Another spring ice storm?

+ A new hotel in Kingston

Gooood morning everybody! It looks like we’re in for another round of ice this week—spring just can’t make up its mind! But before you brace for the freeze, there’s plenty of exciting news to warm you up. From Kingston’s heritage sites getting an extra layer of protection to fun spring events kicking off, there’s lots to look forward to.

Here’s a shot from the recent ice storm—nature’s sparkling reminder that winter still has a little magic left to share!

Photo courtesy of my fiancé, Tom Goyer.

The results are in!

Turns out, April Fools' fatigue is real—79 percent are skipping the shenanigans! But 5 percent are scheming, 3 percent are fully paranoid, and 8 percent are playing it cool (while secretly on edge). The remaining 5 percent had other plans, and honestly… we weren’t prepared for these responses, but we love them:

Fully Paranoid: Trust issues already setting in, but for good reason:
🍾 “We will be celebrating our 47th anniversary. We eloped and were married 47 years ago by an ex-con, under a freeway in a storefront chapel.”

🥂“Well, it is our anniversary, the 51st! So, no prank. But bubbly wine!”

Huge congratulations on these milestone anniversaries—what a way to celebrate!

Other: Swerving April Fools’ for a different kind of challenge:
“Going to Trivia Night at Jack’s!”

Weather

🚨Round two of freezing rain hits Wednesday, bringing ice, strong winds, and up to 40 mm of rain. Roads will be slick, trees could take a hit, and flooding is possible. Learn more here.

Wednesday
High 4°C
Low -4°C | Wind: 57 km/h

Thursday
High 14°C
Low 2°C | Wind: 63 km/h

Weather loves to keep us on our toes! Be sure to check an official weather source closer to the date for the latest forecast. ⛅️

The Mid-Week Skimm

Old postcard of the Island Queen back in 1977. Courtesy of Jeff Gilbert. Shared via Vintage Kingston on Facebook. YGKtoday found this image posted on the 1000 Islands Cruises Instagram page.

Springtime Fun Kicks Off April 18 in Kingston
Get ready for a lively spring in Kingston! Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises and Kingston Trolley Tours both set sail on April 18. Enjoy sightseeing, brunch, lunch, or dinner cruises with live entertainment on the 1000 Islands, or hop on the Trolley for a scenic tour of the city. The season’s about to get exciting! (Visit Kingston)

Kingston Pen may gain local heritage status ***
Already a national historic site since 1990, Kingston Penitentiary is now up for a local heritage designation. The city’s heritage committee will review the proposal before it heads to council, adding another layer of protection to the iconic site. (The Whig)

Eggtastic Takes Over Grocery Basket’s Spot & They’re Hiring!
Eggtastic is cracking into the downtown scene, opening up in the old Grocery Basket location. If you’re a fan of all things egg-related, this is your spot! Plus, they’re on the lookout for new team members to join their crew. Get ready for egg-cellent eats and job opportunities!

Montreal St. Street Markets Seeking Vendors for April 27
The first Montreal St. Street Market of the season is set for April 27, and organizers are looking for vendors selling handmade or vintage goods. Spaces are limited, so interested sellers can apply via Instagram. More market dates will be announced soon!

Note: News notes with three asterisks (***) means that there is a pay wall to read the article.

Get hired

A message from ALCDSB

Join our team! The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board is hiring for a variety of positions. Be Inspired! Live your calling!

Business Feature

Looking for a cozy spot to unwind in Kingston? The new Belvedere Hotel is your perfect retreat! Just steps away from the city’s arts, history, and dining scene, it offers a charming escape with a terrace, bar, and uniquely designed rooms to relax in after a day of exploring.

Photo from Mio Gelato Instagram.

Mio Gelato’s Newest Scoop: Butterscotch!
Sweet news for gelato lovers! Mio Gelato has just launched a creamy new butterscotch flavour. Head over and treat yourself to this rich, indulgent scoop before it’s gone!

Top Upcoming Events

Hey everyone! Quick heads-up—lots of questions about events lately. We’ve got hundreds listed in our events calendar, linked in every newsletter for easy access! See button below.

Riley Green Live | Thursday, April 3 | 7:00 p.m. | Slush Puppie Place | Country star Riley Green brings his No. 1 hits like “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” to Kingston. Don’t miss an unforgettable night of down-home country tunes!

Fish Friday Seafood Buffet | Friday, April 4 | Italo-Canadian Club of Kingston | Dive into a delicious all-you-can-eat seafood buffet! Enjoy fresh fish, sides, and more for just $50 (adults), with discounts for members and kids. Perfect for seafood lovers!

Craft Beer & Cheese Tasting & Trivia | Friday, April 4 | 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Fine Balance Brewing | Taste craft beers and artisanal cheeses, then test your trivia skills in this fun and flavorful event. Grab a team or join one on the spot for a night of great food, drinks, and friendly competition!

Kids Creativity Club | Saturday, April 5 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Tett Centre | Spring into creativity with Elyse Longair at the Kids Creativity Club! This inclusive, donation-based session lets young artists dive into hands-on crafts—perfect for all abilities.

Free Open Jazz Jam | Monday, April 7 | 4:30–6:30 p.m. | RCHA Club | Celebrate Jazz Month with a free jam session at the RCHA Club. Musicians of all levels welcome—come play or just enjoy the tunes!

Girls Night Out – Improv Comedy | Friday, April 11 | 7:30 p.m. | The Spire | Laugh out loud with Elvira Kurt and a powerhouse lineup of award-winning Canadian comedians. Stand-up, improv, and non-stop hilarity—all led by some of Canada’s funniest women. Grab your tickets for a night of fearless, fabulous comedy!

Hosting an event? Submit it to our calendar here.

Note: Events may be cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to see our event calendar and reach out to the venue before going.

Signing Off

That’s all for today! Stay safe in the ice, start dreaming of your next getaway at Kingston’s newest hotel, and get ready for some cracking good eats soon. See you Friday!

Sign off graphic that has a photo of Leila and the email ygktoday@gmail.com

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