Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

September is officially coming to an end tomorrow, and you can already feel the shift. Thanksgiving dinners and Halloween nights are right around the corner, and the city is starting to show it.

From haunted experiences already opening their doors to festivals, markets, and plenty more, Winnipeg is buzzing with things to do.

Be sure to read through the whole newsletter to catch the Halloween fun that’s already starting, along with everything else happening in our city.

In today’s edition:

• What the Canada Post Strike Means for Winnipeg

• The Scariest Halloween Experience in Manitoba Starts This Weekend

• Restaurant of the Week

• Measles Exposure Reported at Winnipeg School and Local Businesses

• City Extends Paid Parking Limits in the Exchange District

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

What the Canada Post Strike Means for Winnipeg

Canada Post workers have walked off the job in a countrywide strike, just hours after the federal government announced it will phase out door-to-door mail delivery for millions of Canadians in the years ahead.

By Friday morning, postal workers in Winnipeg were already on strike, and now everyday things are starting to feel the impact.

If you’re wondering what this means for your bills, your pet’s licence, or even how to vote, here’s what’s changed:

• Manitoba Hydro can’t send out paper bills, so you’ll need to check or pay online, by phone, or at your bank

• Water, waste, and property tax payments are still due, even if your paper bill doesn’t show up, late fees still apply

• Voting notices for the Elmwood–East Kildonan by-election were mailed out before the strike, but if you didn’t get yours, you can still vote early in person

• Library reminders, pet licences, and city permits are now being handled mostly online or over the phone

These kinds of changes can feel overwhelming, especially if you're used to doing things by mail. However, most city services have made it fairly simple to switch over, whether that’s paying a bill online or calling to receive a digital copy.

If you’ve been caught off guard by the strike, you’re definitely not alone. The good news is that there’s support and simple workarounds in place. You can see the full list of affected services and how to navigate around them at the link below.

Click Here: To check what’s affected and how to get around it.

Together with Fear Winnipeg!

The Scariest Halloween Experience in Manitoba Starts This Weekend

With October beginning on Wednesday, Halloween is officially around the corner. And this year, Manitoba’s newest and scariest experience is finally here.

Fear: Blacksite kicks off this weekend, taking over 500,000 sq ft of indoor space from October 4 to November 1. It’s been 4 years since the last one, and this return is bigger, scarier, and unlike anything else in Canada.

Here’s what makes it more than just a haunted house:

• 8 different horror experiences: zombies, clowns, purgers, witches, aliens, asylum patients, blindfolds, and ghosts!

• Huge lounge with food, drinks, and games by Hermanos

• Photo ops, music, and contests all night long

• And best of all? Original scare concepts you won’t find anywhere else in Canada

Tickets are already flying, and here’s the deal: as the event gets closer, prices will rise. The only way to lock in the cheapest tickets is by using code WINNIPEGDIGEST at checkout. This is the only discount code for Fear: Blacksite, and it’s exclusive to our community.

📍 Secret location revealed after purchase
📅 October 4 to November 1
🎟 Use code WINNIPEGDIGEST for the cheapest tickets. (Code applied at the calendar)

P.S. We recommend grabbing your tickets right away since prices are going up soon!

Restaurant of the Week: ⁠Coconut Island Thai Cuisine

Right on Pembina, Coconut Island Thai Cuisine has built a loyal following for its focus on authentic Thai cooking.

The family-run restaurant takes its name from an island in southern Thailand, where coconuts are woven into so many recipes. That spirit carries into their menu here in Winnipeg, with dishes that are fresh, carefully prepared, and full of those balanced flavours Thai food is known for.

The menu is wide and varied, with something for every mood: spicy, comforting, or a little adventurous. Whether you’re grabbing takeout on a weeknight or sitting down in one of their cozy booths, there’s a sense that every dish is made with care.

Here are a few favourites worth trying:

• Pad Thai and Pad See-Ew, praised by many as some of the best in Winnipeg

• Curries and Tom Yum soup, layered with spice, heat, and tang

• Spring rolls, calamari, and stuffed chicken wings, perfect for sharing

• Generous portions, especially for takeout, with plenty to bring home

Reviews often mention the cozy booths, friendly service, and steady stream of regulars who swear by their go-to orders. Some call it the best Pad Thai in the city, while others rave about the balance of flavours in the curries.

📍 1607 Pembina Hwy
🕒 Open daily, 4–10 PM

Click Here: To check out their full menu and plan your visit!

Community Digest

Measles Exposure Reported at Winnipeg School and Local Businesses

Public health officials are asking Winnipeggers to stay alert after three new measles exposure sites were recently confirmed in the city. Families, staff, and visitors who were at these places during the listed times are asked to monitor for symptoms.

Here’s where and when exposures happened:

• Carpathia School (300 Carpathia Rd.) - Sept. 16–19, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

• Urban Pulse Medical Clinic (1108 St. James St.) - Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

• McDonald’s (1440 Ellice Ave.) - Sept. 22, noon to 3 p.m.

Quick reminder: Measles symptoms often begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes before a rash appears a few days later. Public health recommends checking your vaccination records and contacting a health-care provider if symptoms develop.

It’s been a tough stretch with multiple sites identified, but staying informed helps protect our families and neighbours. Click below to keep up with the latest updates, and share this with family, friends, or anyone who may have been at these locations.

Click Here: To see the latest measles update and public health guidance.

City Updates

What’s Open and Closed on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Tomorrow, September 30th, is a day that invites us to pause, reflect, and honour Survivors, families, and communities. Many places in Winnipeg will change their hours for the day, so here’s a look at what to expect if you’re making plans.

Here’s what’s open and closed in Winnipeg:

• Shopping centres like Polo Park, St. Vital, and Kildonan Place will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Grant Park will close earlier at 5 p.m.

• Civic offices and libraries will be closed for the day

• Transit runs on a Sunday schedule, so give yourself extra time

• Manitoba Museum, Assiniboine Park Zoo, and CMHR are open, with the Human Rights Museum offering free admission

• Pools and recreation centres are mostly closed, with limited hours at Cindy Klassen, Pan Am, and Margaret Grant

It’s a good day to slow down, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on why this day matters. If you’re heading out, just check ahead so you’re not caught off guard by a closure.

Click Here: To learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and how we can all take part in honouring it.

City Extends Paid Parking Limits in the Exchange District

Starting October 1, drivers in the Exchange District will get more time on the meter. The City of Winnipeg is rolling out a one-year pilot project to extend paid parking limits from two hours to three hours on select streets around RRC Polytech’s downtown campus and the Manitoba Centennial Centre for the Arts.

Here’s what to know:

• Three-hour paid parking limits replace the old two-hour cap in designated blocks

• Extra 30 minutes available by app, bringing the total up to 3.5 hours

• Evening and Sunday parking remains free, with no changes to those rules

• Saturday still allows up to four hours, with the first two hours free

The change comes after years of feedback from students, arts patrons, and visitors who said two hours just wasn’t enough. The city will test the new limits for a year before deciding whether to keep them.

For anyone heading downtown for a class, a concert, or simply to enjoy the neighbourhood, the extra time means a chance to settle in, stay present, and make the most of being there.

Click Here: To learn more about the pilot project and see the full list of streets included. 

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!

• Flo Rida | 7:30PM, Oct 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Flo Rida is an American rapper and singer, known for his upbeat, party-themed dance anthems and international hits like "Low," "Right Round," and "Good Feeling".

• Canada's Great Kitchen Party | 5:30PM-9PM, Oct 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Join us for an evening of elevation and celebration of Canadian culture. Savour the dishes of the city’s best chefs as they compete to be on the podium!

• Sunset Goose Flights | 5:30PM-8PM, Oct 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Take in the sounds of the season and watch the sky come to life as thousands of geese land after sunset in this breathtaking autumn ritual.

• Storytime with a Pilot | 7PM, Oct 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Come enjoy a reading of Freddie the Flyer by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail and Fred Carmichael, and discover the inspiring story of flying in the North.

• 2025 Haunted Forest | October 2-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn

  • Description: Join them for an interactive, outdoor experience that you won't soon forget. Enter at your own risk as their resident creatures of the forest come alive and lure you in with their haunting humour.

• HEEBIE JEEBIES | Oct 2-31 (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.

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Live Concert
  | 7:30PM, Oct 2-4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: After seven films, it all comes down to this: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 will grace the screen once more, but this time in concert!

• Gather | 7PM, Oct 3-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: When their town goes into a deep freeze and everyone is stuck inside, people start to lose their connection to the world and to each other. Two friends go on a mission to find one another and to rediscover their town, hoping that everyone will be able to gather again.

• Fear: Blacksite Halloween Experience | Oct 4 - Nov 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Secret Location

  • Description: Taking over 500,000 sq ft of indoor space. 8 different horror experiences: zombies, clowns, purgers, witches, aliens, asylum patients, blindfolds, and ghosts!

• Tyndall Community Market ft The Great Fall Feast | 2PM-8PM, Oct 4-5 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre

  • Description: THE GREAT FALL FEAST will feature food trucks, local food and non-food vendors, a vibrant pop-up market, a fall photoshoot, family-friendly activities, plus more!

Current Events: September 29th - 30th

Sports🏀

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, Sept 30 - Oct 1 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: To the Downs! Experience the thrill of watching and wagering on horse racing at Assiniboia Downs. Horse racing, 140 VLTs and fabulous dining - it’s fun you can bet on!

Music 🎵

• Bryan Adams | 7:30PM, Sept 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Today, global rock icon Bryan Adams has announced that he is hitting the road this fall with his massive “Roll With The Punches” North America 2025 tour, his biggest tour in years.

• Live at Belle's (Sean Burns) | 12PM-3PM, Sept 29 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

  • Description: Sean Burns & Lost Country are not just a band, they are one of the pre-eminent municipal purveyors of honky tonk artistry at its finest.

• Ikons of Rock | 7:30PM, Sept 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: The homecoming of IKONS OF ROCK’s - Snake Oil. They have earned rave reviews all over North America with their impeccable ability to impersonate rock stars musically and visually.

• One Day Choir (Doug McArthur & Mckye) | 6PM-9PM, Sept 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Fork’s Event Space - 2nd Floor

  • Description: Singers of all experience levels are welcome to join in learning and performing an a cappella choral arrangement of Doug's new single “Magic,” arranged by McKye.

• Abbey Road Show (Martin Sexton) | 7PM, Sept 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre

  • Description: Martin Sexton released his tenth studio album this year and is touring with what Rolling Stone calls his “soul-marinated voice,” acoustic guitar, and a suitcase full of heartfelt songs.

• Live at Belle's (Bram Avery/Shauna Bell/Curtis Newton/Jessie Christian) 

  | 11:45AM-11PM, Sept 30 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

Community Fun🎆

• Journeys Through the Zoo | 10AM, Sept 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Join us for Journeys Through the Zoo, an engaging program specially crafted for individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

• Corn Maze | Sept 29 - Nov 2 (More Info)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn

  • Description: Enjoy the country views while wandering through the corn maze, climb the giant bale pyramid, and visit the petting zoo.

• 2025 Orange Shirt Days | 10AM-4PM, Sept 29-30 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum features special, all-day programming focused on the history of Indian Residential Schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action.

Special Events 🎨

• Culture Days Manitoba | 7PM, Sept 29 - Oct 12 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Various location

  • Description: Culture Days Manitoba is a collaborative pan-Canadian volunteer movement that raises awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.

• Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow | Sept 30 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) invites you to attend the 5th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow!

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | 9AM-5PM, Sept 30 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

  • Description: The Assiniboine Park Conservancy will host a Sacred Fire in the Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf to honour the resilience, strength, and bravery of the survivors of the Indian Residential School System.

• Naawi-Oodena Seasonal Market | 11AM-8PM, Sept 30 (FREE)

  • Location: Oodena Gas & Convenience Store Parking Lot

  • Description: A new community initiative taking place bi-weekly throughout the summer of 2025. 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.

• Pete Zedlacher | September 30 - October 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Versatile comedian, actor and writer Pete Zedlacher is a 20+ year veteran of the comedy scene and one of the premiere headliners in the country.

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