Community Champions

🎓 Brilliant Minds: Queen's Professors Win Prestigious Killam Prizes

Kingston & Area Local News

🎖️ Honoring the Fallen: WWI Soldiers Return Home
🔥 New Fire Chief: Kevin Donaldson Takes the Helm
🌿 Paradise Protected: Nature Conservancy of Canada Adds Varty Lake Lands
🎸 End of an Era: The Mansion Closes its Doors

New Events In and Around Kingston

🏛️ March Break Fun: March of the Museums | Various Locations | March 16 - 20, 2026
🍿 Cheap Thrills: March Break Movies | The Screening Room | March 16 - 20, 2026
🎭 Spotlight on Stage: March Break Drama Camp | Thousand Islands Playhouse | March 16 - 20, 2026

ICYMI: These Events Are Still Happening

🏛️ March of the Museums | Various Locations | March 16 - 20, 2026
🍿 March Break Movies | The Screening Room | March 16 - 20, 2026
🎭 March Break Drama Camp | Thousand Islands Playhouse | March 16 - 20, 2026
🎸 The Mahones (Homecoming Show) | The Broom Factory | March 17
🌙 Ramadan in the Limestone City | Partners in Mission | Until March 19
🎭 Suite Surrender | Domino Theatre | Until March 21
🍁 Maple Madness | Little Cat | Until March 22
🍽️ Kingstonlicious | Until March 28
🍁 Maple Celebrations | PEC | Until March 29

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In a poignant update for our community, the partial remains of two Kingston-area First World War soldiers have been returned to Canada's care. Corporal John Kincaid and Sergeant Thomas William Jones, both of whom enlisted in Kingston, were among 12 Canadian soldiers whose remains were recently repatriated from a medical museum in Philadelphia.

These remains, collected as medical specimens over a century ago, are being returned to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to be interred with dignity in the soldiers' existing graves. It is a solemn and long-overdue moment of respect for our local heroes, ensuring they are appropriately honored and remembered for their ultimate sacrifice. We will remember them.

Read the Full Story Here: The Whig Standard

Kingston Fire & Rescue has a new leader! Kevin Donaldson has officially been named the city's new Fire Chief. He’s a familiar face to the department, having served as Deputy Chief for nine years and stepping in as Acting Chief since the summer of 2025.

With more than 30 years of experience in fire services—starting all the way back as a volunteer in Stone Mills—Chief Donaldson is well-prepared to lead our emergency services and keep our community safe. We’re in great hands with him at the helm!

Read the Full Story Here: Kingstonist

A beautiful win for nature right in our backyard! The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has officially protected 53 hectares of ecologically significant land at Varty Lake. This project safeguards nearly 800 metres of pristine shoreline, seasonal wetlands, and forests that serve as a vital corridor for wildlife like bald eagles, common loons, and Canada warblers.

The protection of this site—one of the last undeveloped private shoreline properties on the lake—was made possible through a donation by a long-time lakeside resident via Canada's Ecological Gifts Program. It's a fantastic outcome that ensures this slice of the Napanee Plain remains a healthy, thriving ecosystem for generations to come.

Read the Full Story Here: The Whig Standard

Kingston’s live music scene is feeling a lot smaller this week. After years of being a cornerstone for local bands and late-night vibes on Princess Street, The Mansion has officially closed its doors. From the legendary wings to the packed dance floors and the eclectic mix of artists that graced its stage, it was more than just a bar—it was a community hub.

The closure marks the end of a long chapter for the historic house that hosted countless memories for students and locals alike. Whether you were there for a quiet pint on the porch or a sweat-soaked rock show in the cellar, its presence will be deeply missed in the downtown core. Cheers to the memories and the music; you’ll be missed!

Read the Full Story Here: The Whig Standard

Talk about a power move! Two incredible scholars from Queen’s University have just been awarded the 2026 Killam Prizes. If you’re not familiar, these $100,000 prizes are a huge deal—they're basically the "Oscars of Research" in Canada, celebrating those who have spent their careers making the world a better, more thoughtful place.

In the Humanities category, the top honor went to Katherine McKittrick, the Canada Research Chair in Black Studies and teaches in the Gender Studies department. Joining her is Margaret Moore, an instructor in Political Studies who is also cross-appointed in philosophy, who won the prize for Social Sciences. Having two recipients from our local university in one year is a massive win for Kingston and a testament to the world-class thinking happening right here on campus. High fives all around!

Read the Full Story Here: The Whig Standard

Looking for some March Break magic? The "March of the Museums" is back, and it's the perfect way to keep the family entertained all week long! From March 16th to 20th, local museums across Kingston and the area are opening their doors with special activities, hands-on workshops, and cool exhibits designed just for kids and families.

Whether you're exploring the Military Communications and Electronics Museum, getting creative at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, or discovering local history at the PumpHouse, there is something for every little explorer. Best of all, most of the events are free or low-cost, making it easy to turn the break into a week of discovery. Grab your museum passport and get ready for an adventure!

Check out the Full Event Schedule Here: Kingston Museums

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to entertain the kids (or yourself!) this week, look no further than downtown. The Screening Room is bringing back its annual March Break Movies series, and it's a total steal. From Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, they’re showing oodles of family-friendly classics for just $6 a ticket!

The lineup features seven beloved classics, including Mulan and Monsters, Inc., which also have sensory-friendly screenings scheduled for the week. It’s the perfect excuse to grab some popcorn, settle into those cozy theater seats, and enjoy a movie on the big screen without breaking the bank. With multiple screenings every day, it's an easy win for your March Break itinerary. See you at the movies!

Check out the Full Movie Lineup Here: The Screening Room

Ready to catch the theatre bug? The Thousand Islands Playhouse is transforming their Firehall Theatre into a hub of creativity this week! Their five-day March Break Drama Camps are giving local kids in grades 3 through 8 a chance to dive into the world of movement, singing, and acting.

From workshops with visiting artists to creating original scenes and characters, campers are spending the week building confidence and honing their storytelling skills. The best part? The week wraps up with a special free performance for family and friends on Friday afternoon! It’s a wonderful way to see our local youth shine on stage and celebrate the power of performing arts in our community.

Check out the Full Details Here: Thousand Islands Playhouse

The Mahones (Homecoming Show) | The Broom Factory | March 17

March of the Museums | Various Locations | March 16 - 20, 2026

March Break Movies | The Screening Room | March 16 - 20, 2026

March Break Drama Camp | Thousand Islands Playhouse | March 16 - 20, 2026

Ramadan in the Limestone City | Partners in Mission | Until March 19

Suite Surrender | Domino Theatre | Until March 21

Maple Madness | Little Cat | Until March 22

Kingstonlicious | Until March 28

Maple Celebrations | PEC | Until March 29

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All feedback and suggestions are appreciated! Email Les at [email protected]

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