Happy Friday, Winnipeg!

The weather is looking great out there today, so if you can sneak in some time outside this afternoon, now's the moment. The forecast has rain moving in for the weekend, so today might be your best window before the umbrellas come out.

In today’s edition:

  • Downtown Winnipeg Is Getting a Full-Service Grocery Store and Pharmacy

  • Homes of the Week

  • South Osborne Church Transforms into Community HUB And Daycare

  • Winnipeg Police Are Hitting the Streets on E-Bikes

  • 24 Road Projects Are Now Underway in Manitoba

  • 50+ Events this weekend & Live Music!

— Jas Singh

News

Downtown Winnipeg Is Finally Getting a Full-Service Grocery Store and Pharmacy

For years, one of the biggest things missing from downtown Winnipeg hasn't been another office building or restaurant. It's a full-service grocery store.

Now, that's finally about to change.

A Red River Co-op grocery store and pharmacy will open at the redeveloped Portage Place in 2029. It’s part of the larger $650 million transformation that's reshaping the heart of downtown Winnipeg.

Here's what's coming:

  • A 22,500 sq. ft. grocery store and a 6,500 sq. ft. pharmacy

  • Red River Co-op's 10th location in the city, creating 57 new local jobs

  • Part of a larger campus that also includes a Healthcare Centre of Excellence and a new residential tower

Downtown residents have been asking for a grocery store within walking distance for a long time, and this is a direct answer to that.

It's still a few years out, but projects like this are what turn a downtown into a real neighbourhood.

Together with Crescent Financial Group

The Free Life Insurance Guide Every Winnipegger Should Read

Most of us protect what matters…

We lock the doors, we insure the car. But the most valuable thing you own usually goes unprotected.

Think about it this way. If you owned something that brought your family fifty thousand dollars a year for the next 25 years, you'd insure it without a second thought.

That something is you.

Life insurance was never really about you. It's about the people who count on you, and making sure they'd be okay no matter what.

That's why Crescent Financial Group put together a FREE life insurance guide for Winnipeggers who want straight answers to the questions that quietly keep them up at night:

  • How much coverage does my family actually need?

  • Will it cost more than I expect?

  • Can I still get approved with a health history?

  • Have I waited too long to start?

Taking care of your family is something you already do every day. The right plan just means it never stops, even when you can't be there.

A quick note from us: We don't put our name behind just anyone. Crescent leads with a free resource and no pressure, which is exactly why we're happy to share this one.

Homes of the Week:

Home 1: Under $450k

  • Price: $429,900

  • Address: 245 John Forsyth Road / River Park South

  • Details: 870 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath

  • Built in: 1985

  • Parking Type: Detached Garage, Oversize, Other

Home 2: $450k - $650K

  • Price: $649,900

  • Address: 15 Attache Place / Parkway Village

  • Details: 1913 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath

  • Built in: 1978

  • Parking Type: Attached Garage, Detached Garage, Other

Home 3: Over $650k

  • Price: $4,999,800

  • Address: 42 Devonport Boulevard / Tuxedo

  • Details: 4418 sqft / 5 Bed / 6 Bath

  • Built in: 2022

  • Parking Type: Attached Garage, Other, Heated Garage

Community Digest

South Osborne Church Transforms into Community HUB And Daycare

Ask almost any parent with young kids and you'll hear the same thing: finding nearby childcare can feel impossible.

So it's exciting to see a community come together to help solve that.

The Churchill Park United Church is being turned into The Commons, which will house a new childcare centre and a welcoming community hub for the area.

Here's what's planned:

  • 112 licensed childcare spaces for infants, preschoolers, and school-aged children

  • A community kitchen and multi-purpose space for local programs and events

  • Outdoor play areas and space for community groups to use

The $4.4 million project grew out of years of neighbours raising the need.

In fact, a 2024 study found South Osborne and nearby neighbourhoods were short on licensed childcare, with some families waiting years for an infant spot.

For parents who've been waiting, help is finally on the way. If you know a family who needs this, send it their way.

Winnipeg Police Are Hitting the Streets on E-Bikes

Source: Winnipeg Police

You might spot a new look on Winnipeg patrols this summer…
Because more officers will be getting around on bikes across the city.

The Winnipeg Police Service has officially launched a modernized Bicycle Patrol Program, giving officers another way to move through neighbourhoods, parks, and busy community spaces all summer long.

Here's what to know:

  • 25 officers specially trained for bicycle patrol

  • 16 new e-bikes added to the fleet alongside mountain bikes

  • Officers will be patrolling in all four areas of the city from May to October

The bikes reach spots patrol cars can't, and they make officers more approachable along the way. Whether it's festivals, community events, or river trails, it's another way for them to stay visible and connect with residents.

City Updates

24 Road Projects Are Now Underway in Manitoba

Every summer, the orange cones come out, and construction crews get to work across Manitoba.

This year is no different, with the province investing more than $585 million into 24 infrastructure projects to improve some of Manitoba's busiest roads and highways.

Here's a look at some of the biggest projects:

  • 235 million for a new interchange at PTH 100 and McGillivray Boulevard, one of the busiest stretches in the city

  • $41.9 million to reconstruct 29 km of PTH 75 near the U.S. border

  • $28.2 million for grading improvements on PR 374

  • $18.3 million for new passing lanes on PTH 8

  • And 20 more road and infrastructure projects happening across the province

Whether you're heading to work or out to the lake, these upgrades aim to make getting around safer for years to come.

With crews now out, drivers are reminded to slow down and give them plenty of room.

Help Make One of Winnipeg's Favourite Summer Events Happen

Some of the best summer memories don't just come from attending community events. They come from being part of the team that makes them happen.

The Summer of Locals, Manitoba's biggest free outdoor summer market, is back July 4 & 5 at Outlet Collection Winnipeg.

Thousands will come out to shop local, enjoy great food, and spend the weekend with family and friends.

But before any of that, the event needs volunteers to help pull it off.

The best part? We only need 2 hours of your time to make a real difference.

You'll be helping support:

  • 80+ local vendors and makers

  • Free family activities and entertainment (Bouncy castles, live music, Disney characters, and more!)

  • A fun, welcoming experience for thousands of visitors

From morning setup to end-of-day wrap-up, you'll play a real part in keeping the weekend running smoothly. Whether you're greeting families or lending a hand wherever it's needed, you'll be part of something that brings the community together.

Exciting Events: June 26th - 28th

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

Sports🏀

  • Winnipeg Jets Draft Party | 6PM, June 26 ($)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks | June 26-28 ($)

    • Location: Blue Cross Park

  • Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, June 27 (FREE)

    • Location: The Forks (Canopy)

  • DND Run Club | 8:30AM, June 28 (FREE)

    • Location: The Forks

Community Fun🎆

  • Monster Trucks All Out | June 27 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Plaza at Red River Exhibition Park

    • Description: Experience all the high-flying, ground-pounding action as iconic Canadian Monster Trucks battle it out.

  • B2BCARSHOW & Off-Road Show | June 27 (More Info)

    • Location: Outlet Collection Winnipeg

    • Description: Get ready for a BIGGER and BETTER weekend in WINNIPEG! Bumper 2 Bumper Carshow and the Off-Road Show are coming in full force!

  • WCC presents MCAAC: The MB Classic and Antique Auto Club | 3:30PM-9:30PM, June 28 (FREE)

    • Location: Fionn MacCool's Grant Park

    • Description: MCAAC is one of the oldest automobile clubs in Manitoba. Members collectively own hundreds of antique and classic vehicles.

Markets / Festivals🎡

  • Alleyways in the Exchange | 6PM-10PM, June 26 (More Info)

    • Location: Exchange District BIZ

    • Description: Featuring a market, audio performances, an art lounge, and dance performances all against the backdrop of a National Historic Site in Winnipeg’s most walkable urban neighbourhood

  • Broadway Pop Up Market | 10AM-2PM, June 26 (FREE)

    • Location: 387 Broadway Ave

    • Description: Come shop for baked goods, food truck yummies, clothing, jewelry, toys, house decor, and more! We will be inside and outdoors.

  • Wondershow Carnival at IKEA Winnipeg | June 26-28 ($)

    • Location: IKEA Parking Lot

    • Description: Rides, Games & Tons of Family Carnival Fun await you at the 2026 IKEA Family Fun Fair!

  • Winnipeg Night Market | 2PM-10PM, June 26-27 (FREE)

    • Location: True North Square and Graham Ave.

    • Description: The Winnipeg Night Market is lighting up True North Square & Graham Ave. with bold street eats, local makers, music, and nonstop night vibes with a new cultural theme every week!

  • Loveville Music Festival 2026 | June 26-27 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Forks CN Stage & Field

    • Description: Loveville festival brings laughter, games, music, magic, food, and unforgettable connections.

  • Village Music Fest | June 27 (FREE)

    • Location: Osborne Village

    • Description: Village Music Fest returns to Osborne Village for its second year, honouring Canadian Multiculturalism Day through a celebration of music, art, and culture.

  • A Magically Curated Market of Oracles | 11AM-4PM, June 27 (FREE)

    • Location: Woodhaven Community Club

    • Description: We're bringing together a circle of 6 gifted readers and 10 artisan makers, each one personally chosen by us for their craft, their energy, and the magic they bring into the world.

  • St. Norbert Farmers’ Market | 8AM-2PM, June 27 (FREE)

    • Location: Le Marché St Norbert Farmers Market

  • sākihiwē festival 2026 | June 27-28 (More Info)

    • Location: Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre 510 King Street

    • Description: The 17th annual sākihiwē festival will include a ticketed concert at The Park Theatre on Thursday night.

Performances🎭

  • Jesus Christ Superstar | June 26 - July 12 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rainbow Stage

    • Description: Originally a 1970 concept album, the show is sung-through, meaning there is no spoken dialogue. It explores themes of fame, betrayal, and power, and is known for its contemporary approach to the biblical story.

  • Shakespeare in the Ruins presents - As You Like It | June 26 - July 5 ($)

    • Location: Trappist Monastery Park

    • Description: One of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies; in As You Like It, you get love-at-first-sight, banishment, an incognito heroine, and a groovy jazz bar where all the cool cats hang!

  • Shakespeare in the Ruins presents - An Iliad | June 26 - July 5 ($)

    • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

    • Description: This searing, cheeky and moving adaptation of Homer’s epic poem The Iliad brings the ancient story of the Trojan War vividly into our time.

  • Can’t Buy me Love – The Beatles Forever | June 27-28 ($)

    • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

    • Description: It’s the swinging ’60s! Step back into the halls of “Liverpool High”, where four lads with mop-top dreams are about to shake up the school talent show.

Comedy❗

  • Winnipeg Comedy Showcase | 7PM-9PM, June 26 ($)

    • Location: The Park Theatre

    • Description: Winnipeg’s longest-running stand-up showcase returns to the Park Theatre for another night of big laughs!

  • Ola Dada | June 26-27 ($)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Nigerian-born and Vancouver-based comedian Ola Dada has made quite the name for himself across Canada as one of its most sought out rising stars.

  • Shy Sapp | 8PM, June 27 ($)

    • Location: The Basement Speakeasy and Comedy Lounge

    • Description: Her stand-up comedy has taken her across Canada, the U.S., and Aotearoa (New Zealand)

Special Events🥂

  • WSO - Symphony in the City Series | June 26-28 (FREE)

    • Location: Various Venues

    • Description: From June 24th-28th, WSO musicians will be popping up across the city in small ensembles for casual, outdoor performances.

  • 2026 Corydon Avenue Concert Series | June 26-27 (FREE)

    • Location: Cockburn St. South & Hugo St. North

    • Description: Every night there will be live music by talented local musicians.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase.

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