Hey Winnipeggers,

Our Digest Cards are almost ready to go (fingers crossed for next week)! The launch could happen in any of the editions coming your way, so be sure to open them early and stay tuned. We’re wrapping up the final steps, and it’s all coming together.

In today’s edition:

• Construction Officially Starts at Portage & Main

• Manitoba’s First Supervised Consumption Site

• North End Christmas Party Brings Hope

• 40+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Construction Officially Starts at Portage & Main

I know, I know—you’ve seen “construction at Portage & Main” headlines a million times, and you’re probably over it. Trust me, I get it! But those were just pre-construction or announcement updates. This time? It’s officially happening. Construction to reopen the intersection to pedestrians has started, and things are about to ramp up.

• What’s done so far? Crews finished prepping the area—think traffic signal updates and underground fixes.

• What’s starting now? Lane closures are rolling out for sewer repairs and tearing down those big pedestrian barricades.

Closures to know about:

• Main Street: Northbound curb lane at Portage stays closed, and the southbound curb lane between Portage and Pioneer is also shutting down.

• Portage Avenue: Eastbound curb lane between Fort and Main is also closing.

It’s going to get busier next week and will stretch on for the next six months.

I know traffic disruptions aren’t fun, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little excited. A whole new downtown? That’s worth a bit of patience.

Manitoba’s First Supervised Consumption Site

As we mentioned before, Manitoba is getting its first supervised consumption site. It’s a big step for harm reduction in the province, and now we know exactly where it’s going: 200 Disraeli Freeway, right at the edge of South Point Douglas.

As reported by CBC News, here’s what we know:

• The site will share space with N'Dinawemak, Our Relatives' Place, a winter shelter. It’s in a neighborhood with lots of community support, including Indigenous-led care and primary health services.

• The application is with Health Canada now. If it gets the green light, the site could open in 2025 with fencing, patrols, and addiction treatment services.

I know some people feel it’s long overdue, while others are worried about safety in the area. No matter where you stand, it’s a major step forward for Winnipeg’s harm reduction efforts.

A message from Canlan Sports!

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Holiday Skate For Your Family & Friends❄️⛸️

Every year, I wait for the river to freeze so we can hit the ice—but it’s just not ready yet. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for places to skate, especially with family and friends. And this year, I’ve found the perfect spot: Canlan Sports’ Holiday Skate!

Here’s why it’s a must-do:

• 5 Family Skates happening throughout December

• Just $5 per person (seriously, that’s a steal!)

• Free hot chocolate and cookies to warm you up after you skate

It’s open to everyone, so whether it’s a family outing, a hang with friends, or even a casual work get-together, this is the perfect winter activity. Just don’t forget your skates, helmets, and a warm jacket to stay cozy.

Why wait for the river when you can skate now? Spots are filling up fast, so don’t miss out on making some holiday memories. Click below to check the schedule and grab your spot before they’re gone! 🍪⛸️

City Updates

Safe Shopping This Holiday Season

With the holiday season in full swing, safety is top of mind for Winnipeg shoppers and retailers. The Winnipeg Police Service is stepping up to make sure this season stays festive and secure.

Here’s what’s happening:

• More police on patrol: Expect to see more officers at busy shopping spots.

• Tips for shoppers: Stay alert, keep valuables out of sight in your car, and use well-lit parking areas. If you’re buying or selling something, try using the designated exchange zones at police stations.

For retailers, the police remind staff to prioritize safety, report non-emergency thefts online, and stay calm during incidents. Let’s do our part and keep this holiday season safe and cheerful!

Limiting Nursing Agencies in Manitoba

You’ve probably noticed nurses in Manitoba have been working under tough conditions for years—burnout, mandatory overtime, and staffing shortages. The government is now taking steps to turn things around.

They’ve issued a request for proposals (RFP) to reduce the use of private, for-profit nursing agencies in the healthcare system. Why does this matter? Because these agencies, while filling gaps, have made burnout worse for public nurses and driven up costs.

The goal is to get more nurses back into the public system, where they’ll be supported with better contracts, travel team options, and flexibility. This move could help redirect funding to frontline care and reduce mandatory overtime for public nurses.

It’s a big step toward fixing the system and making sure our healthcare dollars are working for us.

A New Chapter for Princess Auto

You’ve probably driven past their Panet Road location before, but Princess Auto is about to level up. As reported by the Winnipeg Free Press, they’re building a massive 105,000-square-foot flagship store nearby, and it’s more than just another big-box project.

Here’s what makes this exciting:

• More space, more features: The new store will have everything from maker spaces to try out tools to 503 parking stalls and 46 bike spots.

• Jobs and growth: Princess Auto is doubling down on its Winnipeg roots, creating new jobs and expanding opportunities.

The company has come a long way from its 1933 start as an auto wrecker on Princess Street. This new store is a sign they’re here to stay—and they’re proud to call Winnipeg home.

Community News

North End Christmas Party Brings Hope

If you’re feeling the holiday spirit, you’ll love this. The North End Christmas Party is back for its 18th year, helping families who are financially struggling.

As reported by CTV News, it’s happening on December 10, the event offers a full turkey dinner, carol sing-alongs, photos with Santa, and even a toy room where parents can choose gifts for their kids.

Organizer Kyle Mason says this year is especially important, with rising costs making it harder for families to celebrate. If you’d like to help, they’re still accepting new, unwrapped toy donations until this Saturday. Drop-offs can be made at Birchwood Auto, Modern Coffee, Olympia Cycle and Ski, or REMAX One Group.

This party is more than just a meal or a gift—it’s about giving families a bit of joy and relief during tough times. Be sure to donate if you can and help make someone’s holiday brighter.

Windsor Park Nordic Centre Opens Up

The Windsor Park Nordic Centre is opening for skiing this Saturday, December 7, with plenty of exciting upgrades to explore.

As reported by the Winnipeg Sun, Thanks to new snowmaking capabilities and months of hard work, the 2.5 km primary loop along the Seine River is ready for skiers to enjoy. The centre offers more than 10 km of ski trails, lit paths for night skiing, and a clubhouse open seven days a week for rentals, lessons, and refreshments.

There’s also a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the clubhouse trailhead to celebrate the dedication of volunteers and the 15-year vision behind this project.

So, whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, the Windsor Park Nordic Centre is ready to welcome you this winter!

Exciting Events: Dec 6-8

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Manitoba Moose vs Belleville Senators | 7PM, Dec 6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Dec 7 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Manitoba Moose vs Belleville Senators | 7PM, Dec 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Columbus Blue Jackets | 5PM, Dec 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, Dec 6 (Free)

  • Location: Multiple locations in the Exchange District

  • Description: On the 1st Friday of each month, Galleries, Artist-Run Centres, Studios, Shops + Museums stay open late at this free event.

• The Great Solar System Adventure – Planetarium Show | Dec 6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

• Watt a Season | Dec 6 - Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

• Zoo Lights | Dec 6 - Jan 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Dec 6 - Jan 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show and provides a brilliant presentation of over one million lights.

• Let It Glow 2024 | 5-10PM, Dec 6-31

  • Location: Grant Memorial Church (877 Wilkes Ave)

  • Description: A dazzling show of lights, videos, and music that tells the story of Christmas.

• Pancakes and Planes | 10AM - 1PM, Dec 7 (More Info)

  • Location: The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

• Photos with Santa on the CN 2747| 1-3PM, Dec 7

  • Location: Rotary Heritage Park- 735 Kildare Ave

  • Description: Bring your own camera to take a picture with Santa as he makes a stop at the steam locomotive.

• Brunch with Santa at The Leaf | Mulitple times, Dec 8 (More Info)

  • Location: The Leaf, Event Hall, 2nd Floor

• Free Sundays @ WAG | 11AM - 5PM, Dec 8

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Discover the 185,000-square-foot cultural campus.

• Breakfast & Skating with Santa! | 9-11:30AM, Dec 8 (More Info)

  • Location: Gateway Recreation Centre, 1717 Gateway St

Markets 🛍️

• Holiday Night Market | 5-9:30PM, Dec 6 (More Info)

  • Location: Mulvey Market

  • Description: Featuring 50+ Winnipeg small businesses!

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Dec 7 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Warm & Bright Market | 10AM - 4PM, Dec 7 (More Info)

  • Location: 618 Arlington St

  • Description: Explore 3 floors of art space in this open house and mini art market. Featuring 40 local artists.

• Emporium of Holiday Finds | 12-5PM, Dec 8

  • Location: 448 Burnell St

  • Description: Find all the wild, weird and wonderful gifts you've always been searching for from 30 local artists and artisans!

• Peg City Kindness Crew Inc. Christmas Craft Market | 10AM - 3PM, Dec 8 (More Info)

  • Location: Hilton Suites, Winnipeg

  • Note: Santa will also be there!

Comedy❗

• Chris Griffin Comedy | Dec 6-7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

• Jared Nathan Comedy | 7:30PM, Dec 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement, 3740 Portage Ave (Speakeasy)

  • Description: Won the infamous ‘Golden Ticket’ on the world famous, Kill Tony Show, recorded live in Austin, Texas.

• Anjelica Scannura Comedy | Dec 6-7 (Tickets)

  • Location: YUK YUK'S Comedy Club (222 Broadway)

  • Description: Has been featured on SiriusXM and CBC’s Laugh Out Loud multiple times.

Special Events 🥂

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Little Women | Dec 6 - Dec 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Main Stage (174 Market Ave)

  • Description: In 1860s Massachusetts, Jo March and her sisters struggle to make ends meet while their father is away serving in the Civil War.

• A Year With Frog and Toad | Dec 6-8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Follows a couple of delightful amphibians as they sing their way through the seasons, sharing a story of enduring friendship.

• Christmas in Space! A Holiday Cirque | 7:30PM, Dec 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Offers a thrilling journey through holiday magic like no other.

• Deck the Halls of Dalnavert: A Victorian Christmas Tour | Dec 7 - Jan 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door.

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

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].