🔦 In This Issue of Kingston Spotlight
Community Champions
🏅 Order of Ontario: A Trailblazer for Indigenous Health, Dr. Jamaica Cass
🎙️ Voices for Good: New 'Community Connections' Podcast Launches
Kingston & Area Local News
🤒 Heads Up: Potential Measles Exposure in Kingston
🏠 Home Sweet Base: Nearly 1,000 New Military Homes Coming to Kingston
🔬 Science in the City: Easy Cell Makes Big Investment at Queen's
🎸 Save the Date: "Road Trip" Music Festival Announced
Events In and Around Kingston
🎬 Lights, Camera, Kingston!: Kingston Canadian Film Festival
ICYMI: These Events Are Still Happening
👉 Beer & Business: Chamber on Tap at Grizzly Grill | Thursday, February 26
👉 Spirit of Winter: Enchanted | Now until February 28
👉 Soulful Soundcraft: Dominique Fils-Aimé Live | Friday, February 27
👉 Sing For Joy: 23 Years of Open Voices at KCFF | Saturday, February 28
👉 Ramadan in the Limestone City, Helping Partners in Mission | until March 19
👉 Kingstonlicious | Now until March 28
📣 Your Turn: Nominate a Local Favourite
Do you have a favourite local business, community champion or organization that deserves a moment in the spotlight? (You can nominate yourself too!)
Send us an email at [email protected] and tell us who you are nominating, why they are so great and their email address. Your suggestion could be included in Kingston Spotlight!
📰 Kingston & Area Local News
🤒 Heads Up: Potential Measles Exposure in Kingston
KFL&A Public Health has issued a notice regarding potential measles exposure related to a single confirmed case. If you were at any of the following locations during these specific times, public health officials are urging you to check your immunization records and monitor for symptoms:
GoodLife Fitness (64 Barrack St): Monday, Feb. 9, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Queen’s University, Kingston Hall (103 Stuart St): Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Metro Grocery Store (310 Barrie St): Friday, Feb. 13, from 4:45 PM to 7:00 PM
Measles is highly contagious, so staying informed is the best way to keep the community safe. If you think you might have been exposed or start feeling under the weather, make sure to follow the guidance from our local health experts.
Read the full story at The Kingston Whig-Standard
🏠 Home Sweet Base: Nearly 1,000 New Military Homes Coming to Kingston
It is getting a little bit easier for our military families to find a place to hang their hats. As part of a major federal push to modernize and expand residential housing, nearly 1,000 new military homes are slated to be built right here in Kingston.
The plan involves building out on existing land at CFB Kingston to help tackle the housing shortage that many of our service members face. It is a significant investment in both infrastructure and the well-being of the folks who keep us safe. And it frees up existing housing for the Limestone City!
Read the full story at The Kingston Whig-Standard
🔬 Science in the City: Easy Cell Makes Big Investment at Queen's
Kingston is cementing its reputation as a leader in the life sciences sector. Easy Cell has announced a significant investment into laboratory space right here at Queen’s University, focusing on advancing research in cell and gene therapies.
This partnership is a huge boost for our local innovation ecosystem, providing the infrastructure and specialized equipment needed to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world medical treatments. By expanding our "wet lab" capacity, this investment helps keep our best and brightest researchers right here in Kingston while attracting new talent to the city.
Read the full story at Kingstonist
🎸 Save the Date: "Road Trip" Music Festival Announced
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Downtown Kingston
Get ready for a new rhythm in the city! The Downtown Kingston BIA has officially announced a brand-new blockbuster event for the fall: Road Trip: A Boutique Music Festival. This one day celebration is set to take over the downtown core on September 12, bringing a curated musical experience to our streets. While the full lineup is still under wraps, the festival promises to be a major highlight for the local arts scene. And while Les still grieves over the loss of the the Limestone Blues Festival, this is going to be a "Road Trip" you won't want to miss!
Read the full story at The Kingston Whig-Standard
🏆 Community Champions
🏅 Order of Ontario: A Trailblazer for Indigenous Health, Dr. Jamaica Cass
When it comes to perseverance and leadership, Dr. Jamaica Cass is in a league of her own. Recently named to the Order of Ontario, Dr. Cass is a proud member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and a true local champion for health equity.
She has made history as the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn both a Doctor of Medicine and a Doctor of Philosophy. Based right here at Queen’s University as the director of Indigenous health, she isn't just treating patients—she’s driving systemic change. From reshaping medical curriculum to developing national best-practice guidelines, her work is transforming health outcomes for Indigenous communities across the country. We are incredibly lucky to have her leadership right here in our backyard.
Read the full story at The Kingston Whig-Standard
🎙️ Voices for Good: New 'Community Connections' Podcast Launches
Compassionate Communities Kingston Canada
Compassionate Communities Kingston Canada (CCKC) has just launched a brand new podcast titled "Community Connections," and it is exactly what our ears need right now. The series shines a light on the Kingstonians who are working behind the scenes to make a real difference in our city.
The first few episodes are already live on Apple and Spotify, featuring a mix of healthcare providers, city staff, and community organizers. While the current focus is on supporting our older adults through programs like Talking Cafes and Advance Care Planning, CCKC is all about mobilizing every citizen to look out for their neighbors. As Co-Chair Tom Harris puts it, caring for others is everyone's responsibility. It is a great way to learn about the incredible services available right here in our community.
Read the full story at Kingstonist

Why social media plays hard to get (like your high school crush)
You keep putting your business out there, but no matter how you dress up your posts, social media is playing hard to get.
If you’re tired of posting and only getting a few sympathy likes and comments, this short, free webinar shows you exactly how to stop the chase and finally get to a yes!
📅 Events In and Around Kingston
🎬 Lights, Camera, Kingston! - Kingston Canadian Film Festival
February 25 – March 1 | Various Downtown Locations
One of our absolute favorite weeks of the year has arrived! The Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) is officially underway, turning our downtown into a hub for the very best in Canadian cinema.
Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or just looking for a great night out, there is something for everyone. This year's lineup is particularly special because it features so much "homegrown" talent:
The Big Kickoff: The festival starts with the gripping sports drama Youngblood.
Local Legends: Don't miss the KCFF26 Local Shorts program or the Slaight Music Video Showcase.
Behind the Scenes: Get a free look at Crave's The Borderline, which was filmed right in our backyard in the Thousand Islands - FREE event.
Epic Journeys: Check out The Art of Adventure, paired with a heartwarming short film celebrating Kingston's own Open Voices Community Choir.
With over 100 films and 30+ events (including live music and comedy), the city is buzzing. Some screenings are already sold out, so if you’ve been on the fence, now is the time to jump!
Grab your tickets and see the full schedule at kingcanfilmfest.com
🔁 ICYMI: These Events Are Still Happening
👉 Spirit of Winter: Enchanted | Now until February 28, 2026
👉 Beer & Business: Chamber on Tap at Grizzly Grill | Thursday, February 26, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
👉 Soulful Soundcraft: Dominique Fils-Aimé Live | Friday, February 27, 7:30 PM at The Isabel
👉 Sing For Joy: 23 Years of Open Voices at KCFF | Saturday, February 28, 7:00 PM at The Isabel
👉 Ramadan in the Limestone City, Helping Partners in Mission | until March 19
👉 Kingstonlicious | Now until March 28, 2026
❓ So, how are we doing?
How was this issue of Kingston Spotlight?
All feedback and suggestions are appreciated! Email Les at [email protected]
🌊 This Newsletter is just the tip of the iceberg
Beyond the Inbox ➕
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