There’s so much going on today, and we’re here to cover it all. From community markets to the best spots to watch the fireworks, we've got you covered with everything you need to celebrate this special day.

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Winnipeg’s Own Burger Week!

• New Restaurant of the Week

• Canada Day Activities and more!

So, grab your favorite tea or coffee and dive into everything Winnipeg has to offer this week.

— Jas Singh

News

Between The Buns: Winnipeg’s Own Burger Battle!

Attention, burger lovers! This fall, Winnipeg is hosting its very own burger showdown, “Between The Buns,” from September 1 to 8. Organized by the Manitoba Restaurant & Foodservices Association, this event promises to be a local favorite.

• Local Flair: Unlike Le Burger Week, this event is entirely homegrown.

• Fan Perks: Voters can win one of ten "date night for a year" packages!

• Charity Focus: Proceeds go to The Dream Factory, adding a feel-good factor to your burger indulgence.

So mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds for a week of delicious, locally-supported fun. We can’t wait either!

Winnipeg Jets Score Big at 2024 NHL Draft

• Round 2, Pick 37 - Alfons Freij

  • Position: Defence

  • Stats: 33 points in 40 games last season

  • Scouting Report: "Really good skating defenceman, puck mover, has power play possibility," says Mark Hillier, Jets' Director of Amateur Scouting.

• Round 4, Pick 109 - Kevin He

  • Position: Forward

  • Stats: 87 points in 130 games over the past two seasons

  • Scouting Report: "High pace, high tempo player. Really good speed and quickness. Goal scorer."

• Round 5, Pick 155 - Markus Loponen

  • Position: Centre

  • Stats: 54 points in 45 games, Rookie of the Year in U20 SM-sarja

  • Scouting Report: "Smart, responsible, two-way centre, with some goal scoring ability."

• Round 6, Pick 187 - Kieron Walton

  • Position: Centre

  • Stats: 43 points in 65 games last season

  • Scouting Report: "200-foot player. I like to use my size and my skill to my advantage," says Walton.

The Jets are buzzing with excitement after these stellar picks! Can't wait to see them hit the ice!

Restaurant of the week: SushiPoint

Meet Sushi Point, our top pick this week! Located at 238 Portage Ave, this downtown gem is run by Ukrainian newcomers, led by the determined Olga Vovkotrub.

After fleeing war, Olga and her team decided to bring a unique sushi experience to Winnipeg. Despite their rich Ukrainian culinary background, they chose sushi to showcase their creativity.

Sushi Point offers a delicious menu of rolls and bowls, perfect for takeout and delivery. Not only are they serving up fantastic food, but they’re also creating job opportunities for fellow Ukrainian newcomers.

Support this inspiring local business and enjoy some tasty sushi!

What's Happening in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg Accepts AI

The City of Winnipeg is diving into AI with six new pilot projects to enhance customer service. From an automated chat agent for 311 inquiries to AI-driven road condition monitoring, these projects aim to streamline services. Each pilot, capped at $75,000, will undergo careful planning and evaluation to ensure they deliver value. Stay tuned for launch dates and watch how AI transforms city services!

Summer Slam 2024: Hoop Dreams at The Forks

This Canada Day weekend, The Forks was buzzing with basketball excitement thanks to Summer Slam 2024! Hosted by Downtown Winnipeg BIZ and Peg City Basketball, the event featured youth, men’s, and women’s teams competing in fast-paced 3-on-3 tournaments.

I checked it out on Sunday and had a blast – even posted a reel on our Instagram! The finals are still going on today, so head down to catch the action and cheer on the teams!

Jets Free Up Cap Space

The Winnipeg Jets are gearing up for free agency by buying out Nate Schmidt's contract. This move frees up over $3 million in cap space for the upcoming season. Schmidt, who played three seasons with the Jets, will be missed, but this strategic decision allows the team to pursue key players in the market. With $12 million to work with, expect some exciting new additions to the roster!

Route 90 Expansion Moves Forward

As reported by Katherine Dow of CTV News, Winnipeg City Council has approved the preliminary design to widen Route 90. This $586-million project includes refurbishing the St. James Bridge, adding a third lane to Kenaston Boulevard, and making crucial sewer improvements. The plan now moves to next year’s investment process, with city officials exploring funding options. Stay tuned for more updates on this major infrastructure project.

Community Grants Program Under Review

Winnipeg’s community groups can breathe a sigh of relief. A proposed cut to the city’s community grants program has been sent back for further discussion. The motion had suggested reducing funds from $3.4 million to $1.3 million and restricting usage to specific programs only.

The council’s decision to re-evaluate follows significant pushback from community organizations, ensuring vital funding remains accessible for essential services.

Exciting Events: July 1 - July 2

This section only includes events until the next edition on Wednesday, so here’s what’s happening on Monday and Tuesday!

Canada Day Activities!

• Canada Day @ The Forks | 11AM - 9PM, July 1 (Schedule)

  • Location: Multiple Locations, The Forks, Winnipeg

• Canada Day 5km Run | 9AM, July 1 (Sold Out)

  • Location: Waterfront Dr & Pioneer Avenue, Winnipeg

• Canada Day with The Bombers | 12PM - 12AM, July 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

• Sage Creek Canada Day Celebration | 4PM - 11PM, July 1

  • Location: Ron Duhamel Park, 265 Sage Creek Blvd, Winnipeg

  • Description: Enjoy spectacular fireworks, live entertainment, free activities, local; makers market, and more.

• Prairie Dog Central Railway | 11AM - 2:45PM, July 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: 64099 Prairie Dog Trail

  • Description: Relax onboard their vintage coaches as you travel through the blooming Prairies making your way to the rural community of Grosse Isle.

• Live Racing & Fireworks | 6:30PM - 11PM, July 1

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Free family fun activities including bouncy castles, face painting and entertainment! Admission is free. Parking is free until 8 p.m.

• Canada Day @ Assiniboine Park | 11AM - 4:30PM, July 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

  • Description: A day filled with music, entertainment, and fun in celebration of Canada Day.

• Canada Day @ Burland Park | 4:30PM - 11PM, July 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Burland Park

  • Description: Fun-filled evening with food trucks, activities for the kids, contests, a concert, and fireworks!

• Oh Canada Weekend at Tyndall Community Market | 12PM, July 1 (More Info)

  • Location: 2225 King Edward Street, Winnipeg, MB

  • Description: Food trucks, Local vendors, activities and fireworks to end the night!

Music 🎵

• Amici & Special Guests | 6PM - 9:30PM, July 1 (Free)

  • Location: Lilac Street S

  • Description: As part of the 2024 Corydon Avenue Concert Series.

• The Prarie Joggers | 12PM, July 2 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks Outdoor Canopy

  • Description: Whether you’re taking in the local attractions or cruising by on your running or bike route, don’t miss the chance to enjoy live music under the canopy!

• Brandi Vezina/Neighbour Andy/Jesse Bandura & more | July 1 (Free)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

• Darryl Buck/Margan Grace/Zuki/Jovelle Balani & more | July 1 (Free)

  • Location: The Forks

• Justin Seguin/Frannie Klein/Dr.Rocktopus | 3:30PM-11PM, July 1

  • Location: The Osborne Taphouse

• Dying Remains/Fetid Grave/Murder Capital | 7:30PM, July 2 (Tickets)

  • Locations: The Park Theatre

Family Fun🎆

• Voyageur Canoe rides | 1PM - 3:30PM, July 1

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Canoe rides are on a first come first serve basis with final ride going out at 3:30pm.

• Live Horse Racing | July 2 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

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

• Ma Buhay Musical | 7:30PM, July 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Kildonan Park-2021 Main Street

  • Story: Three young singers compete to win STAR ON THE RISE, a reality TV singing competition that has come to Canada from the Philippines!

• Shakespeare in the Ruins | 7:30PM, July 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: Iago Speaks is a sophisticated and entirely original play that celebrates and questions the very idea of what Theatre is.

• Paddle Nights | 6PM - 8:30PM, July 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening canoeing or kayaking for the perfect summer night – no experience required! Register in advance for a 40-minute exploration of Lake 5.

CHEERS!

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

— Jas, Winnipeg Digest

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