Air Quality Warnings Across Manitoba

Author

Jas Singh
June 06, 2025

Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

The smoke has settled in over the city this week, and while we’re all itching to get outside, it’s a good time to take things slow and check the air quality before making any weekend plans, especially if you’re older, have young kids, or have any health conditions.

That said, there are over 10 markets and 50+ events happening this weekend, and if it’s safe to head out, it’s a great way to support local and enjoy the best parts of summer in the city.

In today’s edition, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know, from wildfire and air quality updates to weekend events, markets, and small ways you can help those affected across the province.

Stay safe, stay cool, and as always, thanks for reading!

Now, in today’s edition:

  • Air Quality Warnings Across Manitoba

  • Triple Your Impact for Families Affected by Wildfires

  • Survey for Southeast Winnipeg’s New Rec Centre

  • Manitoba Launches Hiring Campaign in the United States

  • 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Air Quality Warnings Across Manitoba

Source: City of Winnipeg

If you’ve stepped outside lately, you’ve probably felt it. That heavy, smoky air that makes your chest a little tighter and the sky a little duller.

Wildfires burning across Manitoba have made the air hard to breathe this week, and Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings for much of the province, including Winnipeg, Brandon, and The Pas.

For now, here’s what you should know:

  • Smoke is thickest in the Red River Valley and is expected to stay till noon

  • Western Manitoba may have seen relief by the time you’re reading this, but it’ll linger longer in the east

  • People most at risk include seniors, young children, pregnant folks, and anyone with health issues

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors shut, and if you can, use a good air filter

It’s one of those weeks where it’s okay to take it slow. Call a loved one. Check on your neighbours. And help out if there’s any way you can.

So use this as your reminder to call 3 to 5 of your family and friends, especially those who are older or have young kids, and make sure they’re doing okay.

Triple Your Impact for Families Affected by Wildfires

Source: Chris Kepron, Canadian Red Cross

And staying on the topic of wildfires, it’s been heartbreaking to watch thousands of families across Manitoba be forced from their homes these past few weeks. Entire communities have packed up and left everything behind as the fires continue to burn.

And if you’re like us and have been wondering how to help, here’s something meaningful.

Both the federal and provincial governments are matching every donation made to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal.

That means:

  • Every $1 donated becomes $3

  • The match is retroactive to May 28 and runs for 30 days

  • The federal match caps at $30 million, and the provincial at $15 million

  • With funds going to emergency accommodations, financial aid, and long-term recovery

With thousands of Manitobans already displaced. The Red Cross is working closely with Indigenous leaders and government partners to get people the help they need, right now and in the weeks to come.

So if you’re able to give anything, now’s the time. It’s not just about the money. But about showing families that they’re not alone.

Together with The EX 2025!

One Week ‘Til The EX

Every summer, The EX rolls into town and somehow, it’s over before you even realize it happened. But not this year.

So, this is your friendly reminder that The EX kicks off next week, and if it’s been on your family’s summer bucket list, now’s the time to grab your tickets before life gets busy and prices go up.

Whether it’s your yearly tradition or you’ve been meaning to check it out, now’s your chance to plan it out, mark your calendar, and lock in tickets starting at just $15.

This year’s lineup is packed with:

  • 50+ rides for all ages, whether you like it chill or thrilling

  • 45+ food trucks serving everything from sweet treats to deep-fried everything

  • 40+ local vendors with handmade goods, art, and unique finds

  • 10 themed days, including Caribbean Day, Filipino Day, Family Day & more

  • Live music every night, from tribute bands to Classic Rock and Country Nights

  • Juried competitions for quilting, photography, and more

📍 June 13–22 at Red River Exhibition Park
🎟️ Pre-sale tickets are live now – and it’s the lowest price you’ll get!

So take this as your sign to book early, avoid the “wait, was that this weekend?” panic, and start summer break the right way.

Click below to see the full schedule, rides, food list + grab your tickets today!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Digest

Survey for Southeast Winnipeg’s New Rec Centre

Source: Engage Winnipeg

Most of you might not remember, but we mentioned a few months ago that the City was asking for ideas on what a new rec centre in southeast Winnipeg could look like. Well, thanks to all that feedback. The draft design is now ready, and the City wants to hear from you again.

The proposed Bonavista Recreation Centre would be built in Fraipont Park, near Evelyne Reese Boulevard and Warde Avenue. It’s designed to bring more recreation options to a fast-growing part of the city and give families a new space to stay active, connect, and play.

Here’s what’s planned so far:

  • A brand new gymnasium and multi-purpose rooms

  • Updated outdoor park features for everyone to enjoy

  • Space for programs and leisure activities based on your input

You can share your thoughts through an online survey open until June 30. Or stop by the open house on June 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Southdale Community Centre.

So if you live nearby or just care about growing access to recreation in our city, this is your chance to help shape something great. Click the link below to share your feedback!

City Cracking Down on Unsafe Homes

If you’ve ever walked past a boarded-up house and thought, Someone should do something about that, you’re not alone. And now, the City is stepping up!

Since launching the Unsafe Conditions Response Team (UCRT) last year, the City’s been moving quicker to clean up fire-damaged, half-demolished, and neglected properties.

So far, they’ve:

  • Done 430+ inspections

  • Referred 79 sites for City-led cleanup

  • Accelerated response times from weeks to just 1–2 days

  • 20 by-law notices and 9 formal orders issued to hold owners accountable

Now, after seeing the success of the program. The Council is being asked to add three new full-time positions to keep the momentum going through the end of the year, with more permanent funding being looked at for 2026!

This is about more than fixing buildings. It’s about helping neighbourhoods feel safer, cleaner, and more cared for again.

City Updates

Manitoba Launches Hiring Campaign in the United States

Source: Government of Manitoba

The Manitoba government just launched a new recruitment campaign aimed at bringing more health professionals here, from Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

And, here’s what they’re highlighting:

  • A health-care system that puts patients before profit

  • No insurance battles, just evidence-based care

  • An inclusive environment that supports women’s health and gender-affirming care

  • And a province that’s affordable, welcoming, and community-focused

The goal? To show health-care workers in the U.S. that Manitoba offers not just a job, but a better way to live and work.

It’s a smart move and one we really need. So, if you’ve got American family or friends working in health care, now might be a good time to tell them why we love it here.

Because the more hands we have helping, the better off we all are.

Grant Program Opens for Black Entrepreneurs in Manitoba

The Manitoba government, alongside the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, just launched a new grant program for Black-owned and Black-led small businesses. It’s called the Manitoba Black Entrepreneurs and Small Business Program, and it’s all about breaking down barriers and opening doors.

Here’s what it offers:

  • Grants from $5,000 to $20,000

  • Help with capital training and connections

  • Skill-building and mentorship to grow strong businesses

A steering committee made up of community leaders from ACOMI, the Afro-Caribbean Association, and the Council of Caribbean Organizations is helping guide the program.

Applications are open now and due July 4.

So if you or someone you know is a Black entrepreneur trying to grow something meaningful in Manitoba, this could be the support that makes all the difference.

Exciting Events: June 6th - 8th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Sports🏀

  • Goldeyes vs Kansas City Monarchs | June 6-8 ($)

    • Location: Blue Cross Park

  • Winnipeg Run Club | 8:00AM, June 7th (FREE)

    • Location: The Forks

  • U of M Active Living Centre Open House | 8AM - 4PM, June 7

    • Location: Active Living Centre, U of M

    • Description: Celebrate National Health and Fitness Day with free access and activities scheduled throughout the day at one of the best gyms in the city!

  • Tuxedo Lawn Bowling Club Open House | 10:30AM-2PM, June 7 (FREE)

    • Location: 368 Southport Blvd

    • Description: Try lawn bowling! Low-impact, social, and strategic fun for all ages. Equipment and instruction provided, with adaptive gear for limited mobility.

  • Group Hike at Assiniboine Forest | 11AM, June 7 (More Info)

    • Location: Meet at 3000 Grant Ave south parking lot

    • Description: ​Enjoy a relaxed 3.5 km loop on Sagimay, Traverse, and Preston Trails. Discover scenic boardwalks and marshland while meeting new people. Dogs welcome on leash.

  • Zumba in the Park | 10-11AM, June 7 (FREE)

    • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond

  • DND Run Club | 8:15AM, June 8th (FREE)

    • Location: The Forks

    • Note: Dash N’ Dine Run Club!

Family Fun🎆

  • Knight of Celebration | 6PM, June 6 (FREE)

    • Location: Norberry-Glenlee Community Centre

    • Description: ​Celebrate community with bouncy castles, face painters, a petting zoo, and more. Fireworks follow at 10PM.

  • Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | June 6 - 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.

  • Kidsfest | June 6-8 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Forks, and The Manitoba Theatre for Young People

    • Description: Features live performances, engaging workshops, fun activities and so much more

  • Grease Lightning Musical | June 7 & 8 ($)

    • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

    • Description: Greetings, Winnipeg High class of 1959, you are all invited to the biggest Rock and Roll reunion this town has ever seen!

  • Bison Bus Tour | 10:30-11:30AM, June 8 (Tickets)

    • Location: Fort Whyte Alive

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

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

  • Hi Neighbour Festival | June 6-8 (Free, more info)

    • Location: Multiple locations

    • Description: Block parties, food trucks, live performances, carnival rides, and a lively parade to celebrate community spirit across the city.

  • Flatlanders Beer Festival | June 6-7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: Sample over 500 beers, including more than 150 products exclusive to the festival.

  • Valour Community Centre Spring Carnival | 11AM, June 7 (FREE)

    • Location: Valour Community Centre

    • Description: ​Free family fun with games, bouncy castles, face painting, raffle draws, and tethered hot air balloon rides. Affordable concessions and activities for all ages.

  • Bronx Park Farmers Market | 8AM-5PM, June 7

    • Location: Bronx Park

    • Description: Opening day of the summer market! Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, and enjoy our splash pad and used tool sale at the woodshop.

  • St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM - 2PM, June 7

    • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

  • Tyndall Community Market | June 7-8 (More Info)

    • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre

    • Description: Browse food trucks and local youth vendors, shop handmade goods, join team relay games, enjoy free Zumba, live music, and more!

  • The Ode'imin Collective Market | June 7-8 (More Info)

    • Location: The Forks Market, Pop-up Kiosk

    • Description: Celebrate Indigenous people, communities, and artists with a pop-up kiosk featuring handmade products by Indigenous artisans.

  • Manitoba Night Market | 3-11PM, June 8 (More Info)

    • Location: Assiniboia Downs

    • Description: Discover over 100 Manitoba artisans and vendors, indulge in delicious eats from 20+ food trucks, and enjoy a wide variety of live music, a tattoo pop-up, and kids’ entertainment.

Comedy❗

  • Mark Forward | June 6-7 ($)

    • Location: Rumors Comedy Club

    • Description: Oakville native and comedy veteran. He’s appeared on John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and Fargo on FX.

  • The Adobo Premiere | June 6-7 ($)

    • Location: Yuk Yuk’s

    • Description: A Filipino-flavored comedy night featuring Keith Pedro (Juno & Canadian Screen nominee), Wilfred Padua (Thrillist’s top 50 undiscovered comedian), and Mikey Perry (Marine Corps vet turned comedy star).

  • Tyler Boissonnault | 8:30PM, June 6-7 ($)

    • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

    • Description: Vancouver’s Tyler Boissonnault makes his Winnipeg debut with observational crowd work and sharp cultural insights

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

  • Biking to the Exchange | 6PM, June 6 (FREE)

    • Location: Isaac Brock Site, 715 Telfer Street North

    • Description: Join for a guided ride into the Exchange District!

  • First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, June 6 (More Info)

    • Location: Multiple Locations

    • Description: Opportunity to explore all the Exchange neighbourhood has to offer. Whether it is pleasing to the eye or the palate, explore many gallery and studio openings, artist talks, food & drink opportunities, unique shops and pop up events and more!

  • On the Edge | 7:30PM, June 6 ($)

    • Location: RWB Founders’ Studio

    • Description: These captivating ballet performances thrillingly weave together classical compositions and cutting-edge contemporary pieces.

  • Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition | June 6-8 (More Info)

    • Location: Exchange District

    • Performers: MEME features various concerts, events, workshops and a series of free outdoor concerts located at The Cube in Winnipeg's Old Market Square in the Exchange District as well as all over Winnipeg.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

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