Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

Hope you’re having a great start to your week, maybe with a coffee in hand and this email in front of you.

This weekend was one for the books. The Red River Ex was packed, the Jazz Festival brought music to the streets, and it felt like the whole city came alive, especially in the heart of downtown!

Whether you caught a show, took the kids out, or just wandered through a local market, it was so good to see Winnipeg out and about. And if you missed any of it? Don’t worry, there’s more where that came from.

Scroll down to catch up on what happened and see what’s coming this week!

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg’s Own Jonathan Toews Signs with the Jets

• More People Are Moving to Manitoba Than Leaving (First time in 20 years)

• Restaurant of the Week

• Manitoba Puts $900K in Filipino-Led Community Projects

• 22 New Affordable Housing Units in Winnipeg

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg’s Own Jonathan Toews Signs with the Jets

Some stories just hit different when they’re about one of our own. And for anyone who grew up watching hockey in Winnipeg, this is a big one: Jonathan Toews is officially signing with the Jets.

After 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks (and three Stanley Cup wins under his belt: 2010, 2013, and 2015), Toews is coming back to where it all began: home.

• The Jets have signed Toews to a one-year deal for the 2025-2026 season

• Born and raised in St. Vital, he started his hockey journey right here in Winnipeg

• After stepping away from the NHL in 2023 for health reasons, he’s making a comeback

• Toews says he’s grateful to return and excited to suit up in front of family and friends

It’s not every day that a local hockey legend comes full circle. Whether you’re a lifelong Jets fan or just love a good hometown story, this one feels special. Welcome home, Jonathan!

Click here: To read the full announcement.

For The First Time in 20 Years, More People Are Moving to Manitoba Than Leaving

It’s not just your imagination. Manitoba’s feeling a little fuller these days.

For the first time in over 20 years, Manitoba gained more people from other provinces than we lost.

The latest StatsCan numbers for the first quarter of 2025:

• 4,352 people moved into Manitoba from other provinces

• 4,246 moved out, leaving us with a net gain

• This is the first time since 2004 we’ve had a positive interprovincial migration quarter

• It’s a sign that people see Manitoba as a place of opportunity, affordability, and stability

The province says it's staying focused on keeping that momentum going by welcoming skilled workers and boosting local opportunities.

It’s just one stat, but it’s pointing in a good direction.

Click here: To check the full stats!

Together with The Winnipeg Digest!

$100 Thermea gift card program!

If you’ve been thinking about telling your favourite local business to advertise with us… this is the week to do it!

We’re bringing back our Thermea referral deal for a limited time. If you refer a business to Winnipeg Digest and they book an ad, we’ll send you a $100 Thermea gift card as a thank-you, and give them $100 off their first ad!

No catch. Just a little getaway for you, and a little help getting the word out for them.

Last time we ran this, the response was incredible. Dozens of you reached out with businesses you owned, worked at, or simply believed in, and we were able to help them grow while giving you something back.

So we’re doing it again, but only for this week. After Sunday, it’s gone.

If you know a local business that could use more customers, bookings, or leads… or if you work at one and want to bring it up to your team.

Now’s that time.

Email us at [email protected] and let’s make it happen!

Restaurant of the Week: Tavern On King Edward

If your perfect summer night includes a dog by your side, 80s or 90s music, and a margarita in hand, this new spot might just be your new go-to.

Tavern on King Edward is the latest addition to The Tavern Collective’s lineup. It opened last week and is already making waves for its dog-friendly patio, fun retro vibe, and a menu that’s way better than you’d expect from a casual pub vibe.

• Located at 1760 Sargent Ave with a sunny patio and space for your pup

• Open daily from 11AM until late (10AM on weekends)

• Fan favourites: salt and pepper wings, prawn hand rolls, thick philly steak sandwiches

• Cocktails worth coming back for, and fresh beer on tap

• And yes, they’ve got a warm cookie skillet dessert

Whether you're going for the food, the drinks, or just chasing that golden hour on the patio, it’s worth checking out.

Click Here: To see their full menu.

Community Digest

$17M Upgrade for St. James Civic Centre, Reopening in 2026

We mentioned it a little while back, but now it’s official: the St. James Civic Centre just broke ground on its long-awaited upgrade.

If you grew up in the area, chances are you’ve got a memory or two from the Civic Centre: swimming lessons, hockey games, maybe even a community event or two. Now, it’s getting a full refresh to better serve the neighbourhood for the next generation.

Here’s what to look forward to:

• Construction has officially started on the expansion at 2055 Ness Avenue

• The upgraded space will include multi-purpose rooms, a kitchen, improved washrooms, and better pool viewing

• A new space is being built just for the St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre

• The Civic Centre will stay closed until fall 2026, but the Ab McDonald Arena will remain open for ice season

• The full project is being funded by all three levels of government, with a total cost of $17 million

The Civic Centre has always been more than just a building, it’s where neighbours gather, kids grow up, and the community comes together. This next chapter is all about keeping that going.

Click here: For more information about the project.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Treatment Starts to Stop Invasive Beetles

If your street’s lined with big, shady trees, there’s a good chance some of them are ash, and they need a little help this summer.

Starting today, the city’s rolling out its annual treatment to protect ash trees from the emerald ash borer, a tiny pest that’s been slowly threatening our urban forest. It’s not flashy work, but it helps keep our neighbourhoods green.

• Treatments run Monday to Friday, 5:30AM to 5:30PM, until August

• Focus areas include Wolseley, River Heights, West Alexander, Daniel McIntyre, and more

• Crews will inject a natural treatment called TreeAzin® directly into trees on city property

• It’s safe, federally approved, and applied by trained pros

So if you see a few trucks and workers around the trees in your area, now you know. It’s all part of keeping Winnipeg leafy and livable for years to come.

Click here: To check if your neighbourhood’s on the list and sign up for daily alerts.

City Updates

Manitoba Invests $900K in Filipino-Led Community Projects

If you’ve ever been to a Filipino potluck, you know it’s about more than just food. It’s community, care, and connection all rolled into one.

And now, the province is putting real support behind that spirit, with a $900,000 investment to help Filipino-led organizations grow long-term community spaces and services.

Here’s what’s in the works:

• The funding will go to three local groups

  • Mabuhay District Inc.,

  • PCCM, and

  • The Philippine Heritage Council

• They’ll receive $100K/year for three years each to support big-picture projects

• Plans include a Filipino economic and cultural hub, a child-care centre, and a personal care home for seniors

The goal? To support immigration, jobs, and cultural preservation.

This isn’t just funding. It’s a meaningful way to honour everything the Filipino community brings to life in Manitoba, especially as we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month this June.

Click here: To learn more about the project and where the funding is going.

$1.38M Investment in 22 New Affordable Housing Units

It’s not every day you hear about homes being built from something that once hurt the community, but that’s exactly what’s happening in North Point Douglas.

The province is turning eight houses that were once linked to drug activity into 22 new affordable housing units. And the best part? The work is being done by a local non-profit that trains people who’ve faced barriers to finding work.

• The homes were seized by the province in 2022 and are now being repurposed for affordable housing

• Non-profit Purpose Construction is leading the build and training of folks in the community as part of the project

• The province is putting in $1.38 million to support the redevelopment

• These homes will support low and moderate-income families in the neighbourhood

• And it’s part of a bigger plan to build 400 new affordable units and fix up thousands more across Manitoba

Turning harm into healing, this is what real community investment can look like. Turning it into housing, opportunity, and a fresh start for families who need it!

Click here: To learn more about the New Affordable Homes.

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!

• Spirits with Spirits | 7-9PM, June 25 (FREE)

  • Location: The King's Head Pub

  • Description: We are back with The Winnipeg Paranormal Group for a night of cool spookiness! Prepare for a night where the veil between worlds grows thin! Join us for an evening of eerie tales, shared over quenching beverages - 'Spirits with Spirits'!

• Exchange Summer Fitness – Bootcamp at the 201 Portage Plaza
  | 12-12:45PM, June 25 (free/learn more)

  • Location: Stephen Juba Park

• Cinema Under the Stars 2025 - No Fighting in my Cabin | 9:30PM, June 26 (FREE)

  • Location: Ruins of St. Boniface Cathedral

  • Description: Movies Under the Stars offers screenings of French-language films, accessible to all thanks to the presence of English subtitles. This is a completely free event that takes place every Thursday during the summer in the ruins of St. Boniface Cathedral.

• Rock of Ages | June 26 - July 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rainbow Stage

  • Description: The broadway musical Rock of Ages tells a love story between a small-town girl and a city boy set against the backdrop of 1980s Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. The musical features the music of Foreigner, Whitesnake, Poison, Twisted Sister, Styx (and more) and promises ’80s rock anthems and power ballads.

• Bonsai Winnipeg | June 26-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Join us for a rare showcase of beautifully crafted trees by some of central Canada’s finest bonsai artists right here in Winnipeg.

• sākihiwē festival | June 26-29 (FREE)

  • Location: Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre

  • Description: The sākihiwē festival returns for a new season, sharing and celebrating Indigenous music and culture in Winnipeg’s core and North End. Featuring over 20 First Nation, Inuit, and Métis performers from June 26 to 29, the festival connects live music with Indigenous and newcomer communities.

• Village Music Fest | June 27-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Osborne Village

  • Description: The event, presented by Osborne Village BIZ will showcase how Canada’s multicultural landscape continues to shape the nation’s music scene.

• Loveville Music Festival 2025 | 12PM-2:30PM, June 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: The Biggest Afrobeats Festival in Central Canada!

• Bumper to Bumper Carshow | 9AM, June 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Open Grounds of Outlet Collection Winnipeg

Exciting Events: June 23rd & 24th

Sports🏀

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, June 23-25 (free/learn more)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

• Tuesday Night Thunder Racing | 7PM, June 24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Victory Lanes Speedway

Music 🎵

• Sean Taylor Live at Belle's | 12PM-12:45PM, June 23 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• 2025 Downtown Sounds Concert Series - The Astronomics | 12PM-1PM, June 24 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks - Johnston Terminal Steps

  • Description: Hungry for good music with your lunch? Enjoy free live performances every Tuesday from June 17 to August 26 at the 2025 Downtown Sounds Concert Series!

• Stephanie Westdal | 7PM-10PM, June 23 (FREE)

  • Location: Sargent Sundae

Family Fun🎆

• Many Nations, One Heartbeat | June 23 - July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: From National Indigenous Peoples Day to Canada Day, The Forks will host 11 days of programming under the theme “Many Nations, One Heartbeat” — a celebration of the many cultures that make up Manitoba and Canada. Each day offers free, family-friendly programming.

• Evening Canoe Excursion | 7PM-9PM, June 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Oak Hammock Marsh

  • Description: Dusty Molinski guides you through some lesser explored regions of the Marsh on this two hour evening paddle.

• Park Tots | 10-11:30AM, June 24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Acorn Room, Qualico Family Centre

  • Description: Cover a seasonal nature topic with early childhood development professional Kim Crockett to teach both adults and children interesting lessons and hands-on experiences about nature.

• Workshop: Survival Skills | 6PM-7:30PM, June 24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Site 3 of Crescent Drive Park

  • Description: Ready to learn essential outdoor skills? Join CPAWS Manitoba’s Nature Club and Backcountry Women for a fun and informative workshop in a supportive women-led environment! Learn essential survival techniques with knots and master the art of fire-making.

• Paddle Nights | June 24 & 26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Whyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening paddling before sunset for the perfect summer night. Paddle Nights are a 45-minute session with a canoe or kayak, with help available to get you started. No experience is required.

Special Events 🎨

• Naawi-Oodena Seasonal Market | June 24 (FREE)

  • Location: Oodena Gas & Convenience Store Parking Lot

  • Description: Designed to showcase Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists, and food vendors, the market is an opportunity to bring people together in celebration of culture, creativity, and local commerce.

• Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | June 24 - July 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: This popular ‘Shakespearean noir’ is exciting as a murder mystery, but it is its palpable and sensual atmosphere that really grabs us. For gloomy intensity, there’s nothing like it in all of Shakespeare.

• Tommy Mellor | June 24-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Know for his deadpan delivery and unique perspectives and stories, he has wow’d audiences all over Canada. He recently won the title of best comedian in Calgary at the 2022 Laugh Shop comedy competition and recently released his comedy special “The Prince Of All Comics” to much fanfare and critical praise.

• Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare in the Ruins | June 24 - July 6 ($)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: SIR’s 2025 season embraces the theme of destiny.

    Samuel Beckett’s absolute masterpiece, and one of the most important texts of the last century: Waiting for Godot has surely become one of the most canonical and enigmatic plays since Shakespeare.

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