Po’s Brew is here — and this pup’s got hops

Gooood morning, Kingston, and happy Wednesday! Remember Po? The pup who stole the spotlight in Daft’s photo contest we featured early on? He’s officially on a beer can — Po’s Brew is out now, and it’s as cute (and limited) as it sounds.

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News Notes

Canada-wide emergency alert test set for today, May 7
Canada’s emergency alert system, Alert Ready, is getting a nationwide test today, May 7 that’ll blast through TVs, radios, and smartphones at 12:55. Yes, during your mid-day nap. The alert is a test as part of Emergency Preparedness Week. (The Weather Network)

Free dental care? Now you're talking
The Canadian Dental Care Plan just opened to uninsured adults 55–64 with income under $90K — with younger groups joining later this month. Cleanings, fillings, extractions and more are covered. (Narcity)

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

Local Biz

Recommendation

YGKtoday reader DP wants you to know: Balzac’s Coffee Roasters is a downtown favourite for a reason.

Balzac’s is open seven days a week at 251 Princess Street.

Patio season has entered the group chat

Downtown Kingston has more than 35 patios. Whether you're team Caesar, craft beer, or oat milk latte, there’s a seat (and a sip) with your name on it. Let’s take it outside.

• The Elm

• The Caesar Company

• Red House Kingston

• Something in the Water

• Jack Astor’s

• Harper’s Burgers

Got a favourite spot you think deserves a shoutout in our ‘Local Biz’ section? Send us your rec — we love a good tip-off.

Events

This week

Habitat Kingston Groundbreaking Ceremony | Thursday, May 8 | 9:30 a.m. | 223–225 Wilson St. | Free | Join Habitat Kingston as they break ground on their 2025 build and kick off a new chapter in affordable housing.

Music Trivia at Spearhead Brewing | Thursdays | 7:00–10:00 p.m. | Spearhead Brewing Co. | Free | Fast-paced “Name That Tune” trivia hosted by DJ Fresh Pay—great music, cold beer, and serious bragging rights.

Client Appreciation at The Refinery | Friday, May 9 | 3:00–7:00 p.m. | The Refinery Spa + Social House | Free | Champagne, skincare analysis, and a gift with Eminence purchase—The Refinery’s treating clients to a little luxury.

Eggstatic Grand Opening | Saturday, May 10 | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | 260 Princess St. | Free | Brunch lovers, rejoice—Eggstatic’s bringing bold bites and sunny vibes to downtown Kingston.

Looking for something to do this Mother's Day? Check out our Instagram story highlight for local offers, special menus, and sweet ways to celebrate.

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.}

By the Numbers

100 percent Canadian. AnyCard's new O Canada Gift Card lets shoppers spend exclusively at Canadian-owned businesses—just in time for a patriotic retail resurgence driven by tariffs and national pride.

36.6 million dollars. That’s the estimated cost to revive the crumbling 24 Sussex Drive, the PM’s official residence that's so outdated Mark Carney will instead move into Rideau Cottage.

30 years. Pita Pit is marking three decades of fresh, customizable eats with a major brand refresh, a $100K giveaway, and big plans for the next generation of pita powerhouses, according to Retail Insider.

$9.99. That’s the top-end processing fee Canada’s Wonderland is being sued over for allegedly hiding in drip pricing, echoing a similar case brought against Cineplex last year.

Hot Links 🔥 

Ghosts of the SS Keewatin is docking in Kingston with haunted tours May 16–24—save 13% on tickets with code GHOSTSHIP before May 11.

Murney Tower Museum kicks off its 100th season on May 17 with new displays and special Centennial offerings.

Business birthdays = your chance at a free treat

Mio Gelato turns 15 with a birthday cake flavour and a sweet giveaway—enter by May 7 for your chance to win gelato goodies.

NOSH Kingston turns four and is celebrating with weekly giveaways all May—free bagels and schmear are up for grabs.

Weather

Wednesday
High 14°C 🌡️ Low 7°C | 🌧️ 

Thursday
High 12°C 🌡️ Low 7°C | ⛅️ 

🌡️ See today’s weather | 🚗 Live traffic  | ⛽ Local gas prices

Signing Off

That’s all for today, Kingston! Now excuse us while we track down a cold can of Po’s Brew and mentally rank our top go-to patios. Catch you Friday!

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