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  • Early Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    EARLY SUMMER SHOW – GALLERY 121 – JUNE 3RD TILL JULY 12TH, 2025

    Please join the members at Gallery 121 as they present their delightful Early Summer Show. Our Guest Artists are Liz Schell and Carolyn Huff-Winters. Both are award winners in their chosen mediums. Liz’s handmade decorative dolls and tables will brighten the gallery with a colourful pop and sense of nostalgia while Corolyn’s charcoal and mixed media art will intrigue and charm you. The Featured Member Artist, Maureen Swann, will capture your imagination with her found objects sculptures and paintings.
    Please join these artists and member artists at our reception being held Saturday June 7th between 2 and 4 p.m. for refreshments.

    Free

  • 10-Minute Play Festival

    Theatre in the Wings 30 Bridge Street East, Belleville

    Theatre in The Wings presents the Second Annual Canadian National 10-Minute Play Festival. From timely to timeless, from poignant to uproariously funny, our judges have done an outstanding job of picking seven engaging and entertaining short plays from over two-hundred entries, brought to life by an all-star cast in an intimate and unique setting. Tickets to see all seven plays are $25 each (including service charge) from Eventbrite or call (613) 403-7329 to reserve by phone. Evening performances on September 11, 12, 13, 18, 1 9 & 20 at 7:30 pm with matinee performances on September 14 & 21 at 2:00 pm.

    $25

  • Early Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    EARLY SUMMER SHOW – GALLERY 121 – JUNE 3RD TILL JULY 12TH, 2025

    Please join the members at Gallery 121 as they present their delightful Early Summer Show. Our Guest Artists are Liz Schell and Carolyn Huff-Winters. Both are award winners in their chosen mediums. Liz’s handmade decorative dolls and tables will brighten the gallery with a colourful pop and sense of nostalgia while Corolyn’s charcoal and mixed media art will intrigue and charm you. The Featured Member Artist, Maureen Swann, will capture your imagination with her found objects sculptures and paintings.
    Please join these artists and member artists at our reception being held Saturday June 7th between 2 and 4 p.m. for refreshments.

    Free

  • Adult Chess Club

    Belleville Public Library 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, ON

    Belleville Public Library's Adult Chess Club is for ages 18 and up. The club meets every Monday at 5:30pm. Bring your own chess board or borrow one from the library and meet with fellow chess players for a friendly game. All skill levels are invited to this informal, self-led program. To register call (613) 968-6731 ext. 2037 or email [email protected]. Drop-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to register if you'd like notifications about any updates or weather related cancellations.

    FREE

  • Adult Chess Club

    John M. Parrott Art Gallery at the Belleville Library 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, ON

    Belleville Public Library’s Adult Chess Club is for ages 18 and up. The club meets on Mondays at 5:30pm. Bring your own chess board or borrow one from the library and meet with fellow chess players for a friendly game. All skill levels are invited to this informal, self-led program.

    To register call (613) 968-6731 ext. 2037 or email [email protected]. Drop ins are welcome, but we encourage you to register if you’d like notifications about any updates or weather related cancellations.

  • Early Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    EARLY SUMMER SHOW – GALLERY 121 – JUNE 3RD TILL JULY 12TH, 2025

    Please join the members at Gallery 121 as they present their delightful Early Summer Show. Our Guest Artists are Liz Schell and Carolyn Huff-Winters. Both are award winners in their chosen mediums. Liz’s handmade decorative dolls and tables will brighten the gallery with a colourful pop and sense of nostalgia while Corolyn’s charcoal and mixed media art will intrigue and charm you. The Featured Member Artist, Maureen Swann, will capture your imagination with her found objects sculptures and paintings.
    Please join these artists and member artists at our reception being held Saturday June 7th between 2 and 4 p.m. for refreshments.

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • Crochet Tuesdays

    Quinte Arts Council Cultural Hub 36 Bridge St E, Belleville, Canada

    Join the Bridging Communities project!

    Bridging Communities – Crochet Circle with artist/educator Emebet Belete
    Emebet’s current art project is Bridging Communities, a large-scale art installation where community members will create crochet, and cover the downtown Front Street Bridge in stripes, blocks and patterns! Over the past year, she has taught and involved students in six area schools in the art of crochet.

    Open for youth and adults, experienced and beginners, individuals, families and friends!

    How You Can Get Involved:
    Crochet a piece (or more!) for the bridge.
    Join the organizing committee to help steer the project.
    Teach others to crochet and share your skills.
    Help distribute crocheting materials to participants.
    Collaborate with your group or organization to crochet pieces.
    Form a crochet group with friends or partners.
    Sponsor a pillar to support the project financially.
    Donate yarn to ensure we have enough materials.
    Contribute to the GoFundMe to help cover project costs.
    Supported by the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Belleville, Quinte Arts Council

  • Early Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    EARLY SUMMER SHOW – GALLERY 121 – JUNE 3RD TILL JULY 12TH, 2025

    Please join the members at Gallery 121 as they present their delightful Early Summer Show. Our Guest Artists are Liz Schell and Carolyn Huff-Winters. Both are award winners in their chosen mediums. Liz’s handmade decorative dolls and tables will brighten the gallery with a colourful pop and sense of nostalgia while Corolyn’s charcoal and mixed media art will intrigue and charm you. The Featured Member Artist, Maureen Swann, will capture your imagination with her found objects sculptures and paintings.
    Please join these artists and member artists at our reception being held Saturday June 7th between 2 and 4 p.m. for refreshments.

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • Early Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    EARLY SUMMER SHOW – GALLERY 121 – JUNE 3RD TILL JULY 12TH, 2025

    Please join the members at Gallery 121 as they present their delightful Early Summer Show. Our Guest Artists are Liz Schell and Carolyn Huff-Winters. Both are award winners in their chosen mediums. Liz’s handmade decorative dolls and tables will brighten the gallery with a colourful pop and sense of nostalgia while Corolyn’s charcoal and mixed media art will intrigue and charm you. The Featured Member Artist, Maureen Swann, will capture your imagination with her found objects sculptures and paintings.
    Please join these artists and member artists at our reception being held Saturday June 7th between 2 and 4 p.m. for refreshments.

    Free

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • Layers And Layers By Bob Pennycook

    Belleville Art Association 392 Front Street, Belleville, Canada

    Join Bob for an afternoon of creative play in Layers and Layers by Bob Pennycook.
    We will build softly textured layers of acrylic color using stamps, stencils and random tools to develop visually creative backgrounds that will inspire a painting or drawing. We will create several small backgrounds and then choose one to develop into an abstract landscape.

    Maximum Number of participants: 16
    Cancelation policy will apply
    Payment required at time of registration to secure your place
    Register by email: [email protected]

    $35 – $50

  • 10-Minute Play Festival

    Theatre in the Wings 30 Bridge Street East, Belleville

    Theatre in The Wings presents the Second Annual Canadian National 10-Minute Play Festival. From timely to timeless, from poignant to uproariously funny, our judges have done an outstanding job of picking seven engaging and entertaining short plays from over two-hundred entries, brought to life by an all-star cast in an intimate and unique setting. Tickets to see all seven plays are $25 each (including service charge) from Eventbrite or call (613) 403-7329 to reserve by phone. Evening performances on September 11, 12, 13, 18, 1 9 & 20 at 7:30 pm with matinee performances on September 14 & 21 at 2:00 pm.

    $25

  • Early Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    EARLY SUMMER SHOW – GALLERY 121 – JUNE 3RD TILL JULY 12TH, 2025

    Please join the members at Gallery 121 as they present their delightful Early Summer Show. Our Guest Artists are Liz Schell and Carolyn Huff-Winters. Both are award winners in their chosen mediums. Liz’s handmade decorative dolls and tables will brighten the gallery with a colourful pop and sense of nostalgia while Corolyn’s charcoal and mixed media art will intrigue and charm you. The Featured Member Artist, Maureen Swann, will capture your imagination with her found objects sculptures and paintings.
    Please join these artists and member artists at our reception being held Saturday June 7th between 2 and 4 p.m. for refreshments.

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • 10-Minute Play Festival

    Theatre in the Wings 30 Bridge Street East, Belleville

    Theatre in The Wings presents the Second Annual Canadian National 10-Minute Play Festival. From timely to timeless, from poignant to uproariously funny, our judges have done an outstanding job of picking seven engaging and entertaining short plays from over two-hundred entries, brought to life by an all-star cast in an intimate and unique setting. Tickets to see all seven plays are $25 each (including service charge) from Eventbrite or call (613) 403-7329 to reserve by phone. Evening performances on September 11, 12, 13, 18, 1 9 & 20 at 7:30 pm with matinee performances on September 14 & 21 at 2:00 pm.

    $25

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • Local Author Fair

    Belleville Public Library 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, ON

    Join us at the Belleville Public Library on Saturday, September 20 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and meet authors from the Bay of Quinte region in our Local Author Fair!

    Entry is free. Most authors will have books available for purchase.

    Author applications are open from July 28 to August 18 at https://www.bellevillelibrary.ca/adults/local-author-fair/

  • 10-Minute Play Festival

    Theatre in the Wings 30 Bridge Street East, Belleville

    Theatre in The Wings presents the Second Annual Canadian National 10-Minute Play Festival. From timely to timeless, from poignant to uproariously funny, our judges have done an outstanding job of picking seven engaging and entertaining short plays from over two-hundred entries, brought to life by an all-star cast in an intimate and unique setting. Tickets to see all seven plays are $25 each (including service charge) from Eventbrite or call (613) 403-7329 to reserve by phone. Evening performances on September 11, 12, 13, 18, 1 9 & 20 at 7:30 pm with matinee performances on September 14 & 21 at 2:00 pm.

    $25

  • 10-Minute Play Festival

    Theatre in the Wings 30 Bridge Street East, Belleville

    Theatre in The Wings presents the Second Annual Canadian National 10-Minute Play Festival. From timely to timeless, from poignant to uproariously funny, our judges have done an outstanding job of picking seven engaging and entertaining short plays from over two-hundred entries, brought to life by an all-star cast in an intimate and unique setting. Tickets to see all seven plays are $25 each (including service charge) from Eventbrite or call (613) 403-7329 to reserve by phone. Evening performances on September 11, 12, 13, 18, 1 9 & 20 at 7:30 pm with matinee performances on September 14 & 21 at 2:00 pm.

    $25

  • Adult Chess Club

    John M. Parrott Art Gallery at the Belleville Library 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, ON

    Belleville Public Library’s Adult Chess Club is for ages 18 and up. The club meets on Mondays at 5:30pm. Bring your own chess board or borrow one from the library and meet with fellow chess players for a friendly game. All skill levels are invited to this informal, self-led program.

    To register call (613) 968-6731 ext. 2037 or email [email protected]. Drop ins are welcome, but we encourage you to register if you’d like notifications about any updates or weather related cancellations.

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • Crochet Tuesdays

    Quinte Arts Council Cultural Hub 36 Bridge St E, Belleville, Canada

    Join the Bridging Communities project!

    Bridging Communities – Crochet Circle with artist/educator Emebet Belete
    Emebet’s current art project is Bridging Communities, a large-scale art installation where community members will create crochet, and cover the downtown Front Street Bridge in stripes, blocks and patterns! Over the past year, she has taught and involved students in six area schools in the art of crochet.

    Open for youth and adults, experienced and beginners, individuals, families and friends!

    How You Can Get Involved:
    Crochet a piece (or more!) for the bridge.
    Join the organizing committee to help steer the project.
    Teach others to crochet and share your skills.
    Help distribute crocheting materials to participants.
    Collaborate with your group or organization to crochet pieces.
    Form a crochet group with friends or partners.
    Sponsor a pillar to support the project financially.
    Donate yarn to ensure we have enough materials.
    Contribute to the GoFundMe to help cover project costs.
    Supported by the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Belleville, Quinte Arts Council

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • Non-Instructional Life-Drawing Studio

    John M Parrott Art Gallery 254 Pinnacle St, Belleville, Canada

    Wednesday, September 24: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m

    Life Drawing from a Nude Model

    There will be no instructor at this workshop.

    We supply the model, you supply the drawing materials!

    Registration required – ages 18+

    Suggested donations of $5 will be accepted and appreciated!

    Contact the Gallery for more information and to register:

    [email protected]

    613-968-6731 x 2040

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • Quinte Arts Council Arts Recognition Awards

    Paulo’s & Dinkel’s Restaurants 38/44 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario, Canada

    The 31st QAC Arts Recognition Awards is FAST approaching. Six extraordinary champions of the arts will be celebrated on September 25th at Dinkel’s restaurant (11:00-2:00). Luisé Cisneros — A non-binary Mexican/Canadian artist, Cisneros uses sculpture, painting, and film to braid Mexican and Canadian identities into potent, community-centred works—such as papel-picado and ofrenda installations at QAC—that confront diaspora, queerness, and the impact of words, and is now studying in for hir masters in Chicago. Emebet Belete — An Ethiopian-born, Belleville-based mixed-media artist and educator, Belete couples international practice and women’s arts advocacy with deep local engagement, exemplified by her crochet-covered “Bridging Communities” public artwork. Phil Bowerman — A pillar of the Belleville Theatre Guild for over 50 years, Bowerman has acted, directed, produced, archived its history, and mentored generations, safeguarding the vitality and legacy of the Pinnacle Playhouse. Lola Reid Allin — An adventurous photographer, author, and arts patron, Reid Allin expands community horizons through global storytelling, generous support of local arts, and her award-winning book Highway to the Sky: An Aviator’s Journey reflecting a trailblazing career as one of the first female airline transport pilots. Kristina McIntosh — At the Quinte Ballet School, McIntosh leads the free Dancing with Parkinson’s program with accessible, uplifting choreography and steadfast care—growing participation, reducing isolation, and advancing her health studies to deepen its impact. Jennifer E. Brant — A Kanyen’kehá:ka musician, artist, and educator from Kenhtè:ke, Brant blends Mohawk and English in her music, champions language revitalization, and leads community initiatives like the Kenhtè:ke Seed Sanctuary to foster cultural resurgence, youth engagement, and reconciliation. Please come out to support arts and culture in our community and help fundraising efforts for the Quinte Arts Council.

    $60

  • Youth Chess Club

    Belleville Public Library 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, ON

    ​Join us for at Belleville Public Library for some chess fun! Players of all skill levels are welcome.

    For children & youth aged 9 – 17. Children 10 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    The chess club meets biweekly on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

  • Take Back the Night

    Belleville Market Square

    Take Back the Night parade and rally to end sexual violence happens Thursday, September 25 starting at 6pm at Market Square

    FREE

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

    Free

  • Girls Nite Out

    Empire Theatre 321 Front Street, Belleville

    All Funny, All Female, Comedy Night of Improv and Stand Up for Girls Nite Out featuring Elvira Kurt and Friends.
    Featuring a cast of Canadian Comedy Award winners, Second City alum and CBC comedy darlings, Girls Nite Out with Elvira Kurt includes stand-up performances and improvisation that will have you in stitches. It’s a night of laughter and celebration led by some of Canada’s funniest ladies!
    The fearless and fabulous Elvira Kurt will be joined on stage by award-winning comedians Jennine Profeta, Diana Frances, and Karen Parker.

    $49

  • Girls Nite Out: Improv Comedy featuring Comedian Elvira Kurt

    The Empire Theatre 321 Front St, Belleville, Ontario, Canada

    All Funny, All Female, Comedy Night of Improv and Stand Up featuring Elvira Kurt and Friends. Featuring a cast of Canadian Comedy Award winners, Second City alum and CBC comedy darlings, Girls Nite Out with Elvira Kurt includes stand-up performances and improvisation that will have you in stitches. It’s a night of laughter and celebration led by some of Canada’s funniest ladies! The fearless and fabulous Elvira Kurt will be joined on stage by award-winning comedians Jennine Profeta, Diana Frances, and Karen Parker. Presented by Blackrose Entertainment

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • Follow the Thread Information Session

    John M Parrott Art Gallery 254 Pinnacle St, Belleville, Canada

    Join us for a Follow the Thread Information Session with Artists Marta Smith and Debby Smith

    Join the SheScapes Artists for an exploration of fibre art techniques, tools and materials.
    Saturday, September 13, 2025:
    2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
    Saturday, September 27, 2025:
    2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
    Bring your questions and curiosity!

    This is a free event, all are welcome.

  • “Follow the Thread” Information Session with Artists Marta Smith and Debby Smith at the Parrott Gallery

    JOHN M. PARROTT ART GALLERY 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville

    Join us at the Parrott Gallery for “Follow the Thread”, an information session with “SheScapes” artists Marta Smith and Debby Smith on Saturday, September 27 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in Gallery 2. This session will be an exploration of fibre art techniques, tools and materials. Bring your questions and curiosity! This is a free event, all are welcome. The “SheScapes” exhibition is on display in Gallery 2 from September 6 until October 4, 2025.

  • Honeymoon Suite 2025 Tour

    The Empire Theatre 321 Front St, Belleville, Ontario, Canada

    Returning to The Empire Theatre! Seven studio albums, each with over 1 million copies sold. The original band performing better than ever! “Feel It Again”, “New Girl Now”, “Wave Babies”, “Love Changes Everything” and more. Honeymoon Suite 2025 Tour, don’t miss it! Presented by: Blackrose Entertainment

  • Adult Chess Club

    John M. Parrott Art Gallery at the Belleville Library 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, ON

    Belleville Public Library’s Adult Chess Club is for ages 18 and up. The club meets on Mondays at 5:30pm. Bring your own chess board or borrow one from the library and meet with fellow chess players for a friendly game. All skill levels are invited to this informal, self-led program.

    To register call (613) 968-6731 ext. 2037 or email [email protected]. Drop ins are welcome, but we encourage you to register if you’d like notifications about any updates or weather related cancellations.

  • Late Summer Show at Gallery 121

    48 Bridge Street East 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, Ontario

    Our late Summer Show will include the eclectic work of our membership as well as the elegant carved woodwork of Marcin Stefanski. Featured Member Artist Elizabeth Fearon will join forces with Steve Armstrong in their show entitled “Small Meditations”. Steve will present interesting photographs of tiny objects while Elizabeth will display miniature carvings.
    This show runs from August 26th to October 4th, with a Reception to meet the artists being held August 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

  • City of Belleville National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event

    Belleville Market Square

    Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The City of Belleville will be hosting a special ceremony in Market Square beginning at 11 a.m. to honour this important event. The ceremony will include remarks from Chief R. Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, musical performances by singer, songwriter, educator and artist from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory Jennifer Brant and husband, Kieran Edwards, as well as a Sacred Fire and special presentation by Fire Keeper Greg Loft. An ASL interpreter will be present for the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange in honour of Orange Shirt Day. Those unable to attend the event are encouraged to recognize the day in other ways, by educating themselves, supporting local Indigenous organizations or causes, or participating in other events or activities. Belleville Public Library has developed a variety of displays, book and resource lists, and borrowing collections which will be available in various digital and physical formats for patrons interested in learning more about Indigenous history, Truth and Reconciliation, and the horrific legacy of the Residential Schools in Canada. The Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County have a number of resources online for those interested in learning more about local Indigenous history. More information on Truth and Reconciliation, including the Calls to Action, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Residential School History and more, can be found on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website. In addition to the Sept. 30 ceremony, the Belleville sign, Bridge Street Bridge and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will be lit in orange for the week. The flag at City Hall will also be lowered to half-staff as we remember and mourn all victims of the residential school system. “Reconciliation is a shared journey—one that requires open, respectful, and ongoing dialogue,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “Education plays a vital role, but it must be paired with listening, understanding and meaningful connection. I encourage all residents to use this day not only to learn and reflect, but to engage in conversations that deepen our relationships and contribute to our collective path toward truth, healing and reconciliation.” For more information on the event, visit: Belleville.ca/TruthandRec.