🔦 In This Issue of Kingston Spotlight
🐑 Lamb Season Heroes Needed: Topsy Farms Volunteer Call
🐾 Honoured for Care: Dr. Sherri Rea, Kingston Veterinarian Recognized by OVMA
🗳️ Statue Debate Continues: Sir John A. Macdonald in Kingston
🌊 Spring Watch: Flood Risk Along the Cataraqui River
🏊 Community Concerns: YMCA Changes Raise Questions in Kingston
🚜 Six Generations On the Line: Elgin Farm’s Uncertain Future
🏒 Kids Helping Kids: Kids 4 Kids Hockey Tournament | Multiple Arenas | March 20–22, 2026
🎗️ Relay for Life: Queen’s 20th Anniversary Fundraiser | Queen’s ARC | March 20, 2026
🥑 Guac for Griff: Lone Star Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Research | Kingston | March 23 – May 10, 2026
🏛️ 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
📰 Kingston & Area Local News
🗳️ Statue Debate Continues: Sir John A. Macdonald in Kingston
A new poll found that about 7 in 10 Kingstonians support or somewhat support returning the Sir John A. Macdonald statue to City Park. The statue was removed in 2021, and the survey, conducted by Nanos Research, comes as the issue may return to city council for further discussion.
Read the full story here: The Kingston Whig-Standard
🌊 Spring Watch: Flood Risk Along the Cataraqui River
Cataraqui Conservation issued a flood watch for the Kingston region as snowmelt and recent rainfall raised water levels across inland lakes and streams. Additional rain and warm temperatures were expected to keep flows elevated, with some creeks already reaching unusually high levels.
Widespread flooding was not expected, but low-lying areas and some roadways could see localized flooding, and residents were urged to stay cautious near fast-moving water and shorelines.
Read the full story here: Kingstonist
🏊 Community Concerns: YMCA Changes Raise Questions in Kingston
Residents are raising concerns about changes involving the YMCA in Kingston, particularly how they could affect access to programs and services. Some community members are worried about how these changes may impact those who rely on local facilities, prompting broader discussion about accessibility and the role these services play in the community.
Read the full story here: The Kingston Whig-Standard
🚜 Six Generations On the Line: Elgin Farm’s Uncertain Future
The Patton family farm near Elgin, first settled in the late 1700s after emigrating from Ireland, has been in the same family for six generations. Today, about 150 acres remain from the original 600-acre property.
Now, the farm sits within the proposed corridor for the Alto high-speed rail project. If the southern route is selected later this year, the family believes their land could be expropriated.
The uncertainty is already taking a toll. Family members say the stress has disrupted sleep and raised concerns about their future, especially for their children, including a son whose work and daily life are closely tied to the farm.
Read the full story here: The Kingston Whig-Standard
🏆 Community Champions
🐑 Lamb Season Heroes Needed: Topsy Farms Volunteer Call

Topsy Farms is calling for volunteers ahead of its foster lamb season from May through June. The role includes hands-on farm work such as caring for lambs, cleaning, and helping support visiting families during busy periods, with a minimum three-day commitment. Volunteers may also assist in the garden, and accommodation and board may be available for the right fit.
Read the full story here: Topsy Farms Facebook Post
🐾 Honoured for Care: Dr. Sherri Rea, Kingston Veterinarian Recognized by OVMA

Photo from Time to Rest website
Dr. Sherri Rea, a Kingston-area veterinarian, has been recognized by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association with a Golden Life Membership Award. The honour recognizes her more than three decades of work in veterinary medicine and her contributions to the profession.
She is also a founding director of the Farley Foundation, which helps pet owners access essential veterinary care during financial hardship.
Read the full story here: The Kingston Whig-Standard
📅 New Events In and Around Kingston
🏒 Kids Helping Kids: Kids 4 Kids Hockey Tournament | Multiple Arenas | March 20–22, 2026
The 28th annual Kids 4 Kids Hockey Tournament takes over Kingston with games running across 11 ice pads at arenas including Invista Centre, Slush Puppie Place, Memorial Centre, Cataraqui Centre, Gananoque, and Napanee. Teams from across Ontario, Quebec, and Nunavut compete in multiple divisions over the three-day event, with games scheduled throughout the weekend. (kids4kidshockey.ca)
It’s a massive community event, featuring more than 300 games and over 3,000 players, with thousands of visitors in town, contributing an estimated $2 million to the local economy, according to Kingston Tourism. They will also have a free Saturday BBQ (noon–2pm) and an official opening ceremony at Invista Centre at 2PM, where $60,000 in donations will be presented to local recipients.
Read the full story here: Visit Kingston
🎗️ Relay for Life: Queen’s 20th Anniversary Fundraiser | Queen’s ARC | March 20, 2026

Photo from Canadian Cancer Society
Queen’s Relay for Life marks its 20th year, bringing students and the community together for an overnight fundraising event in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Last year’s event raised a record $225,000, and organizers are aiming to surpass that total while targeting $170,000 this year.
As of March 18, more than $160,000 had already been raised, with over 700 participants registered ahead of the event. The night includes ceremonies, performances, and activities, along with moments to honour and support those affected by cancer.
Read the full story here: Kingstonist
🥑 Guac for Griff: Lone Star Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Research | Kingston | March 23 – May 10, 2026

Photo from Kingston Whig-Standard story
The “Guac for Griff” campaign invites customers to support childhood cancer research by ordering tableside guacamole at the Kingston location of Lone Star Texas Grill. From March 23 to May 10, $1 from each order will be donated to the CHEO Foundation to support pediatric cancer research.
The campaign was inspired by Griffin Bell, a young cancer patient whose family continues to raise funds and awareness. The initiative aims to both honour his memory and help fund research for other children facing cancer.
Read the full story here: The Kingston Whig-Standard
🔁 ICYMI: These Events Are Still Happening
Kids 4 Kids Hockey Tournament | Multiple Arenas | March 20–22, 2026
Queen’s Relay for Life | Queen’s ARC | March 20, 2026
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 Cataraqui Conservation Area | Until March 22
Kingstonlicious | Kingston | Until March 28
Maple Celebrations | PEC | Until March 29
Guac for Griff | Lone Star Kingston | March 23 – May 10, 2026
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