Hey Winnipeg, Happy Wednesday!

Midweek already? Time flies when you’re having fun! We've got all the latest updates for you, from Winnipeg's new safety initiative to the booming real estate market. So, grab your favorite tea or coffee and dive into all the amazing things Winnipeg has to offer this week.

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Winnipeg's $1.5M Plan to Make Downtown Safer

• Winnipeg's Real Estate Market Soars in 2024

• Home of the week

• 21 Local Events & more.

Enjoy the read!

— Jas Singh

P.S. New poll at the end of the email!

News

Manitoba's $1.5M Plan to Make Downtown Safer

Great news for our downtown – the Manitoba government is putting $1.5 million into making our city center safer. Premier Wab Kinew and Mayor Scott Gillingham are leading this effort to help everyone feel more secure.

Here's what's planned:

• The Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) will have more patrols to keep an eye on things.

• $100,000 will go towards training people who provide mental health support downtown.

• A new sobering center will open at N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives’ Place, with over $1 million to support health services there.

There’s also a new teamwork plan between the DCSP and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service to answer calls faster and better.

Keep an eye out for more updates as these plans get rolling!

Winnipeg's Real Estate Market Soars in 2024

The first half of 2024 has been fantastic for our real estate market. MLS sales have jumped 13% to 7,288, and listings are up 4% to 12,399. The total dollar volume has skyrocketed by 20%, reaching $2.8 billion.

This impressive growth marks the third-best market performance on record after the 2021 and 2022 years, showing strong demand and rising prices. Even with a slight dip in June sales, the overall market remains robust. Great news for both buyers and sellers in our vibrant city!

Home of the Week

Winnipeg Realtors! Want to feature your home? Reach out at [email protected]

1084 Forbes Road

• 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 2642 sqft

• Location: South St Vital

• Built-in: 2007

• Price: $1,150,000

What's Happening in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg’s Christina Litz Heads Women's Soccer League

As reported by CTV News: Winnipeg's own Christina Litz has been named president of Canada's new professional women's soccer league. With a strong background in the Canadian Football League and True North Sports and Entertainment, Litz is set to lead the Northern Super League, kicking off next April with teams in major cities like Vancouver and Toronto. This is an exciting development for women's sports in Canada!

AI Weapon Detection at Health Sciences Centre

The Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg is testing a new AI weapon detection system to enhance security. Installed at the emergency department and Crisis Response Centre, this technology aims to reduce violence without the intrusiveness of traditional metal detectors.

The pilot project starts later this month, making HSC one of the first hospitals in Canada to use such advanced tech. More updates on this coming soon!

Lucky Whitehead Returns to Blue Bombers

Exciting news for Blue Bombers fans – Lucky Whitehead is back!

The talented receiver, who had an impressive rookie season with Winnipeg in 2019, has rejoined the team’s roster. After spending three successful seasons with the B.C. Lions, including a CFL All-Star season in 2021, Whitehead is ready to bring his skills back to Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Humane Society Faces Capacity Crisis

As reported by Kayla Rosen from CTV News: The Winnipeg Humane Society is currently overwhelmed with animals and has temporarily stopped intake.

With over 250 animals in the shelter and another 260 in foster care, space is extremely limited. Rising living costs are a major factor, making it hard for pet owners to afford vet care. The society is offering reduced adoption fees to encourage people to adopt and help alleviate the crisis.

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!

• Ai-Kon 2024 | July 12-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Ai-Kon is a Japanese anime and pop culture convention held annually for three-days and runs 24 hours a day from Friday morning all the way to Sunday afternoon!

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Vancouver Bandits | 7:30PM, July 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB

• Second Saturdays | 12PM - 4PM, July 13 (Free)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

  • Description: Explore the historic house at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Exciting Events: July 10 - 11

This section only includes events until the next edition on Friday, so here’s what’s happening on Wednesday and Thursday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Goldeyes vs. Kansas City Monarchs

  • Date: 6:30PM, July 10 (Tickets)

  • Date: 6:30PM, July 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park, Winnipeg, MB

• Victory Lane Speedway Race 5 | 7PM, July 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Victory Lane Speedway, St Adolphe, MB

Music 🎵

• Winnipeg Folk Festival | July 11-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Birds Hill Park

  • Description: Enjoy some of the best, most diverse folk music from around the world featuring legendary and up-and-coming musicians.

• Chico & Qatoshi/Skylerr/100lytsia | 7PM, July 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Exchange Event Centre

• Field Guide/Kris Ulrich | 8PM, July 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Note Park

• Joey Gregorash - Salute to the 60's | 7PM, July 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Juno award winner Joey Gregorash is bringing the 1960s Winnipeg music scene back!

• Son D'Arranke | 7-9PM, July 11 (Info)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre at Assiniboine Parl

  • Description: Music, movies, fun, and wellness take centre stage at Assiniboine Park's Summer Entertainment Series!

Family Fun🎆

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, July 10 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

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

• Winnipeg National Bank Challenger | 7:30PM, July 10-11 (Tickets)

  • Tickets: $25 per day & Children under 16 are free

  • Location: National Bank Tennis Manitoba Hub at West St. Paul

  • Description: Held at the new National Bank Tennis Manitoba Hub in West St Paul, this event promises a thrilling showcase of tennis excellence.

• Bison Safari | 10:30AM & 6:15PM, July 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: See North America’s largest land mammal from just metres away, interacting in their natural habitat.

• Paddle Night | 6PM - 8:30PM, July 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

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

• Transcona BIZ Night Markets | 10AM - 2PM, July 4 (Free, More Info)

  • Location: 131 Victoria Ave W

  • Description: The markets showcase a rotating variety of locally grown fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, specialty teas, artisanal oils and vinegars, homemade sauces and jams, baked goods, jewelry and much more

• Downtown Winnipeg Farmer’s Market | 10AM, July 4 (More Info)

  • Location: 360 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

• Ma Buhay Musical | Multiple Times, July 10-11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Kildonan Park-2021 Main Street

  • Story: Three young singers compete to win STAR ON THE RISE, a reality TV singing competition that has come to Canada from the Philippines!

Special Events 🎨

• Paranormal Cirque! | 7:30PM, July 10-11 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Vital Mall Parking Lot

  • Description: A crazy yet fun fusion between Circus, theatre, and cabaret in perfect harmony.

• Jeudis Franco Thursdays | 5:30PM - 8:30PM, July 11 (Free)

  • Website: LINK

  • Description: A total of 32 vendors will participate in the St. Boniface Summer Market and will exhibit high-quality, artisanal products (food, beauty products, plants and flowers, household items, etc.)

• Jay Mewes | 7:45PM, July 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Comedy Show!

CHEERS!

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

— Jas, Winnipeg Digest

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Just fill out this form to get started. We'd love to feature you!