Hey Winnipeggers!

Ready to kick off your week with some exciting updates? We've got news that's cooler than a free pool day and events that will make your week fly by. So, let's dive into everything Winnipeg has to offer and make some awesome plans!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Free Pool Access on August Long Weekend!

• Tech Outage Causes Chaos in Winnipeg

• $1 Billion Megaproject Moves Forward

• Multiple festivals this week & more!

— Jas Singh

News

Free Pool Access on August Long Weekend!

Get ready for a splash-tastic time, Winnipeg! Mayor Scott Gillingham and Councillor Evan Duncan just announced that all City of Winnipeg outdoor pools will be free to enjoy over the August long weekend as part of the Winnipeg 150 celebrations. That’s right—mark your calendars for August 3, 4, and 5, and cool off without spending a dime!

With this summer heating up, what better way to celebrate our city’s 150th birthday than by taking a refreshing dip with family and friends?

Here are the pools you can visit:

• Fort Garry Lions (969 Dowker Ave.)

• Freight House (200 Isabel St.)

• Kildonan Park (2015 Main St.)

• Provencher (590 rue Langevin)

• St. Vital (5 rue des Meurons)

• Transcona Aquatic Park (1101 Wabasha St.)

• Westdale (550 Dale Blvd.)

• Windsor Park (333 Speers Rd.)

So, grab your swimsuits, and let’s make a splash this August long weekend. Dive in, cool off, and join the fun in celebrating our great city’s milestone!

Tech Outage Causes Chaos in Winnipeg

If you've been facing some tech headaches lately, you’re not alone. As reported by CTV News, a global IT outage caused by a bad software update from CrowdStrike has thrown many of us off track.

Winnipeg Richardson International Airport is still running, but expect delays and cancellations, so double-check your flight status. Porter Airlines is canceling flights, and the Winnipeg Fringe Festival’s ticket system is down. However, you can still buy tickets at the venue 30 minutes before showtime—just remember to bring cash.

Other places like hospitals and banks are also feeling the impact. So, If you’re seeing some delays, please be patient and mindful. The fix is on its way, Winnipeg!

Restaurant of the Week: RIKA Cheese Garden

Located near Southdale at 1079 Autumnwood Dr, RIKA Cheese Garden is a hidden gem serving some of the best Japanese cheesecakes in Winnipeg. Run by a passionate brother-sister duo, they fell in love with the unique flavor and texture of Japanese fluffy cheesecakes and wanted to share their delicious discovery with our city.

Using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients, they craft cheesecakes that are light, airy, and simply irresistible. Their journey into baking led them to explore and perfect other types of cheesecakes, each one made with love and care.

So, If you're a cheesecake lover, RIKA Cheese Garden is a must-visit. You'll be hooked from the first bite!

What's Happening in Winnipeg?

$1 Billion Sewage-Treatment Megaproject Moves Forward

As reported by CTV News, Winnipeg is taking a big step towards cleaner water with a new $1-billion sewage-treatment project. The city has awarded a $95-million contract to Red River Biosolids Partners to design and develop the next phase of upgrades at the North End Water Pollution Control Centre. This facility will transform sludge from all three of Winnipeg's sewage plants into nutrient-rich fertilizer.

This megaproject promises to make Winnipeg’s waste management more sustainable, benefiting our community and environment for years to come.

Manitoba Receives $11 Million for Conservation

Manitoba just got over $11 million from the federal government to help reach conservation goals. MP Terry Duguid announced that $5 million will go to Fisher River Cree Nation to protect land in the Interlake region and prevent peat harvesting. The remaining $6 million will help the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy preserve over 1,200 hectares of critical wetlands and habitats.

This investment is a big step towards protecting our beautiful landscapes and biodiversity, ensuring Manitoba’s natural beauty is preserved and cherished for years to come.

New Spray Pad Coming to Bronx Park Community Centre

Construction has begun on a new spray pad at Bronx Park Community Centre, thanks to support from the governments of Canada, Manitoba, and our city. This new addition will include concrete pathways, seating areas, and shade structures, all set to open by summer 2025.

This spray pad will be a fantastic spot for families to cool off and enjoy, adding to the community atmosphere in Elmwood – East Kildonan and North Kildonan.

Coming up this week:

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

• Country Rising Festival | 3:30PM, July 26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park, Winnipeg

  • Description: This unique event showcases some of the best artists in country music today and attendees can expect festival activities, first class food and beverage offerings, retail vendors and much more!

• Jeff Arcuri | 7PM, July 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre, Winnipeg, MB

  • Description: After selling out 4 shows during the 'Netflix is a Joke' Festival in LA, and 5 shows at The Wilbur Theatre in Chicago, Jeff Arcuri continues his tour with a July 27th show at Club Regent Event Centre.

• Winnipeg 150 Outdoor Makers Market | July 27 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: The Forks, Winnipeg

  • Description: 50 Maker booths, celebrating Winnipeg 150. From handmade crafts to artisanal products, there's something for everyone at the Winnipeg 150 Outdoor Makers Market @ The Forks.

• Tacos and Tequila Festival | 2PM, July 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Avenue

  • Description: The festival will also include food from local taco chefs, a tequila tasting lounge, lucha libre wrestling, a Chihuahua beauty pageant, and a salsa and queso competition.

Exciting Events: July 22 - July 23

This section only includes events starting on July 22nd or 23rd.

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Calgary Surge | 7PM, July 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB

  • Description: This is the final game of the regular season! So be sure to check it out and be part of the exciting atmosphere.

Music 🎵

• The National Youth Orchestra of Canada | 7PM, July 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: They look to delve into pieces that have shaped music history, building upon the legacies of past composers while also gesturing towards the future.

• Sweet Alibi/FONTINE/STELLAR | 7:30PM, July 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Note Park, Winnipeg

  • Genre: Folk Indie Pop

• Trio Bembe | 12PM, July 23 (Info)

  • Location: True North Square Plaza – 242 Hargrave Street

  • Description: Downtown Sounds returns to True North Square! Plenty of picnic tables and local vendors to choose from while soaking in the performances.

Family Fun🎆

• Winnipeg Fringe Festival | July 22-27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Description: From a variety of improvs, musicals, dramas, cabaret, clowns, magic, and more!

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, July 22-23 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Horse racing, 140 VLTs and fabulous dining - it’s fun you can bet on!

• Paddle Night | 6PM - 8:30PM, July 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening canoeing or kayaking for the perfect summer night – no experience required!

Special Events 🎨

• Matt Nightingale Comedy | 7:45PM, July 23-24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor’s Comedy Club

  • Description: Matt Nightingale is a stand-up comedian and writer from Winnipeg.

CHEERS!

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! I’ll see you again on Wednesday!

— Jas, Winnipeg Digest

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