Hey Winnipeggers,

Is it just me, or does it feel like everyone’s suddenly in the market for a home? With prices climbing, it seems like housing is the hot topic right now.

So, today's newsletter is packed with updates on new housing incentives and programs, plus a fresh look at Winnipeg’s housing market since last month.

So, if you’re thinking of buying or selling, this one’s for you! Let us know in the poll at the end, and keep an eye out for Monday’s edition—we’ll be sharing some of your best replies. Let’s dive in! 🏡

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• $30 Dental Care in Winnipeg

• Find Free Period Supplies Across Manitoba

• Winnipeg’s Housing Market Update

• 40+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

$30 Dental Care in Winnipeg

Winnipeg’s only publicly funded dental clinic just got a big refresh. The SMILE Plus dental program at Machray School is making it easier for families to get the dental care their kids need without stressing over the cost.

Here’s how it works: if your kid (under 18) needs a cleaning, filling, or even an extraction, it’s just $30 per visit—no matter what. Same top-quality care you’d get at a private clinic, but way more affordable.

As reported by CBC News, After a $180K renovation, the place has new X-ray machines and updated rooms, so families can feel even more comfortable. They help over 3,000+ kids each year, and now they’re ready to do even more.

If you’ve got little ones or teens at home, this clinic’s a lifesaver. Good dental care shouldn’t break the bank, and for many Winnipeg families, this makes all the difference.

Find Free Period Supplies Across Manitoba

Manitoba’s got a new tool to help tackle period poverty. It’s a website that shows you exactly where to find free pads and tampons. Whether it’s at school, a shelter, or a community center, you can now easily locate what you need, when you need it.

Through the Access for All Period program, the province and Shoppers Drug Mart are working together to make sure no one has to skip school or work because they can’t afford menstrual products. So far, they’ve handed out over 5 million items—and there’s more to come.

It’s a change that makes a huge difference for thousands of Manitobans. So, if you or someone you know could use a little help, check out the site and find a spot nearby. Simple, quick, and it’s one less thing to worry about.

Local Community

New Portal Simplifies Affordable Housing Funding

The Manitoba government is making it easier for organizations to secure funding to build affordable housing, ensuring more Manitobans have a safe place to call home.

The Housing Starts Here portal simplifies the process for applying to a new $26-million capital grant program. Non-profits, Indigenous governments, and municipalities can now apply for forgivable loans to acquire and renovate buildings or construct new social housing units. This funding will support the creation of 350 new units in 2024-25.

The portal also includes applications for rent supplements to keep housing affordable and funding for support services to help people at risk of homelessness stay housed.

With these new investments, organizations can respond quickly to the growing need for affordable housing. Don’t miss out—click the button below to explore available funding

Winnipeg’s Housing Market Stays Hot

Staying on the topic of housing, Winnipeg’s housing market is on fire!

Here’s this month’s update:

• All MLS® sales: 1,337 up 7% over September

• Total sales: Over $500M in October, up 28% from last year

• Average prices: Detached homes at $423K, condos at $275K

For sellers, this is a dream—homes are moving fast and for top dollar. For buyers, though? It’s a tough market with fierce competition.

But with prices climbing like this, the city’s push for more affordable housing is definitely more needed than ever. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping tabs, these trends are shaping Winnipeg’s neighborhoods in a big way.

Cambridge Hotel Shuts Down

It’s the end of an era for the Cambridge Hotel. As reported by CTV News, After 86 years, the iconic spot on Pembina is closing its doors, making way for a new six-storey apartment block.

For long-time regulars, like the local rugby clubs that made the ‘Camby’ their post-game hangout for decades, it’s a tough goodbye. The hotel was more than a place to grab a drink—it was a community hub.

But with new developments popping up along Pembina, this marks a new chapter. The area is transforming into a vibrant corridor with much-needed housing and commercial spaces.

While we’ll miss the Cambridge’s charm, these changes are helping Fort Garry grow and thrive. Progress, but with a nod to the past.

Winnipeg Sports!

Jets Open Up About Mental Health

With their incredible 12-1 start, the Winnipeg Jets are flying high—but even the best feel the pressure. As reported by City New, This week, the team sat down with hundreds of high schoolers to talk about managing stress and staying mentally strong.

Through Project 11, players shared their personal coping strategies. From talking to family to just chilling with their dog, the message was clear: even NHL stars have tough days.

It’s a reminder for students that mental health matters, and asking for help is always okay.

Exciting Events: Nov 8 - 10

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Nov 9 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars | 2PM, Nov 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Saskatchewan Roughriders | 5:30PM, Nov 9 (Sold Out)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

Family Fun🎆

• The Great Solar System Adventure – Planetarium Show | Nov 8 - Dec 6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System

• Royal Winnipeg Ballet - Giselle | Nov 8-10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Giselle will take you on a journey through madness and folklore to a spectral world where love conquers all.

• Manitoba Skies | Nov 9-10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum Planetarium

  • Description: Take a live guided tour of Manitoba’s sky!

• The Winnipeg Ice Fishing Show | Nov 9-10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Place

  • Description: Dozens of retailers on site with all of your favourite tackle, equipment, shelters, augers, electronics, winter apparel, and more to help you get geared up for the hardwater season.

Markets 🛍️

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, Nov 9 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Inspirations Market | Nov 9-10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Makers market with over 95+ vendors! Perfect for your early Christmas shopping.

• Cedar & Steel Market | 12PM, Nov 10 (More Info)

  • Location: The King's Head Pub

  • Description: A unique craft market celebrating skilled artisans and makers who specialize in handcrafted, durable, and high-quality goods.

• Hoppy Holidays Critter Craft Show | 10AM - 3 PM, Nov 10 (More Info)

  • Location: Norwood Community Center - 87 Walmer Street

  • Description: 40+ Vendors!

• 3rd Annual Christmas Craft Sale | 10AM - 3 PM, Nov 10 (More Info)

  • Location: 445 Tissot Street, Winnipeg

  • Description: Free entry, with multiple vendors + a bake sale!

• Christmas Craft Market | 11AM - 4 PM, Nov 10 (FREE)

  • Location: 346 Perth Ave

  • Description: Local crafters with handmade items, free craft kit for children + more!

Comedy❗

• Mike Rita Comedy | Nov 8-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: He was the winner of the Second City's 'Cream of Comedy' and the runner up for Now Magazine's 2014 & 2015 'Best Male Stand-up’.

• Michael Gelbart Comedy | 8PM, Nov 8-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club (222 Broadway)

• The Passive Aggressive Comedy Tour | Nov 8-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge (Speakeasy)

  • Description: Tamara Shevon, Rebecca Reeds and Monica Gross have appeared at Just For Laughs, Sirius XM Radio, CBC's The Debaters, and more. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind show!

Special Events 🥂

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - The Recipe | Nov 8- 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse Theatre (140 Rupert Ave)

  • Description: Funny, poignant and subversive, The Recipe is a heartwarming Prairie Gothic.

• PTE presents Ponderosa Pine | Nov 8-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange (Y300-393 Portage Avenue)

  • Description: Ponderosa Pine is family history turned legend, turned myth – and woven together through stories both haunting and beautiful.

• The Play That Goes Wrong | Nov 8-9 (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!

• 2024 Manitoba Country Music Awards| 8PM, Nov 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: A special night of award presentations and performances.

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.

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].