Try a trade at the free Quinte West Trades and Tech open house on April 21

Interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades and technology industries? Members of the public are invited to attend the Quinte West Trades and Tech open house featuring the Skills Ontario Trades and Tech Truck on Tuesday, April 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Quinte West Operations Centre, located at 177 North Murray Street, Trenton.

The open house is a partnership between Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC), with support from the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Skills Ontario, and welcomes high school and post-secondary students, job seekers and community members who are interested in pursuing apprenticeships, career or job opportunities in the local skilled trades and technology industries. Representatives from the Centre for Workforce Development, Loyalist College, Quinte Home Builders’ Association, 8 Wing/CFB Trenton and A1 Plumbing will be on site to answer questions and provide interactive demonstrations.

The Skills Ontario Trades and Tech Truck will also be on-site, offering hands-on experiences with activities and trades available, which may include:

● Automotive electrical
● Cake decorating
● Edison bots
● Electrical wall
● Hair styling
● Heavy machinery simulator
● Pneumatics
● Tire and brake station
● Tool exploration
● Tool rigging and more
● Virtual paint simulator
● Walk-a-trade (VR Oculus experience featuring activities like forklift operating, residential electrician, powerline technician, 3D printing)
● Welding simulator

“The City of Quinte West is pleased to host this event, which supports local youth through interactive hands-on learning to explore various career options within the skilled trades and technology sectors.” “The skilled trades offer incredible value and opportunities for youth to pursue as a viable career path,” says Linda Lisle, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism.

“The skilled trades and technology sectors are vital to our region’s workforce and future growth,” says Chris King, Chief Executive Officer of the Quinte Economic Development Commission. “The open house helps students discover what’s possible by giving them an interactive introduction to in-demand careers and the innovative technologies being used locally.”

In addition to the April 21 open house, the City, in partnership with QEDC, and with support from the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Skills Ontario, will host students from the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board on April 21 and 22. During the two-day program, students will tour the Skills Trades and Tech Truck and visit industry sites in Quinte West, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at skilled trades and discovering opportunities available in their own community.

The Quinte West Trades and Tech open house is free to attend and open to anyone interested in learning more about careers in the trades and technology sectors. Learn more at quintewest.ca/workforce.

LINK TO OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Monday, April 13
9:00am – 5:00pm
Trent Port Marina

Discover how to turn your passion for place into an unforgettable experience that connects visitors to the Bay of Quinte region!

Join the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board team for an immersive workshop dedicated to the art of crafting memorable visitor experiences. Led by Trevor Norris, BoQ’s Senior Manager, Destination Development, the session is designed for those developing a new concept or enhancing an existing offering, providing the tools needed to bring your vision to life.

Registration & Funding:
This workshop is free for businesses and individuals in the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board’s partner communities of Belleville, Brighton, Greater Napanee, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and Quinte West.

Due to limited space, a $50 deposit is required to register and will be refunded upon completion of the workshop.

Following the session, participants may apply for further funding and one-on-one coaching to launch their experience. Up to 10 participants will be granted this opportunity.

All attendees will receive a comprehensive Bay of Quinte Experience Crafting Guidebook designed as both a workshop tool and a long-term reference as you continue to develop your idea.

What to Expect:
Clear communication regarding logistics and expectations
Dynamic workshop led by experienced facilitators
Collaborative and inclusive learning environment
Constructive feedback to refine and strengthen your ideas

Why Attend?
Design experiences that create authentic connections
Collaborate and partner with like-minded local operators
Gain the confidence and tools to launch your own experience
Align your business with modern travel trends and responsible tourism

What You Will Learn:
Key elements of experience design and the art of storytelling
Costing, pricing, and marketing plan execution
Branding, content creation, and logistics like insurance, permits, and booking engines
Identifying ideal guests using Destination Canada’s Traveller Segmentation Portal
Sustainable and regenerative design principles
How to access support from local, provincial, and federal tourism partners

Participant Expectations:
Full-day attendance and active engagement in the session
A genuine interest in developing and test-piloting an experience
Professionalism and respect toward fellow participants and facilitators

Space is limited to 30 spots (first-come, first-served).
Visit bayofquinte.ca/experiences to see examples of previous experiences that have been developed!

REGISTER

Tuesday, April 14
10:00am
Webinar

Want more customers to find you? Learn practical, no-cost strategies like optimizing your Google Business Profile, using local keywords, and tapping into online community groups. Join us at 10:00am on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 for the seventh webinar in our “Let’s Grow Quinte” series, hosted by marketing expert, Cheyanne O’Driscoll.

“Let’s Grow Quinte” is a 12-month workshop series designed to help Bay of Quinte small business owners build confidence in their marketing. Each month, participants learn a practical, locally relevant skill they can put into action right away. Facilitated by Cheyanne O’Driscoll of CO’ Marketing in partnership with the Small Business Centre, the series offers independent business owners a structured path to stronger marketing and sustainable growth.

REGISTER

Thursday, March 26
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Virtual

Europe is a diverse region with many potential markets for Canadian exporters —but navigating different regulations, requirements and trade rules can be challenging. This free webinar can support your market entry strategy, reduce barriers and help you understand the regulatory landscape across key European countries.

Learn about country specific market opportunities, compliance considerations, rules of origin, required documentation and how exporters are using Canada’s FTAs to grow in the region.

LEARN MORE and REGISTER

Thursday, March 26
6:00pm -7:30pm
Owen Gibb Community Centre
75 Elizabeth Street, Brighton

Join Garrett Harvey, Content and Creative Manager at the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, as he takes you through the full process of writing, filming, and editing videos for social media using your own phone, and free editing tools.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Please bring your own phone, and ensure it has sufficient battery. We will be shooting and editing during the workshop!

REGISTER

Saturday, April 25
9:00am – 1:00pm

It’s time for the annual Quinte Trash Bash – a community-wide spring cleanup in Belleville, Quinte West, the Township of Tyendinaga and Prince Edward County.

Want to bash some trash? Follow these 4 easy steps:

Step 1: Register online and choose an area where you would like to pick up litter. Registering helps us identify the areas that have been cleaned and how many people are participating in the event.

Step 2: Pick up litter from parks, green spaces and sidewalks on Saturday, April 25, 2026 or any day leading up to it.

Supply kits (bags and gloves) will be available at designated Trash Bash stations on the event day.
Supplies can also be picked up in advance if you want to do your cleanup early.

Step 3: Bring your collected garbage to a Trash Bash drop-off station on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

LEARN MORE and REGISTER

April 20-21
Rogers Centre
In-person Conference

Trust is one of the most critical and fragile foundations of a strong economy. At the Future of Business Summit, leaders from media, business and public affairs will come together to examine how trust in institutions and information shapes Canada’s economic future.

Learn More and Register

Wednesday, March 25
7:00am – 9:00am
Location: Sans-Souci
240 Front Street Belleville ON K8N 2Z2

Fees/Admission
Members – $30 includes HST
Non Members – $45 includes HST

The Belleville Chamber of Commerce brings you our keynote panel discussion, featuring Belleville First Responders including:

Belleville Fire: Chief Dan Smith
Hastings Paramedic: Chief Carl Bowker
Belleville Police Services: Chief Murray Rodd

Over the course of managing services a community safety crisis and the State of Emergency declared by the City of Belleville, first responders across the community have come together.

Join us to hear more about the value of collaboration and how moving forward, this will have a continued positive impact on the services provided to the community at large.

REGISTER

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Trenton
Wednesday, May 6
5:00pm – 7:00pm
266 Dundas St. East | Trenton Town Centre

Enjoy casual networking, light refreshments, and the chance to explore the ReStore while making valuable connections that strengthen our local business community.

This relaxed after-hours gathering is a great opportunity to meet fellow Chamber members, local business leaders, and community partners while learning more about the incredible work Habitat for Humanity is doing right here in our region. The ReStore is more than just a retail space—it’s a social enterprise that helps fund the building of safe, affordable housing for families in our community.

DID YOU KNOW the ReStore is HST Free! Find out more about ReStore at this link. You are welcome to do some exploring while you are there.

Whether you’re a long-time Chamber member or attending your first event, Get Connected is the perfect way to build relationships and stay engaged with the vibrant Quinte West business community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

REGISTER

Tuesday, April 14
5:00pm – 7:000pm
Belleville Senators – CAA Arena
265 Cannifton Rd, Belleville
McFarland’s Pub – 2nd Floor

Best entry point is GATE 2 – and proceed to the second level above the box office.

JOIN US for an exclusive Chamber Spring Mega Mingle at the home of the Belleville Senators!
Members from Quinte West, Belleville and Prince Edward County Chambers will enjoy an elevated networking experience showcasing some of the ways that the businesses of the Bay of Quinte come together with it’s hometown AHL team.

Hosted by:
Belleville Senators · CAA Arena
265 Cannifton Road, Belleville

This casual evening runs from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, giving you the perfect opportunity to connect after work, meet new members, and enjoy great conversation in a relaxed setting.

You will have an ‘exclusive’ behind the scenes access tour of premium spaces, seating and more! Connect with the area’s favourite mascot, Belly. Meet John Mathers, who took over as the team GM in 2025, and there may be some other surprises along the way.

There will be light refreshments courtesy of our Oak View Group. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, with the first round, courtesy of the Belleville Senators.
PLUS – Great Door Prizes!

Don’t miss this chance to build relationships and discover what’s right here in our community. We can’t wait to see you there!

REGISTER NOW!