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New Nature Reserve, Street Festivals & Summer Fun

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Together With

Gooood morning, Kingston!

We’ve got your weekly dose of feel-good local updates — from gym deals that’ll pump you up to a pine forest that just scored permanent protection. Plus: traffic boxes are turning into art, a legendary steamship is making waves, and Kingston’s recycling hub might be getting a second life.

Let’s dive in 👇

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News Notes

Photo: Crunch Fitness Website

💪 New Fitness Centre Makes Healthy Living More Accessible
Looking to kickstart your wellness journey? The newly opened Crunch Fitness Kingston at 616-670 Gardiners Rd is offering a remarkable deal - join by July 26th for just $1 and receive 30 days free, with access to state-of-the-art equipment and judgment-free training spaces. (Crunch Fitness) Read More →

🎨 Local Artists Turn Traffic Boxes into Downtown Masterpieces
In a colourful twist for downtown Kingston, five local artists have been commissioned to transform ordinary traffic control boxes into eye-catching works of art at major intersections. The creative initiative aims to support artists' portfolios while deterring graffiti, with installations happening throughout July 2025 at Princess Street and surrounding areas. (Kingstonist) Read More →

🌲 Rare Pine Forest Gets Forever Home Near Elgin
A generous land donation has created a 76-acre nature reserve near Elgin, protecting Ontario's most northerly stand of nationally imperilled pitch pine trees. The Rideau Waterway Land Trust will use this ecological gem for environmental education and native forest restoration, marking their second new reserve in 2025. (Kingstonist) Read More →

🚀 Historic SS Keewatin Named 2025 Ship of the Year
The 118-year-old steamship Keewatin has sailed into the spotlight after being crowned 2025's most distinguished vessel. This beautifully preserved piece of maritime history, which opened its decks to visitors last year, earned the prestigious recognition for its remarkable state of conservation. (MoveFM) Read More →

♻️ Kingston's Recycling Hub Heads to Market
Just weeks after the City of Kingston stepped away from the blue box program, the Kingston Area Recycling Centre is likely headed for sale. After decades of sorting our recyclables, this local landmark could soon have a new purpose. (Kingstonist) Read More →

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Events

Photo: City of Kingston FB

🛍️ Princess Street Promenade | June 21, Aug 2, Sept 13 | 10 AM-5 PM | Princess Street, Downtown Kingston
Kingston's favorite summer street festival transforms Princess Street into a vibrant pedestrian paradise with over 100 local vendors, live music, and family fun.

🎵 Retro Party 80s & 90s Throwback | Friday, August 2 | 9PM-2AM | La Vida Bistrobar, 1329 Gardiners Rd, Kingston
Dust off those leg warmers and moonwalk down memory lane as DJ spins the greatest hits from Madonna to Nirvana at this neon-soaked dance party.

🌅 Fort Henry Sunset Ceremony | Fridays in August | 7:00 PM | Fort Henry, Kingston
Step back in time with a dazzling military tattoo featuring cannon fire, artillery demos and fireworks against Kingston's stunning harbor backdrop.

🎸 Rock the Pavilion 2025 | Saturday, August 2 | 4:30-11PM | Amherst Island Fairgrounds
Pack your lawn chairs and dancing shoes for an island evening of live music under the stars at this small-town summer shindig.

🛍️ Montreal Street Vintage Market | July 20, 2025 | 10 AM - 5 PM | Montreal Street, Kingston
Score vintage treasures and handmade goodies from 20+ local vendors at this charming open-air market that transforms Montreal Street into a retro-lover's paradise.

🚤 Opti International | July 28-31, 2025 | 8:00 AM | Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
Watch pint-sized sailors battle Kingston's legendary winds in this thrilling youth regatta that'll make you wish you'd learned to sail at age 8.

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

Weather

Monday: ☁️ High 33°C / Low 21°C - few clouds

Tuesday: 🌧️ High 33°C / Low 20°C - light rain

Wednesday: ☁️ High 31°C / Low 20°C - broken clouds

Signing Off

That’s a wrap - send this to your workout partner.

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