Happy Monday, Winnipeg!
If you stepped outside this weekend, you probably felt it. That little bit of warmth in the air, the sun sticking around a little longer, and that feeling like spring might actually be on its way. We're not jinxing it, but it's starting to feel real.
It's a big week in the city too. We've got some important health updates you'll want to know about, a Winnipeg firefighter making history on the world stage, and a look at how our Premier is stacking up nationally.
Grab your coffee, settle in, and let's get into it.
Now, in today’s edition:
Several New Measles Exposure Sites Reported in Winnipeg
Restaurant of the Week
Wab Kinew Still Holds the Highest Premier Rating
Winnipeg Firefighter Becomes First Canadian To Win World Title
Multiple events this week & more
— Jas Singh
News
Several New Measles Exposure Sites Reported in Winnipeg
Source: Johns Creek Dermatology
If you were out around the city last week, this is worth a quick check.
Manitoba health officials have identified several new locations where measles exposure may have occurred between March 16 and 17.
Anyone who was at these places during the listed times is being asked to review their vaccination records and watch for symptoms.
Here are the reported locations and times:
J.H. Bruns Collegiate, 250 Lakewood Blvd. on March 16 from 8:20 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grenkow Dental, 3324 Portage Ave. on March 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Prairie Endodontics, 271 Madison St. on March 16 from 1:20 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Winnipeg Orofacial Health Centre, 147 Provencher Blvd. on March 16 from 4:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Shoppers Drug Mart, 43 Marion St. on March 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
St. Vital Family Medical Clinic, 1087 St. Mary’s Rd. on March 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
And if you were at any of these locations, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Check your vaccination status, especially if you’re unsure if you’ve had both doses
Watch for symptoms like fever, runny nose, red eyes, or a red rash that spreads across the body
Limit contact with others if you start feeling unwell
Measles spreads easily, but vaccination is the best protection.
The Government of Manitoba continues to post updated exposure locations as new information comes in (and more may be added even after we’re writing this), so click below to see the latest updates.
Restaurant of the Week:
Stella’s Café x Kevin’s Bistro
Two Local Favourites Under One Roof On Corydon
A new spot on Corydon is bringing two Winnipeg favourites together in one space.
Stella’s Café and Kevin’s Bistro have officially teamed up at 1100 Corydon Avenue, creating a shared space that shifts with your day.
Think coffee and brunch in the morning, then cozy bistro dinners and cocktails at night, all under one roof.
It’s a unique concept that brings together two well-loved local spots, while still keeping their own distinct feel and menus.
Here’s what makes this spot worth checking out:
Day to night experience, from baked goods and brunch to full bistro dinners
Signature favourites from both menus, including Stella’s classics and Kevin’s comfort dishes
A shared space that blends both atmospheres into one experience
With room for 70 indoor guests and a patio for 40 more, it’s a great spot to meet friends, whether it’s a casual morning or a night out.
📍 1100 Corydon Avenue
If you’re a fan of either spot, this is one worth checking out. It’s a fresh concept for the city and a fun way to experience both in one visit.
Community Digest
Wab Kinew Still Holds the Highest Premier Approval Rating In Canada
Source: Angus Reid Institute
There’s been a lot of focus on leadership across the country lately, and Manitoba is once again standing out.
Premier Wab Kinew is still ranked as the most popular premier in Canada, according to the latest Angus Reid survey.
Here’s what stands out:
61% approval rating, meaning about three in five Manitobans support his leadership
One of only three premiers in Canada with majority approval
His approval has stayed consistently high through most of his time in office
And this isn’t a one-time spike.
It shows a level of consistency that’s been maintained over time.
For many in Manitoba, it’s a sign that the work being done is being noticed, especially as people continue to pay close attention to affordability and day to day issues.
It also reflects a sense of stability, with leadership that many residents feel confident in right now.
Click here: To see how other premiers across Canada compare.
Winnipeg Firefighter Becomes First Canadian To Win World Title
Source: World’s Strongest Firefighter
A firefighter based in Winnipeg has just made history on the world stage.
Evan Yaworski, a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, has been named the World’s Strongest Firefighter, becoming the first Canadian to ever win the title.
Here’s what makes this win so special:
Competed against 150+ firefighters from around the world
Took on intense challenges like pulling fire trucks and lifting heavy equipment
Earned the title through consistency across multiple events, not just one standout moment
Yaworski also coached himself throughout the process, building his strength and training over time while continuing his work as a firefighter.
The competition itself was created to honour first responders and support firefighter charities, making the win even more meaningful.
It’s a proud moment for Winnipeg, and a reminder of the dedication and strength behind the people who serve our communities every day.
City Updates
Manitoba Camping Reservations Open April 13
Even with the random snowstorms we’ve been getting, summer plans are already starting to come together.
That’s why Manitoba’s Parks Reservation Service is opening April 13 to 17, giving people a chance to start booking campsites, cabins, and group stays for the 2026 season.
Spots can fill up quickly, especially at popular parks, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Here’s how bookings will roll out:
April 13: cabins, yurts, and group use areas
April 14: Birds Hill, Winnipeg Beach, and Grand Beach
April 15: Whiteshell Provincial Park campgrounds
April 16 to 17: northern parks and remaining locations
Reservations open at 7 a.m. daily, and online users may be placed in a virtual waiting room depending on demand.
There’s also a new availability alert feature, which lets you know when a campsite opens up, plus a $10 cancellation fee to help free up unused spots.
If you’re hoping to plan a trip with friends or family once winter wraps up, this is a great time to lock something in.
P.S. Share this with friends or family who might want to book a camping trip this summer!
We're Handpicking a Few Local Businesses to Feature
You know that accountant your friend swears by every tax season?
Or the insurance broker your parents have used for years?
Maybe it's your own company, and you've been doing great work but just haven't gotten in front of enough locals yet.
We're opening up a few spots inside Winnipeg Digest to feature local businesses directly to our community of 150,000+ Winnipeggers who actually live here, spend here, and share recommendations with people they trust.
Here's how it works:
We write a short, friendly feature about the business (with a photo)
It goes out to our full audience across email and social
No generic ad. It reads like a friend telling you about a great local find
We're not taking everyone. We're picking businesses that our readers would genuinely want to know about, like:
Accounting and financial services
Insurance brokers and agencies
Landscaping and roofing
Law firms and legal services
Real estate developers and mortgage brokers
Home renovation and contracting companies
IT and business services
If you run a local business, work at one, or know someone who does, submit them below. It takes 30 seconds.
Events 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!
WAG Wednesday Nights: Artmaking with Helga Jakobson
| 5PM-9PM, Mar 24 (Tickets)Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: A great remedy to feeling stuck is to act, so come and make together in this workshop. Artist Helga Jakobson will guide participants in a mixed media banner, bunting or pennant making workshop.
WSO presents Beethoven UnTuxed | 11:45AM, Mar 26 (Tickets)
Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Description: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is a work of noble simplicity and beauty. A brooding opening gives way to an exhilarating work. Scored in a Classical fashion, it still offers innovations throughout.
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons | 6:30PM & 8:30PM, Mar 27 (Tickets)
Location: Crescent Arts Centre
Description: Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Winnipeg. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons at Crescent Arts Centre under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Winnipeg Comedy Showcase | 7PM-9PM, Mar 27 (Tickets)
Location: Park Theatre
Description: Winnipeg’s longest-running stand-up showcase returns to the Park Theatre for another night of big laughs! Join us for a stacked lineup featuring some of the city’s best comedians: Benji Rothman, Matt Nightingale, Tim Gray, Karlee Liljegren, Evan Lowes, Jeff Sinclair.
Spring Artisan Market 2026 | Mar 27-28 (More Info)
Location: Artists Emporium
Description: Our annual Spring Artisan Market, where you’ll discover unique, handmade goods and meet amazing local artists and makers. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts, décor, art, and treats while supporting small businesses in our community.
Unsolved: A Cirque Mystery | Mar 27-28 (Tickets)
Location: Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain
Description: Step into the circus where mystery hangs in the air! Unsolved: A Cirque Mystery is a thrilling new aerial show filled with breathtaking acts, quirky characters, and a puzzling secret hidden beneath the big top.
Goo Goo Dolls | 7:30PM, Mar 28 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Description: Formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in Buffalo, NY in 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have quietly broken records, contributed a string of staples to the American songbook, connected to millions of fans, and indelibly impacted popular music for three-plus decades.
Winnipeg Anime-Fest | 10AM-5PM, Mar 28 (Tickets)
Location: Sandman Hotels Inns & Suites
Description: Join us for our new Anime-Show here in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Sandman Suites Airport Hotel from 10am to 5pm. It's Fun for the Whole Family. Come see Featured Guests, Vendors, Artists, Panels, Contests and Cosplay Contest.
The Story of Nirvana | 7PM, Mar 29 (Tickets)
Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Description: Experience the explosive rise of Nirvana like never before. This immersive production combines powerful storytelling, live music, and multimedia to take you on a rock and roll thrill ride. Recording artist El Niven brings the legend of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana’s rise from playing underground clubs in Seattle to stadium stages around the world.
Winnipeg Baroque Festival | Mar 29 - April 18 (Tickets)
Location: Desautels Concert Hall
Description: This year’s Festival will feature beloved favourites like Dead of Winter, Karl Stobbe and the Nonsuch Ensemble alongside new faces and combinations that will add their talents to one of the city’s most anticipated musical events!
Exciting Events: March 23rd - 24th
Sports🏀
Manitoba Moose vs Tuson Roadrunners | 7PM, Mar 23 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Winnipeg Jets vs. Vegas Golden Knights | 7PM, Mar 24 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Music 🎵
Black Label Society | 7:30PM, Mar 23 (Tickets)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: A dedicated disciple of Zeppelin, Sabbath, and Deep Purple, Zakk Wylde looks to the massive guitar hooks in classics like “Whole Lotta Love,” “Into the Void,” and “Smoke On the Water” as guiding lights. “The main ingredient in any Black Label soup is the riff,” says the larger-than-life frontman.
Kasador/Zach Riley/The Great Plains | 7PM, Mar 23 (Tickets)
Location: Sidestage Winnipeg
George Thorogood & The Destroyers - The Baddest Show On Earth
| 7:30PM, Mar 24 (Tickets)Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: George Thorogood & The Destroyers, the iconic blues-rock band behind classics like "Bad to the Bone" and "I Drink Alone," are back in 2026 with The Baddest Show On Earth tour. This headline tour spans Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., and Canada, kicking off on March 6th in Highland, California.
Community Fun🎆
The Snow Maze | Mar 23 - End of Winter ($)
Location: A Maze in Corn
Description: Home of the Guinness Book of World Record's Largest Snow Maze! Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!
Stone Soup Week | Mar 23-29 (More Info)
Location: Various restaurants across Manitoba
Description: Participating restaurants from around the province will create signature soups to be sold during the week of March 23-29, 2026 and will donate $1 from the sale of every bowl of soup to the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba. All of the funds raised will go directly to support Manitoba school food programs.
Performances🎭
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight | 8PM, Mar 24 (Tickets)
Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Description: After entertaining 700,000 guests across the UK, USA and Europe, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is kicking off the first expansive tour of Canada.Prepare for a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle that infuses iconic Rock & Metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy.
In the Shadow Beyond the Pines | March 24-28 (Tickets)
Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse
Description: Set in modern times but steeped in a dark and haunting past, this atmospheric ghost story explores the shadows of Indigenous life and lore with a hint of humour.
Special Events🥂
Arthur Simeon Comedy | Mar 24-28 (Tickets)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: Arthur Simeon is a Ugandan-born Toronto-based comedian who has been performing for over a decade all over the world.
Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Wednesday!
