenge of pollinator decline, this garden is worth checking out.

Whether you’re admiring the forsythia or daffodils on your neighbor’s front lawn, or planning to visit some of the green spaces on our list, take advantage of the opportunity to get outside, de-stress, feel happier, and boost your creativity. Stopping to smell the roses is always good for the soul.

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Cinco de Mayo at home: recipes from Dianne’s + Mesa Fresca

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home and try out these three recipes from Mesa Fresca and Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse.

Mesa Fresca

Mesa Fresca is a locally owned and operated restaurant located in the west end of Kingston. Owners Alison and Andrew Scahill pride themselves on their unique blend of Mexican fusion, utilizing their love of the vibrant flavours of Latin cuisine to inspire the menu. The abundance of local suppliers, fresh produce and meat available in the Kingston area are not only the backbone of their menu but their local suppliers have become an integral part of Mesa Fresca family as they navigated operating a new restaurant during COVID-19.

They shared their Margarita de la Casa recipe with us below.

Mesa Fresca’s Margarita de la Casa

Margarita de la Casa recipe

Prepare in advance:

Lime Infused Salt:

  • Coarse kosher salt
  • Fresh lime zest (zesting with a microplane works best)

Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice:

  • 3-4 limes per margarita

Simple Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water

(Optional: you can easily make more or less syrup depending on how many margaritas you plan to have; just be sure to use equal parts sugar and water)

  1. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce; let simmer for 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature before using.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Tequlia el Espolon Blanco
  • ½ oz Cointreau
  • ¾ oz simple syrup
  • 1 ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Ice
  • Served best in an 8oz rocks glass

Method:

  1. Rim rocks glass with lime juice & salt the rim generously.
  2. Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
  3. Shake well for 10 seconds and strain into rocks glass.
  4. Enjoy!
Notes:
  • We opt for Espolon’s tequila blanco as its crisp flavours lend well to the vibrancy of our freshly squeezed lime juice. That said, any tequila will suffice, and we encourage others to try the same recipe with richer, aged tequilas such as reposados or anejos.
  • Cointreau is our triple sec orange-flavoured liqueur of choice. It is a premium quality brand, much less sweet than Grand Marnier, thanks to the bitter orange peels infused into the liquor.
Dianne’s Mexican Street Corn

Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse

Just steps from the waterfront in downtown Kingston, Dianne’s is where a classic East Coast kitchen meets the flavours of Mexico! From fresh sustainable seafood choices, turf and tacos, this irresistible destination has made a name for itself and proud owner Tim Pater proves again that he truly has a flare for the restaurant industry in Kingston with his drive and passion.

For Cinco de Mayo, here are Dianne’s Mexican Street Corn (as seen on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here!) and Diablo Caesar recipes.

Mexican Street Corn

Four portions 

Ingredients:

  • 8 pieces freshly husked corn on the cob
  • 8 oz queso fresco, pulsed in a food processor until loosely crumbled
  • 1 tbsp Mexican-style chili powder
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, very thinly sliced crosswise; include some seeds
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise, preferably homemade, mixed throughout with the zest and juice of two limes
  • 2 tbsp roughly chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 lime cut into 8 wedges
  • Sea salt / freshly ground pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Light BBQ and pre-heat to high with lid closed.
  2. When BBQ is hot, lay corn side by side on the grill and leave to cook until corn starts to “pop” and begins to char.
  3. Starting from one end on the line of corn, rotate each cob a quarter turn and allow charring to continue and corn to “pop” until corn is evenly charred all over. (Charring is good for depth of flavour; don’t be afraid of it.)
  4. When corn is evenly charred and cooked, place on a tray and spoon over a generous amount of lime mayonnaise; using tongs, rotate the corn to smother each cob completely from end to end with the mayonnaise.
  5. Place two cobs side by each on a serving plate and sprinkle liberally with queso; with a generous pinch of chili powder dust corn entirely, season to taste with sea salt and pepper, then garnish with several slices of jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Diablo Caesar

Prepare in Advance

Tomatillo Mix:

  • 2 litre Kitchens Tomatillo Salsa Mix
  • 1 big can of tomatillo
  • 4 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tsp onion powder
  • 4 oz lime juice
  • 4 tsp horseradish
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 tsp green cholula

Method:

  1. Rim glass with salt.
  2. Add tequila.
  3. Add ice.
  4. Add Diablo mix.
  5. Garnish with deep fried shrimp.

 

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Your local gift guide to Mother’s Day

We are all craving connection with our loved ones. Despite the distance we are experiencing, let’s honour and cherish our mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster moms, aunts, sisters, and all the other mother figures in our lives. This guide will help you give the gift of local.

Are we missing a Mother’s Day offering? Use our chat function on our website to let us know.

Jump to a section:

 

Gifts

Artisan Made Co

Artisan Made Co showcases handmade products from makers across Canada. This year, they are offering special gift sets that would be the perfect present for your loved one.

Onderbroeks

Onderbroeks is a Kingston-based company that designs and produces small-batch, curated collections of luxury robes and loungewear.

 

Sherry Jeffery jewelry

Treat your loved one to beautiful handmade jewelry by Sherry Jeffery. Sherry specializes in modern, minimal, everyday designs that are sure to bring a smile to their face.

 

Whitney Haynes jewelry

This year, Whitney Haynes is offering a special Mother’s Day line of jewelry featuring gorgeous sterling silver, pearl necklaces and earrings, leather wraps, and more.

 

Found and Lost Art greeting cards

Support local artists by purchasing a one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day greeting card. Christine Jamieson from Found and Lost Art created beautiful spring-themed cards for Mother’s Day featuring blooming flowers, friendly animals, and vibrant colours.

 

Plants from The Jungle and The Plant Shelf

Did you know Kingston is home to a few plant boutiques? If your mom has a green thumb, treat her to a new plant addition from The Jungle or The Plant Shelf. Both shops offer curbside pickup and local delivery.

 

Begin Again Group

Begin Again Group is a social enterprise that creates unique, stylish bags out of recycled rubber. It is also a small community of women, most of whom are new Canadians, who have learned design, construction, marketing, and business skills, all while building their new lives in Kingston.

 

Happy Thoughts: Butternut Creek Flowers

Happy Thoughts has partnered with Butternut Creek Flowers to offer a special bouquet of flowers. This year they are offering 50% off cards from their Mother’s Day collection with every pre-order. Pre-order is only open until Wednesday, May 5th, for delivery on Saturday, May 8th.


Spa at Home

Twelve Five Candle Co & Beauty Atelier

Pamper them with a relaxing soak at home. Twelve Five Candle Co & Beauty Atelier’s special Mother’s Day gift box includes a Dark Rose or Cashmere scented wood wick candle, matching perfume oil, and a coconut + bourbon vanilla mineral milk bath soak or chocolate + Bulgarian rose bath bomb.

 

Cher-Mere Day Spa

Now more than ever we need self-care. What better gift can you give than that of relaxation? Cher-Mere’s Mother of All Spa Box includes a wide range of products that pamper from head to toe. They are also offering their popular YGK boxes; a partnership among local Kingston businesses with a sampling of local products.

 

1000 Islands Soap Company

Years ago, Jackie Marshall started making soap in her kitchen as a hobby. Now her business, 1000 Islands Soap Company, offers dozens of types and scents of soap, bath, and shower products, and more. It’s all natural, and it’s all made by hand in her store at 339 King Street East.


Food & Drink

General Brock’s Commissary

Located on picturesque Brock Street, General Brock’s Commissary stocks their shelves exclusively with locally produced products from Upper and Lower Canada. Along with delicious cheeses, charcuterie meats, gift baskets, and artisan gifts, they really pack the punch for chocolates!

Cha Cha Tea 

If your mom is a tea lover, we have the perfect local place for gifts. Cha Cha Tea carries a wide selection – about 80 different kinds – of black, green, and white teas, as well as herbal infusions, all available online for purchase. The shop is run by Kaoru Miller, a certified tea sommelier.

 

Bread and Butter Bakery

This year, Bread and Butter Bakery is offering a curated line of Mother’s Day treats. Treat your loved one to everything from a breakfast-in-bed pastry box, tea party savoury box of treats, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more.

 

AquaTerra Mother’s Day to Go

Say thank you to mom this Mother’s Day with AquaTerra’s to-go options crafted with love. Enjoy a variety of offerings including a Seafood Platter, Afternoon Tea at home, and a Tasting Menu to go. Each package includes the option of cocktail kits, wines, ciders, or spritzers as add-ons.

 

Hard Way Cider Co

Treat your mom to a new local gem! Hard Way Cider recently moved to Kingston (they’re at 748 Development Drive) and they specialize in one-of-a-kind, artisan, barrel-aged, bone-dry cider. They offer free shipping in Ontario on orders of $60+ and free local delivery within 25km of their Kingston location.

 

Wharf & Feather Mother’s Day takeout

Wharf and Feather has a special Mother’s Day takeout of assorted Pan Chancho breads with whipped butter, house-smoked salmon crostini with herb-and-onion cream cheese, broccoli cheddar quiche with caramelized onions, a heritage green salad, roasted vegetable strudel, lemon-and-herb marinated roast chicken, roasted fingerling potatoes, Patchwork Garden roasted honey carrots, and more.

Knifey Spooney Mother’s Day brunch

Knifey Spooney has a great gift for all the plant-based moms out there. Dig into a vegan high tea brunch box with a fresh bagel kit with all the fixings (carrot smoked salmon, creamed brie, red onion, and capers), a mini asparagus quiche with shiitake bacon, and truffled mac and cheese. For dessert, indulge in a lemon tart with aquafaba meringue and a decorated sugar cookie.

 

Pan Chancho

Help the kids make something special with a Mother’s Day sugar cookie decorating kit. The kit comes with three classic sugar cookies spelling ‘MOM,’ icing, sprinkles, and a decorating stick. After cookies, enjoy a Mother’s Day brunch including your choice of quiche, a fresh fruit salad, six croissants, five macarons, and a mimosa kit for four.

 

Kingston Olive Oil Company

Kingston Olive Oil is the perfect gift for any foodie moms! This local company’s most popular gift packs include balsamic samplers, olive oil flight samplers, and special cookbook and oil samplers. They also offer free Kingston delivery and free shipping on $75 minimum orders.

 

Olivea

This year, Olivea is offering Mother’s Day gift baskets that include a $25 Olivea or Riva gift card and flowers for $80 plus tax (or choose one without flowers for $50 plus tax). Each gift basket includes Prosecco and chocolate. Call 613-547-5483 or email oliveaorders@gmail.com to order!

 

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Tango Nuevo

Delight mom with Tango Nuevo’s Mother’s Day brunch box! Their package includes chef’s choice 6 feature charcuterie, a fresh fruit plate, choice of quiche, avocado tartare with wonton crisps, bacon-wrapped dates with pistachios and balsamic reduction and, lemon meringue tart. Preorder at their website for $95+ HST.

 

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Black Dog Home

Black Dog Home is taking preorders now at www.blackdoghome.ca while quantities last. All orders must be placed by 5pm on Thursday, May 6th. Heating and serving instructions included. No substitutions, please. Free delivery or pickup is available.

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Background extras needed for upcoming TV series productions in Kingston

Paramount series “The Mayor of Kingstown” and Amazon’s “Reacher” will film in Kingston spring/summer 2021

April 6, 2021

(Kingston, Ontario, Canada) – Background extras are needed for two upcoming TV productions: Paramount’s “The Mayor of Kingstown” and Amazon’s “Reacher.” Both productions will be partially filmed in Kingston during spring and summer 2021. Due to COVID-19, the casting calls will be conducted via email.

Film and television production has been permitted to continue in the province. Productions are regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, which amended its health and safety protocols to include special requirements regarding access to sets, testing up to three times per week, physical distancing, and PPE requirements.

The Mayor of Kingstown *SUBMISSIONS CLOSED

Seeking:

  • Seeking men and women of all ethnicities, 18+ years of age, to play prison inmates
  • Looking for “rough and tough” appearances

Rate of pay:

  • $14.25/ hour (Actra members will be paid the daily contracted fee as per IPA)

Additional details:

  • Work dates are offered on a weekly basis, so availability is key
  • You must be available for COVID-19 tests (provided by production, you will be paid 2 hours work for those)
  • Shoots are Monday to Friday – you may be needed some or all of those days
  • A general work day on set can range from 8 hours to 14+ hours
  • If you say yes to a day of work, assume you cannot schedule anything else that day
  • Start times and wrap times vary from day to day. You will always receive your “Call Time” (start time) the evening/night prior to your work day via email
  • Tattoos are fine but you must provide a letter or email of clearance from your tattoo artist (tattoos may need to be covered if this is not possible)
  • Only those that fit the desired requirements will be contacted
  • If selected, you will be contacted by the end of April

How to apply:

  • Please email a current selfie (picture) that best represents you and include your name, telephone number, and email address.
  • In the email, please include your measurements: height, weight, waist, shoe size
  • Apply directly to: mokbgcasting@gmail.com

Reacher

Seeking:

  • Male performers only. Looking for men over the age of 18. BIPOC, (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and Caucasian performers
  • Residents of Canada and/or men with work visas are eligible

Rate of pay:

  • $14.25/hour
  • Full days include a one-hour non-paid boxed lunch

Additional details:

  • Filming: Monday, May 3
  • Scenes will be shot throughout the day within the prison’s interior cells and outside in the exterior prison yards. Required for some scenes: shirtless/tank tops
  • Shooting hours: vary in length from 8 to 14+ hours. Start times vary. You need to be available all day and evening for your shooting production days
  • COVID testing is mandatory by production team. This will happen in Kingston (date, time, and site to be determined)
  • Strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place: wear double masks at all times unless actual on-set filming is occurring; two-metre separation between all people unless on-set; sanitation stations will be set up and must use when moving from place to place
  • Tattoos: visible tattoos are fine. A picture must be submitted to the email below with a letter of email clearance from the tattoo artist. (Tattoos may need to be covered if this is not provided)
  • COVID-safe snacks (packaged) will be provided. Bring your own snacks and water bottles
  • You will be notified by the casting office personnel for further information

How to apply:

  • Your full name, age, address, telephone number, and email address
  • Head and full body photo shots (required)
  • Tattoo clearance letter or an email attached from the artist
  • Height, waist, chest measurements and shoe size
  • Apply directly to: reacherbgcasting@gmail.com

Additional information about the productions is not available at this time and comment/interviews about these casting calls or the productions will not be granted.

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Film production during COVID-19

Film and television production has been permitted to continue in the province. Productions are regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, which amended its health and safety protocols to include special requirements regarding access to sets, testing up to three times per week, physical distancing, and PPE requirements.

A recent update to the industry regulations clarified that only film and television production activities undertaken by professional production companies are permitted. Guidelines also reflect the most recent public health advice and best practices. Details can be found at www.ONreadytoroll.ca.

Production on City of Kingston property is only allowed on a case-by-case basis with presentation of a COVID-19 safety plan and under these strict provincial guidelines.

About the Kingston Film Office

The Kingston Film Office launched in 2018 to attract and support media production within the greater Kingston area. In addition to overseeing film permitting for all City of Kingston properties, the Kingston Film Office connects industry to local talent and resources including locations, cast crew, catering, transportation, accommodations and more.

About Tourism Kingston

Tourism Kingston’s mission is to promote Kingston, Ontario as a uniquely historic and hip destination to explore year-round. Tourism Kingston’s vision is to excel in creating, promoting, and growing opportunities for Kingston, Ontario to be a premier destination for individuals, groups, and businesses; to leverage tourism as a key driver of a healthy economy of Kingston; and to champion Kingston as a destination for local, regional, national, and international tourism.

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Your at-home guide to Easter in Kingston

*This article was last updated in April 2021*

Easter may look a little different this year, but Kingston businesses are offering creative ways to enjoy quality time with those you love. We’ve put together a list of packages and activities to enjoy safely.

If we are missing a business offering Easter specials, please let us know using our website chat function.

Cover photo credit: AquaTerra and Tie One On Creativity Bar

Food and beverage

AquaTerra

This Easter, AquaTerra will be offering both a brunch and dinner to go. For brunch, dig into a mesclun salad, quiche Lorraine, lamb sausage roll, pork belly hash, and lemon curd tart plus Earl Grey shortbread for dessert. The dinner option includes fresh focaccia, spring salad with cured salmon, turchetta, potato galette, Patchwork Garden carrots, green beans and a lemon tart for dessert. All you have to do is reheat and enjoy!

Price: $60, brunch for two or $100, brunch for four | $85, dinner for two or $160, dinner for four to six

Black Dog Home

Savour a full Black Dog Home Easter dinner available for pickup or delivery within City limits. This dinner for two or four has all your Easter fixings including a starter of pea soup, a main of maple-glazed ham, and sides of cheesy rosemary scalloped potatoes, honey and mustard-glazed carrots, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus bundles, spring pea salad with radish and goat cheese, and finally, a spiced carrot cake square for dessert!

Price: $70 for two people | $130 for four people

Jessup Food and Heritage

If you’re looking for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, Jessup Food and Heritage will be offering an Easter takeout dinner. For $18.95 per person, you’ll get roast turkey, gravy, savoury dressing, turnip casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and apple crisp for dessert. There is also the option to add a bottle of wine from Three Dog Winery.

Price: $18.95 per person

Pan Chancho

This year, Pan Chancho has put together a special pick-and-choose Easter menu. Start the evening off with a cheese platter that includes grapes, rosemary almonds, olives, and croûte. Enjoy your choice of lamb loin, seafood risotto, roasted ham, vegan tofu stirfry, or poached salmon as the main course. Finally, savour your dessert of a strawberry mousse bombe and chocolate truffles. There’s also the option to add additional treats to your order.

Price: $45 – $55 per person with the option for add-ons

Knifey Spooney

This year, Knifey Spooney will be offering a fully vegan Easter dinner! For their main, they’ve chosen an asparagus and local shiitake mushroom “bacon” quiche. A flakey, “buttery” crust, and a savory, flavourful tofu-based quiche. On the side, a creamy scalloped potato and roasted brussel sprouts with tangy pomegranate molasses and sesame seeds. Finish off the meal with lemon meringue pie or vegan mini cream eggs for dessert!

Price: $36 for one | $128 for a family of four

The Grocery Basket

Treat your loved ones (or yourself!) to a delicious dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients. This Easter dinner includes honey glazed ham, creamy scalloped potatoes, bacon brussel sprouts, maple glazed carrots and homemade biscuit. All you have to do is reheat and enjoy!

Price: dinner for one – $22.95 | dinner for two – $39.95 | dinner for four – $69.95

Pizza in a Box

Pizza in a box is a home delivery service with all the fresh ingredients to make pizza at home. Build your own pizzas with local food products hand-picked by their team. They pack everything into a box and deliver it to your door to enjoy that evening or save it for the weekend.

Price: $12.75 – $58

 

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Bread and Butter Bakery – meal boxes + dinner

This year, Bread and Butter is offering your choice of baked french toast or quiche brunch boxes with all the fixings (fresh fruit platters, buttermilk biscuits, fresh raspberry jam). If brunch isn’t your style, there’s also a four-course Easter dinner for two.

Price: $37 brunch | $65 dinner | option for add-ons

The Grizzly Grill – family meals for four

The Grizzly Grill has your holiday dinners covered with fully cooked meals ready to serve. Enjoy a main course of chicken parmesan, salmon, prime rib, or BBQ back ribs. Each three-course meal comes with all the sides, fixings, and dessert. All you have to do is pick it up from the restaurant and dig in at home. 

Price: $95 – $125

At-home activities

Cher Mere – Pedicure in a Box

Indulge in a spa day at home with goodies from Cher Mere. Their pedicure in a box has everything you need for perfect nails. The kit comes with a file, Cher-Mere cuticle cream, a buffer, foot file, Cher-Mere cuticle oil, pediscrub, body butter, toe dividers, base and topcoat, and nail polish.

Price: $65

Sun Harvest – Moss Art Workshop

If you’re a plant lover, this workshop is for you! Freshen up your space with a Sun Harvest Greenhouse living moss art workshop. Learn and follow along at your own pace with a pre-recorded video. You’ll create an original piece incorporating different types, textures, and colours of moss.

Price: $50

Tie One On Creativity Bar – at home crafts

Get your creativity flowing with a selection of at-home craft kits from Tie One On Creativity Bar. Their kits range from creating candles and string art to learning macramé and finishing charcuterie boards.

Price: $10 – $55

Read More: Stay active at home: winter edition

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Studio LC: connecting Kingston students to the film industry

At one Kingston high school, students are learning to tell their stories through the medium of film. They’re also learning storyboarding, editing, camera work, lighting, sound design, and a host of other practical skills. This is Studio LC, a long-running program – and a working production studio – at LCVI.

Studio LC has been one of the Focus Programs in the Limestone District School Board for more than 20 years. Focus Programs concentrate study in a particular area, enabling students to learn skills and explore career paths while they are still in high school. This year, Studio LC becomes part of the Ministry of Education’s Specialist High Skills Major program, providing its students with real-world experience while earning them course credits.

 

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Kevin Bowers has been a teacher with Studio LC for eight years. “Studio LC is a functional film studio,” he says, “where the kids learn to write and light and act and direct and edit films. And in doing so, they’re hitting various course expectations. They’re getting a couple of art credits and a business credit. And they’re doing so while building films from the ground up, telling their stories, exploring their interests.”

Studio LC is limited to 28 students a semester, to give all the participants the opportunity for a solid hands-on learning experience, and to try their hand at different aspects of film production.

“Some students gravitate towards editing and some like being in front of the camera. Some like being behind the camera,” says Bowers, “but they get the opportunity to try all those things. It’s an essential part of the learning to help them find the thing that they’re passionate about. And then the others in Studio see their skills, and they’ll come together to produce a film with all the different talent in the studio. They can start to see how their passions become a necessary cog in the machine of production.”

 

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Many Studio LC alumni have gone on to post-secondary studies in film, at Ryerson, Humber, and elsewhere. (A highlight in past years was a class trip to TIFF in Toronto, where current Studio LC students could connect with alumni either studying or working in the industry.) A number of Studio LC alumni have also had their films screened at Kingston’s two film festivals, Reelout and KCFF. One of the feature films at KCFF this year, HOW TO FIX RADIOS, was entirely created by Studio LC alumni. (It airs March 5 online: https://kingcanfilmfest.com/2021/how-to-fix-radios/

Another group of alumni, Bodhi Irwin, Charlie Baptista, and Noah Murphy, are working together in Toronto. They released their first feature film, FINE CHINA, last year, and are working on their second. They’re planning on returning to Kingston to film their next project. Bowers hopes to set up co-op placements for that production for some of his current students.

 

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Not all Studio LC grads go into film production. But they do all take valuable skills with them in their next venture, whether it’s post-secondary education or the workforce. Bowers says, “They’re very insightful about how this studio experience is changing their lens on the world and finding out what is important to them. They want to land in a place where they are passionate about something, and where the people around them are passionate, too, so they can grow as part of a team.”

“A film studio,” he continues, “is a beautiful sort of microcosm for that world. Everyone’s got something to contribute, and everyone needs each other, in order to maximise everybody’s efficiency. It’s a community.”

Tap into Studio LC’s talent

Starting this fall, Studio LC will be looking for local co-op placements for its students. Get help at your production company from talented and motivated students while helping them get valuable on-the-job experience. A full co-op credit is 110 hours, but any number of hours will be useful for the students. Contact Kevin Bowers: bowersk@limestone.on.ca.

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Kingston Canadian Film Festival goes virtual in 2021

It’s almost here! The 21st edition of the Kingston Canadian Film Festival is online Feb. 26 to March 7. Tickets and passes are now on sale. Whether you’re a film buff or a filmmaker (or a musician or a comic book artist), you’ll want to check out this year’s offerings. Here are our top five reasons you shouldn’t miss KCFF 2021.

Still from MY SALINGER YEAR

1. The big names.

This year’s festival includes films featuring Gabriel Byrne (DEATH OF A LADIES’ MAN), Sonia Smits (DRIFTING SNOW), Sigourney Weaver (MY SALINGER YEAR), and Scott Thompson (MOUTH CONGRESS). There will also be a special screening of the 40th anniversary restoration of the Dennis Hopper indie classic OUT OF THE BLUE.

2. #YGK represent!

While KCFF screens the best films from across the country, there’s something special about seeing films by local artists. Check out “Local Shorts” (March 1 and 2) highlighting the diversity of Kingston filmmaking talent, and HOW TO FIX RADIOS, a local spotlight feature film, on March 5.

3. The connections.

“How did you pull off that shot?” “Where did you get your idea?” Connect with filmmakers directly and get your questions answered at livestreamed Q&As after each film.

4. The convenience.

This year’s festival runs over ten days, so you can take your time and savour each film. Buy single tickets or a movie pass (for 6, 9, or 12 films). And if you aren’t able to watch a film during its premiere, once you have your ticket, you can watch it (and the Q&A) anytime during the festival.

5. The workshops.

i) Breaking in: starting a career in film and media.

This is the place to start if you have questions about the industry. This event is presented with support from Tourism Kingston. Register at https://kingcanfilmfest.com/2021/breaking-in/

ii) Music in the movies: film scoring panel.

If you’re a musician interested in getting into film scoring, this is the event for you.

iii) Comic book workshop.

Learn dynamic figure drawing and storytelling using the classic comic book styles.

Get your tickets at www.kingcanfilmfest.com

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Meet the Maker: Tim Pater, Black Dog Hospitality Group

Kingston restaurateur Tim Pater has seen a lot of changes this past year. The arrival of the pandemic, obviously, forced some unexpected and unwelcome changes on him, but it also gave Pater the opportunity to make some new, positive changes of his own.

Last summer, he decided to go ahead with some long-planned changes to his flagship Kingston restaurant, Le Chien Noir. “This was planned before the pandemic hit; September 20, 2020 would have been the 20th anniversary of Le Chien Noir. The plan was to have a big 20th anniversary party, and then lock the doors, paper the windows, and transform into Black Dog Tavern. The reason? Mostly just 20 years of doing the same thing. I wanted to try something new, and I felt that Le Chien Noir had become pigeonholed as a special occasion-only restaurant. We wanted to do something a little looser, a little more fun. But in the summer, when we re-opened for takeout and delivery, Chien Noir’s menu really didn’t suit takeout. So, I thought, ‘Why not experiment with some of those ideas for the tavern now?’ So we went through the summer serving the tavern menu, first for takeout, and then at the restaurant when the patio was opened. We made the switch to Black Dog Tavern back in June, changed the signage, the menu, as much as we could. It’s the menu and atmosphere that changed the most: the music is a little more rock-and-roll and the food is more elevated comfort food.”

 

Some of the “elevated comfort food” favourites of the old Le Chien Noir menu have carried forward to the Black Dog offerings, like its poutine topped with duck confit, triple cream Brie velouté, and green peppercorn/Cognac demi-glace. It’s joined by new casual options like burgers and sandwiches. The menu was carefully curated to best serve takeout customers. “In terms of COVID and safety,” Pater says, “we wanted to create menus that didn’t need so many people in the kitchen, for all the prep. So, we just made them a little more simple and smaller.” But he expects Chef Rikki Wieczorek, who recently took over the helm in the Black Dog kitchen, will soon add her own spin to the menu with new items.

Chef Rikki recently starred in a Tourism Kingston “Together at Home for the Holidays” video, showing viewers how to put together a charcuterie board featuring local meats and cheeses, and easy-to-make pickled vegetables.

As of February 10, when Kingston moved into “Green-Prevent” status post-lockdown, Black Dog Tavern and Pater’s other restaurants – Atomica, Harper’s Burger Bar, and Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse – have been open for limited in-person dining, as well as takeout and delivery. All four restaurants continue to offer “Kingstonlicious” packages for both takeout and in-person dining.

Dianne’s “Down East” fish chowder is on the menu this month as part of a three-course Kingstonlicioius dinner (takeout or dine-in).

Pater’s business model for his restaurants is founded on a few immutable pillars. “First, our staff is family. They are who we are: they keep us going day in and day out. Of course, the customers are important! But if our staff are happy and taken care of, then that will translate into happy customers. Second, you can’t have a healthy business without a healthy community. And for me, a healthy community includes a healthy environment. So that means supporting local producers, using local suppliers, and getting involved in local organizations. Loving Spoonful is an important one for us: it provides access to local, fresh food for people who wouldn’t otherwise have that access. And the more we can support each other locally, the more that our money stays in the local economy.”

All four of Pater’s restaurants utilize takeout packaging that is biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable. “There are a number of restaurants in Kingston that have embraced this,” he says. “In our restaurants, we compost all our organic materials. And it just makes sense to eat what’s fresh and in season, and that means supporting local farmers. We’re really lucky in Kingston to have such a strong farming community in the region.”

Atomica’s plant-based Caesar salad. All takeout packaging from Black Dog Hospitality Group restaurants is biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable.

The last 12 months forced huge changes on Pater’s restaurants, from closing down to providing only outdoor patio service and takeout, to another lockdown, and now another cautious re-opening. And with those changes came hard decisions that had to be made.

“When the pandemic first hit and everything was shut down, I had to lay off more than 100 people,” he says. “And that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. That was tough. But, once the government programs kicked in – and it took a while – and there was support, I felt a lot better. And then, as we opened up, we were able to bring almost our whole staff back. Then with the more recent shutdown in December, I had to lay off a bunch of people again. But we’re really trying to make it work with our staff, in terms of their schedules and how much they can work on EI. It seemed a lot less stressful this time around.”

“Kingston’s really resilient,” he continues, “and while I do worry about small businesses here, our shops and restaurants, I think we’re well-positioned with our post-secondary institutions and government offices here [in supporting small businesses]. We will get to the other side of this pandemic eventually. I just hope that we don’t lose too many local businesses; those are really the fabric of this community. I’d hate for the Kingston landscape to change so much that it’s all national chains. I think that’s the worry of a lot of people. I’m not going to pretend this isn’t a struggle: it is. I try to stay as optimistic as possible, but it feels like this will be a two or three-year recovery.”

With the help of his staff, Tim Pater has worked hard over the years to create restaurants with great food and great ambiance. Over the past year, he really missed the normal sights and sounds of a busy restaurant: the conversations, the noise, and the energy.  Things aren’t quite back to normal yet, but they’re on the right track.

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Kingstonlicious in February

It’s February. It’s cold and snowy and we’re at home. What could be better than some delicious comfort food made for you by a local chef?

The River Mill Restaurant

Kingstonlicious continues throughout February with new restaurants and new menus. All this month, Kingston chefs are showcasing their takes on comfort food. How does a plate of Texas ribs (plus mac and cheese on the side) sound? Smoke ‘N’ Barrel has you covered (and their three-course Kingstonlicious offering includes caesar salad and banana pudding). The Everly joins Kingstonlicious this month, offering a three-course meal featuring kale salad, housemade pasta with meatballs, and tiramisu for dessert. The River Mill is offering four entrée options (beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetable) in its three-course Kingstonlicious meal. With 25 restaurants taking part this month, there are more ways than ever to eat well at home.

Tourism Kingston launched Kingstonlicious in January to support local restaurants by coordinating new prix fixe dining options for takeout or delivery. These offerings take the guesswork out of what’s for dinner while highlighting for Kingstonians the diverse offerings of local restaurants (while eating safely at home). Tourism Kingston has partnered with Natalie Goldenberg-Fife, of Gold & Fife, a specialist in curating exceptional dining experiences, to present the ever-expanding Kingstonlicious options.

As Kingstonlicious enters its second month, Ms. Goldenberg-Fife has also created some special food and drink packages that combine at-home delivery with virtual learning from the experts. Want to learn how to make a perfect Aeropress coffee – and then an espresso martini? Stay tuned for a Kingstonlicious package from Northside Espresso x Kitchen. Would you like to know more about sake, the Japanese rice wine? The team at Miss Bao are planning a special menu to go with a sake tasting. There will be at least four food and beverage learning packages offered throughout February and March. Bookmark www.visitkingston.ca/kingstonlicious to stay in the know.

You’ve got dinner sorted. How about entertainment?

Jazz musician Matt Dusk takes to the (virtual) stage on Feb. 18 as part of the GrandOnStage series presented by the City of Kingston’s Cultural Services Department. Matt, a four-time JUNO nominee, performs songs from his new album JetSetJazz in a musical performance recorded exclusively for the GrandOnStage audience. After the show, take part in a live artist conversation and audience Q&A with Matt. Get your tickets: https://www.kingstongrand.ca/events/matt-dusk

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Home Sweet Home

Valentine’s Day and Family Day may look a little different this year, but Kingston businesses are offering creative ways to enjoy quality time with those you love. We’ve put together a list of packages and activities to experience safely.

Valentine’s Day Packages and Gifts

AquaTerra’s ‘Love in a Box’ gift set

AquaTerra’s Love in a Box

AquaTerra’s ‘Love in a Box’ features an assortment of their favourite items from local businesses that will show your loved ones how much they mean to you. The box includes a $50 gift certificate to AquaTerra, 12 oz of O’Brien’s of Bancroft fine dark coffee, 50 g of loose-leaf green tea and an infuser, a succulent plant from Pam’s Flower Garden, Cocoa Bistro chocolates, and a bottle of PEC Sparkling or Rosé.

Price: $79

Northside x Aeropress Gift Pack

This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of caffeine, and a little something extra, with a package from Northside Espresso + Kitchen. This sweet package includes an AeroPress Go coffee machine (with a special Ameuus coffee filter) and all the ingredients for the perfect espresso…and the perfect espresso martini! You’ll get a package of Bilbao espresso from Monogram Coffee, four ounces of Kinsip Spirits Still’s Whispers Vodka and Chili Espresso bitters (made in Prince Edward County). Plus, you’ll get a video tutorial from Northside’s Cade Pentland-Boyce on how to make both the perfect AeroPress coffee and her special twist on an espresso martini.

These limited-edition packages are available now until Valentine’s Day or until they sell out.

Price: $100

Dig in to Kingstonlicious offerings

For February, 24 Kingston restaurants are serving up $45 prix fixe takeout options! Warm your spirits with an exclusive meal at home. The theme this month is cozy and charming comfort foods and they have everything from three-course dinners to lunch for the family. Get out your stretchy pants and check out all the menus today.

Price: $45

The Grocery Basket: Valentine’s Day charcuterie

Get your snack on with charcuterie from the Grocery Basket. Their pre-made board includes three local cheeses and meats, two spreads, and all the accompaniments. You even have the option to keep the board!

Price: $40 (serves 2-4), $110 (serves 6-8)

Pan Chancho: Valentine’s Day takeout brunch

Pan Chancho is offering a special Valentine’s Day brunch, featuring quiche three ways (broccoli, caramelized onion, and cheddar; double smoked bacon and gruyere; or smoked salmon and dill), fresh fruit and triple soft cheese, housemade pain au chocolat, and a 7oz mimosa kit.

Price: $30

Cher-Mere YGK Date Boxes

Stay cozy and have a memorable evening in with items from local businesses. Cher-Mere’s gift box has thoughtful items such as a bath bomb from All Good Things, massage oil from Cher-Mere, ingredients and a recipe for supper from Olivea, your choice of a puzzle or virtual game from Minotaur or Wonderland Games, and a pair of Kingston T-shirts.

Price: $150

Found and Lost Art: love you to the moon and back gift set

If you have a cat lover in your life, Found and Lost Art’s space cats-themed gift box is the purr-fect treat for them. The gift features two 4 x 6 signed art minis ready to be hung on a wall or placed on a shelf and a ‘Love You to the Moon & Back’ Valentine’s card.

Price: $60

Kingston Frontenacs Valentine’s Day special

Kingston Frontenacs teamed up with AquaTerra for a Valentine’s Day special this year. Any merch orders placed of $50 or more online at The Fronts Shop will receive a free gift card to use at AquaTerra. Spend $50-$100 on Kingston Frontenacs gear and you will receive a $25 gift card. If you spend $100 or more, you will receive a $50 gift card.

Price: $50 – $100

Outdoors + Activities

 

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Online Escape Rooms

What’s more romantic than getting locked up in a room (virtually) with your special someone? Test your patience and problem-solving skills with Improbable Escapes or Sherlock’s Escapes. With fun themes and puzzles, this experience is perfect for the duo or family that loves adventures and adrenaline rushes.

Hike the trails at our conservation areas

Enjoy some fresh air and hit the trails. Kingston is home to many trails located in the city and surrounding areas. For a gorgeous waterfront view and a leisurely stroll, walk along the Waterfront Pathway by Portsmouth Harbour and Lake Ontario Park. Kids always love feeding the chickadees and ducks at Lemoine Point. For more difficult trails and cross-country skiing, head to Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area.

Read more: Top Hiking Spots in Kingston

Geocaching

Did you know Kingston is home to over 500 geocaches? If you’ve never been geochaching, it’s basically a real-life treasure hunt for little containers filled with trinkets. Each cache can be loaded on your phone or GPS system and includes difficulty ratings, hints, and a log of people who found the cache previously. The best part: the activity is free!

Credit: Tim Forbes

Downtown Lights

Bundle up and enjoy the winter lights in Downtown Kingston. Princess Street trees and lampposts from Division to Ontario Street have been fashioned with lights. The street is lit up every night, making an evening stroll downtown feel a little more magical. Keep your eye out for neon hearts in shop windows and finish the evening off with hot chocolate takeaway or a skate in Market Square.

 

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Tett Centre: Family Day colouring contest

Get out your art supplies and enjoy an afternoon colouring an original art sheet by Michelle Reid. Share your creation and tag the Tett Centre accounts to be entered in a contest to win a unique Michelle Reid Art mug. The winner will be chosen by Michelle on February 16 at 4pm.

Read more: Stay active at home: winter edition

Spoiled with Sweets

Cocoa Bistro

If you both have a sweet tooth, this section is for you! Valentine’s Day is the ideal excuse to spoil yourself with chocolates and treats. Cocoa Bistro’s creations stand out from the crowd – with flavours like Ginger Ginger, Molten Milk Chocolate Caramel, and Chai Latte, it’s hard not to fall in love!

General Brock’s Commissary

Located on picturesque Brock Street, General Brock’s Commissary stocks their shelves exclusively with locally produced products from Upper and Lower Canada. Along with delicious cheeses, charcuterie meats, and spreads, they really pack the punch for chocolates! (Try the fudge. You won’t be disappointed.)

 

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Coffee Way Doughnuts

Coffee Way is the spot to visit if you’re looking for a ‘70s retro throwback. The coffee shop is open 24 hours a day and the owner creates doughnuts by hand around the clock. Dig into classic flavours like Boston Crème, honey crullers, sour cream glazed, and blueberry filled. The sweets are also reasonably priced at $8 for a half dozen and $14 for a dozen. Takeaway available only due to COVID-19.

Read more: Introducing Kingstonlicious

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Stay active at home: Winter edition

Want to stay close to home? Here are a few stay-at-home ideas to get your brain and body revitalized.

1. Start a family game night.

SBT Games has a number of board and card games in stock, whether you want to be competitive or cooperative. Check out the SBT Facebook page for regular video recommendations on new items in stock and role-playing games in stock, including Dungeon Mayham (an easy-to-learn D&D-based card game) and Unlock! (a cooperative escape room game).

 

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Improbable Escapes has created five virtual (and family-friendly) escape adventures you can play at home. Work as a team to solve the puzzles while interacting with a live game-master in the physical game space.

2. Get crafty.

Feeling the urge to create something cozy for yourself while you’re cocooning at home? There’s no better time to start a knitting project. Purlin’ J’s Roving Yarn Co. (Kingston’s only mobile yarn truck) is roving a little less these days, but you can still order yarn, accessories, and kits online and get free delivery in Kingston.

Tie One On Creativity Bar offers delivery of its craft kits. Offerings from local artisans include a vinyl sign kit and a candle making kit.

3. Get connected.

Youtube is always an option for online exercise classes, but then you’re missing out on personal instruction and encouragement. If you’re craving more human connection while you get back into your body, Samatva Yoga offers all its classes online, from “slow and stretchy” yin and restorative yoga options to more energetic power yoga. The studio also offers online versions of its special workshops, such as pre-natal yoga and a Healthy Hips workshop. Free options are weekly guided meditation classes and a regular online book club discussion.

Check out the Tett Centre’s online offerings, including its Arte el Martes Project, a monthly Zoom get-together for community members to chat in Spanish and create art. Bring your own art project to the call, whether it is drawing, painting, knitting, or embroidery! All mediums and skill levels are welcome. Enjoy conversations and topics related to art-making and Latino culture, customs, food, and more. These free sessions run on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7 to 9 pm. on Zoom. No registration required.

4. Get artsy.

The Agnes Etherington Art Centre has created Digital Agnes, an online platform for curatorial collaboration and creative research that highlights virtual exhibitions, digital publications, and interactive online experiences. You’re invited to digitally explore past exhibitions such as “The Powers of Women: Female Fortitude in European Art” from Winter 2018 or tour an interactive map of Rembrandt’s Leiden circa 1630.

5. Connect with your community

You can help the Queen’s University Archives with its crowdsourcing transcription project. Delve into local history while you transcribe digitized handwritten documents, review the transcription work of other volunteers, or help create index terms. Learn more.

Queen’s University Archives

CFRC Radio (Canada’s longest running campus-community radio station) offers a variety of locally produced podcasts, covering politics, sports, film, science, and the Kingston community. Explore them all here.

The Kingston Canadian Film Festival teamed up with Thom Ernst to create a podcast where we invite Canadian filmmakers to talk about their artistic influences past and present. The first episode features Jeff Barnaby, a Mi’kmaq filmmaker, writer, composer, and editor. Thom and Jeff chat about cinema, zombies, and colonialism. The podcast features guests like Festival faves Audrey Cummings and Matt Johnson among others. You can listen on your favourite podcast platform or their website.

6. Experience Kingston at Home

You can embrace the city’s festive spirit with Together at Home: For the Holidays, presented in partnership with the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts and The Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning. Cozy up with a hot drink and connect with Kingston’s makers, chefs, and musicians from the comfort of your own home with a series of festive videos. You can listen to the music of Miss Emily, learn to weave, or follow along with a spiced ginger cookie recipe!