Hey Winnipeggers,

Thank you so much for all the support with the discount cards! We’re excited to let you know we’re in talks with only local restaurants and can’t wait to get you discounts at some of our favorite spots in the city. We’re working hard to bring this to you, so please hang tight—we’ll try to launch them as soon as possible!

And as always, feel free to share our newsletter with friends—it’s free, and you’ll be the first to know when the cards go live!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Manitoba Families Save $800

• New Mental Health Service Coming Soon!

• Restaurant of the Week

• 160 New Units Coming to Downtown Winnipeg

• Multiple events this week & more!

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba Families Save $800 with New School Food Program

Big news for parents! Manitoba is expanding its school food program, and it’s a huge win for families. Thanks to a $17.2 million boost from the federal government, in addition to the $30 million from the province, over 19,000 more kids in Manitoba will be getting healthy meals at school every year. That means for families, you could save up to $800 a year on groceries—pretty sweet, right?

The program is all about making sure every child has access to the food they need to focus, learn, and thrive, no matter their family’s situation. Manitoba is actually the second province, after Newfoundland and Labrador, to hop on board with the new National School Food Program. It's all part of a broader plan to support families and kids across the country.

So, when you're juggling lunches and thinking about what to pack, take a breather knowing that Manitoba’s got your back. Your kids are covered at school, which means less stress for you and better days for them.

New Mental Health Service Coming Soon!

As reported by CBC News, On Friday, Mayor Scott Gillingham proposed a new emergency service for mental health calls that don’t need police or paramedics. Instead, trained mental health professionals would step in, helping over 21,000 people in crisis every year.

The city already works with groups like Bear Clan and ARCC, but this new service would go further. Funded by the province, it wouldn’t tap into local budgets and would give people in crisis the care they need without involving uniformed officers.

It’s all about getting people the right help while also saving the City of Winnipeg’s time and money.

Restaurant of the Week: The Basement

Looking for a hidden speakeasy with a New York vibe? The Basement Winnipeg is tucked behind a janitor’s closet at 3740 Portage Ave, and it feels like you’ve stepped right into a classic NYC bar. With dim lighting, a cozy atmosphere, and killer drinks, it’s the perfect hidden gem.

They host everything from comedy nights to live jazz, making it a great spot for a date or a fun hangout with friends. We checked out their jazz night, and here’s our video on it if you’re curious! [link]

Next time you’re on Portage, swing by The Basement and surprise your friends or partner with this underground gem. Trust us, it’s one of Winnipeg’s coolest secrets!

City Updates

Construction Starts at 185 Donald St!

If you've driven down Donald Street, you’ve probably noticed that big construction project that’s been stalled for what feels like forever. Well, great news—on Friday, we celebrated the ground-breaking of the DSM project at 185 Donald!

Carrington Real Estate has restarted the construction, which is expected to be completed by April 2026. They’re bringing 160 new units to downtown Winnipeg, and yes, the new Keg is coming to the main floor.

Located right next to the Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment District (SHED), True North Square, Canada Life Centre, and the RBC Convention Centre. It also ties into the city’s goal of adding over 8,000 units to Winnipeg in 2024! It’s been a long time coming, but things are finally moving forward. So, keep your eyes on this one as it’s set to become a key piece in the ongoing transformation of downtown Winnipeg.

Manitoba Pumps $12 Million Into Local Communities

The Manitoba government is investing up to $12 million in over 200 community projects through the "From the Ground Up" program. Here’s where the funding is going:

• Community renewal initiatives to revitalize neighborhoods

• Community spaces for safe, welcoming environments

• Youth programs in high-needs areas like Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson

This funding will strengthen local non-profits and boost community spaces across the province, helping Manitobans live, work, and grow in healthier, safer places.

Community News

Jets Keep Rolling, Undefeated After Crushing the Sharks

Hope you’ve been catching the Jets lately because they’re off to a hot start this season! They just demolished the San Jose Sharks 8-3, keeping their undefeated streak alive at 4-0. With a strong team effort and plenty of goals, the Jets are giving fans plenty to cheer about.

As I’m writing this, the Jets are getting ready to face Pittsburgh, so hopefully, they can pull off another win and make it 5-0! We might actually have a serious chance at the cup this year. It’s early in the season, but hey, a fan can hope, right? If you haven’t made it out yet, now’s the perfect time to catch them live at Canada Life Centre and be part of the excitement!

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Comes to Winnipeg!

Frozen custard lovers, rejoice! As reported by Winnipeg Free Press, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is opening its first Canadian location right here in Winnipeg at 1615 Regent Ave. West. Known for their steakburgers and frozen custard, this U.S. chain is finally making its way across the border.

The first of three Winnipeg spots is set to open between April and June 2025, so no more U.S. trips for your custard cravings. With more locations likely to follow, Freddy’s is ready to settle into Winnipeg’s food scene. Will you be going when they open? Keep an eye out for it as you’ll definitely want to check it out!

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!

• The Foodie Series - Exploring the Tastes of Japan | 7-9PM, Oct 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom, The Leaf

  • Description: Award winning Chef Edward Lam from Yujiro as we explore the unique flavours of Japanese cuisine.

• Winnipeg ComiCon 2024 | Oct 25-27 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg

  • Description: This annual event dedicated to pop culture takes the form of a fan convention with multi-genre content: comic books, sci-fi, horror, anime, video games and the entertainment world.

• Scattered Seeds Craft Market | Oct 25-27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Support our community’s local artists and makers and get all your holiday shopping done early!

• Jim Cuddy Band | 7:30PM, Oct 26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Genre: Rock

• Magical Musical Mystery Tour | 1:30-3:30PM, Oct 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Grant Park Shopping Centre

  • Description: Take a Trolley Tour with music historian John Einarson. Spend the afternoon with John Einarson on the Winnipeg Trolley, as he takes us on a journey to historic sites, sharing stories from Winnipeg’s legendary musical history.

• Tea Fest A Global Tea Experience | 1-4PM, Oct 27 (Free)

  • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

  • Description: A journey through the world of tea as they showcase an incredible selection of brews from diverse cultures.

• The MET Dinner & Movie | 4PM, Oct 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre

  • Description: Experience the ultimate combo of flavor and fright with our spooktacular Dinner & a Movie night! Indulge in a mouthwatering buffet before settling in the whimsical world of Beetlejuice!

Exciting Events: Oct 21st & 22nd

This section only includes events starting on Oct 21st & 22nd.

Music 🎵

• Open Mic | 6-10:30PM, Oct 21

  • Location: X-Cues Cafe & Lounge

  • Note: Sign up begins 15 minutes before each set.

• Hawksley Workman | 8PM, Oct 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Park Theatre (698 Osborne St)

  • Description: A multi-talented singer-songwriter who has won a JUNO Award and has been certified Gold Record.

• Vanden Dool/The Vitals | 7PM, Oct 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Handsome Daughter (61 Sherbrook Street)

  • Description: Taking elements of indie, new wave, darkwave and industrial and dispersing them throughout his discography.

• Julian Taylor/Ila Barker | 8PM, Oct 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Avenue)

  • Description: Juno award winning singer songwriter Julian Taylor is visiting the WECC to celebrate his latest release.

• Evanescence | 7PM, Oct 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Grammy award-winning rock band Evanescence announced they are hitting the road on their first headline tour across Canada in 15 years!

Family Fun🎆

• Corn Maze @ A Maze In Corn | Oct 21-31 (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 21-31 (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 21-31 (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 21-31 (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 21 - 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.

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, Oct 21-23 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

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

• Wild Wonder Tots - Early Autumn Tuesdays | 10-11:30AM, Oct 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond (Assiniboine Park)

  • Description: Songs, games, and structured learning, with on-the-spot hands-on nature encounters and time to enjoy and play outside.

• Toddler Tuesdays at The Leaf | 9:30-10AM, Oct 22 (More Info)

  • Location: Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf

  • Description: Your little one will enjoy music and games, listen to fascinating stories, and discover the joy of movement in the beautiful Mediterranean Biome.

Special

• The Play That Goes Wrong | Oct 21 - 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!

• Book Signing (My Sleeve: Stories from a Life Well Worn) | 7PM, Oct 21 (More Info)

  • Location: McNally Robinson Booksellers

  • Description: Join us for an evening with fashion and style icon Jeanne Beker as she comes to Winnipeg to discuss and sign her book Heart on My Sleeve: Stories from a Life Well Worn.

• Free Drop-In Group Music Lessons | 4-6PM, Oct 22 (Free)

  • Location: West End Culture Centre, 586 Ellice Ave

  • Description: Great opportunity for ages 8-18 to explore their musical talents.

• Benji Rothman Comedy | 7:45PM, Oct 22-24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: He was a semi-finalist at Sirius XM Canada’s Top Comic, he’s performed at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Oddblock Comedy Festival and toured all across Canada.

• Plotting Our Roots | 8PM, Oct 22 (More Info)

  • Location: Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club

  • Description: Plotting our Roots is a joyful night of music and literature intended to cross-pollinate the theatre, literary, and music communities in our province.

CHEERS!

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

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