Hey Winnipeggers,

We’re thinking about something exciting to support our local restaurants and could use your help. We’re planning to launch an exclusive one-time card that gives you 10% off at 10 different local restaurants with one-time codes you can use over the next year. (See the very bottom for more info!)

But here’s the catch, we won’t do this unless we get enough replies, so your feedback is key!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• 5,100 New Jobs & Lower Inflation in September!

• $100,000 Grant for Local Businesses

• $4.3 Million Boost for Mental Health and Housing Support

• 60+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

5,100 New Jobs & Lower Inflation in September!

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Adrien Sala shared some good news for all of us.

Maybe you’ve noticed gas prices are a bit easier on your wallet, or inflation isn’t hitting as hard. Well, here’s what’s happening:

• 5,100 new jobs were created in September, led by the private sector.

• Inflation is down to 0.8%—one of the lowest rates in Canada.

• And gas prices dropped by 14% since the Gas Tax Holiday kicked in.

This all means life’s getting a bit more affordable, and our economy is gaining strength. Whether it’s more job opportunities or a little extra savings at the gas station, things are moving in the right direction for our city and beyond!

$100,000 Grant for Local Businesses

Manitoba has been rolling out more grants lately, all aimed at supporting local businesses, and this one is a big deal. Through the Innovation Growth Program, 12 Manitoba companies are receiving up to $100K each to fuel product innovation and business growth.

These grants are designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses grow, develop new products, and create more opportunities right here in our community.

So, what does that mean for us? It’s expected to bring 426 new jobs to Winnipeg and add $291 million in export sales over the next five years. And if you’re a local business owner, there’s still time to get in on it. The program is open until December 15, so apply while you can and see if your business could be a good fit for this funding boost!

And if you know any business owners yourself, be sure to share this email with them!

Local Community

Waverley West Fire Paramedic Station Coming Soon

Great news, Waverley West! Winnipeg is getting a new Fire Paramedic station, and it’s arriving at 130 Eaglewood Drive this week. Starting last night, the southbound lanes of Eaglewood will be closed for two days to allow crews to deliver and assemble the new modular station.

With the increase in fires lately, having another station in the city is a big win. Just expect some minor disruptions for the next two days with no parking along Eaglewood and sidewalk closures on the west side until October 19. If you’re nearby, it might be best to steer clear until the work is done. Stay safe out there, folks!

Canada Life Centre’s 20 Millionth Guest Celebration

Tonight’s Jets game isn’t just about taking on the Sharks. It’s a big night at Canada Life Centre, as they’re about to welcome their 20 millionth guest! One lucky fan will walk away with a VIP experience, $1,000 in Jets Gear, concert or game tickets, and a custom Jets jersey.

If you’re heading to the game, you might just be the one to win it all. It’s not every day you get to watch the Jets and leave with some awesome prizes, so keep your fingers crossed!

City Updates

$4.3 Million Boost for Mental Health and Housing Support

Manitoba is making a big move to help more people stay housed and get the mental health support they need. With a $4.3 million investment, the province is adding 22 new mental health workers and creating two dedicated teams to support up to 300 people.

This initiative is all about offering care right in the community, so people can avoid hospital stays and find stability in their own homes. It’s not just about mental health support, but also about giving Manitobans the tools to manage their lives and feel secure where they live.

By expanding these services, the province is taking a step forward to address the challenges many in our community face, ensuring they get the support they deserve without relying on emergency rooms.

Winnipeg’s first-ever Technology and Innovation Liaison

Winnipeg is stepping into the future with tech! Mayor Gillingham has appointed Councillor Matt Allard as the city’s first-ever Technology and Innovation Liaison. Allard will lead efforts to bring cutting-edge tools into city services, making things faster, more efficient, and easier for everyone.

Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Automating 311 calls to streamline responses

• Using AI to monitor road conditions and improve safety

• Speeding up non-emergency police calls

• Processing invoices more efficiently with new tech tools

Allard’s appointment is a big move toward modernizing Winnipeg and ensuring the city stays ahead by leveraging the latest technology.

Exciting Events: October 18 - 20

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs. San Jose Sharks | 7PM, Oct 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Valour FC vs Calgary Cavalry | 3PM, Oct 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

• 12th Annual WFPS Run | 8AM, Oct 20 (More Info)

  • Location: Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) North Campus, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | 2PM, Oct 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Corn Maze @ A Maze In Corn | Oct 18-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn (1351 Provincial Rd 200)

  • Description: Enjoy the country views while wandering through the corn maze, climb the giant bale pyramid, and visit the petting zoo.

• HEEBIE JEEBIES | Oct 18-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Heebie Jeebies (53071 La Salle Road)

  • Description: One of the most terrifying Halloween experiences and haunted houses near Winnipeg, Heebie Jeebies is back for its annual scare-fest.

• Six Pines Haunted Attractions | Oct 18-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Six Pines (4 km North of Perimeter Hwy on Sturgeon Road)

  • Description: Continuously strived to offer Manitoba’s haunt enthusiasts an ever-changing range of haunted houses since inception.

• Boo at the Zoo | Oct 18-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: The Zoo's transformed for the spooky season, with rides, games, treats and performances!

• Witchy Wonderland – A (not-so) Fright Fest | Oct 18-27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park, West Gate (At the top of Festival Dr)

  • Description: An event for the whole family! Manitoba’s newest multi-day Halloween attraction.

• FortWhyte Alive | Events (All Info)

  • Sunset Goose Flight Exp: 5:30-8PM, Oct 18-20

  • Annual Bird Seed Sale: Oct 18-20

    • Bird Food – 25% for FortWhyte Alive members, 15% off for guests

    • Bird Feeders – 25% off for everyone

• Live Harness Racing | 1PM, Oct 19 (Free)

  • Location: The Loop at Red River Exhibition Park

• Diwali Mela | 4:30-10:30PM, Oct 19 (Free)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Indian festival with food stalls, performances, and more!

• Manitoba Skies | 1:30PM, Oct 19-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: Take a guided tour of Manitoba’s night sky. This live, interactive show, highlights the constellations, planets, and celestial events that you can see on clear evenings.

Markets

• Scattered Seeds Craft Market | Oct 18 - 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Support our community’s local artists and makers and get all your holiday shopping done early over this two-weekend event.

  • Note: Use code: WINNIPEGDIGEST for 20% off.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, Oct 19 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• VGCC Fall Market | 11AM-4PM, Oct 19 (More Info)

  • Location: Valley Gardens Community Club (218 Antrim Rd)

  • Description: 25+ Local Vendors

• Annual Prairie Junk-It Antique & Vintage Fall Flea Market | 11AM-3PM, Oct 19 (More Info)

  • Location: Pineridge Hollow, Pineridge

  • Description: Featuring a collection of the finest vendors ranging from antique advertising and toys, kitchen goods, vintage clothing and more!

  • Tickets: $5

Comedy❗

• Mark Normand - Ya Don't Say Tour | 7PM, Oct 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up and coming comic,” Mark Normand is quickly becoming one of the most talked about touring comedians on the scene.

• Maddy Smith Comedy | Oct 18-19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Maddy Smith is a cast member on MTV’s Wild N Out, a nationally touring comedian, and a social media icon.

• Steve McGowan Comedy | Oct 18-19 (Tickets)

  • Location: YUK YUK'S Comedy Club (222 Broadway)

  • Description: For years, his hyper and cheeky onstage rage has made him a fantastic comedic presence with quick and upbeat crowd work combined with storytelling and an all out house party vibe.

Special Events 🥂

• The Play That Goes Wrong | Oct 18 - Nov 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage (174 Market)

  • Description: The Play That Goes Wrong is the right choice if you’re looking for a hilarious night out!

• Cinémental | Multiple times, Oct 18-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (340 Provencher Blvd)

  • Description: Cinémental, Manitoba’s French film festival, with English subtitles, is pleased to launch its 33rd edition! Everyone is invited to discover an array of French-language films from different parts of the world.

• Ione Thorkelsson Handfuls of Light | Oct 18-20 (More Info)

  • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

  • Description: Join us in celebrating a new series of light-sensitive cast glass sculptures by local artist, Ione Thorkelsson.

• Art Exhibition and Sale 50 to 500 | Oct 18-19 (More Info)

  • Location: Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art (203-290 McDermot Avenue)

  • Description: 50 to 500’ exhibition, featuring artwork by talented members priced between 50 cents and 500 dollars.

• Saturday Swing Out | 6:30PM, Oct 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Join River City Swing for live music and swing dancing at The Forks!

• Paranormal Investigation | 8PM, Oct 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Aviation Museum

  • Description: Discover a new haunt in Winnipeg, with fresh sights, stories and…. PLANES! Hear spooky stories from staff and use tools provided by the Winnipeg Paranormal Group to see if we can find any validation to the stories surrounding the RAMCW.

Live Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door or may be free.

We need your help!

More info on the Winnipeg Digest card:

As mentioned in the intro, we’re thinking about creating an exclusive one-time card that gives you 10% off at 10 different local restaurants with one-time codes you can use over the next year. We’re thinking of starting with a limited batch for $25 per card.

The idea is simple: you pay $25, but the total you save with 10% off at each spot will be more than what you paid for the card. It’s a fun way to support local and explore some of our favorite places, all while saving a bit of cash!

To see if we should move forward with this, we need your vote! Answer the poll below and let us know if you’d be interested.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Monday!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].