Happy Monday, Winnipeg.

It’s officially Valentine’s week, and this one’s all about the little ways people are showing up for each other around the city. Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing what’s happening for Valentine’s, Galentine’s, and everything in between.

If you’re already making plans, you’ll find events, ideas, and a few city updates below to help you round things out. And if you feel like Valentine’s Day snuck up on you, we’ve got you covered there too.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

For many families, half-day kindergarten means juggling child care, work schedules, and mid-day pickups, all at the same time. Starting next fall, that routine will look a little different for some Winnipeg families.

The Winnipeg School Division is bringing back full-time kindergarten at six schools for the 2026 to 2027 school year, with a focus on helping families who face barriers around child care, transportation, and work schedules.

Division leaders say full day programs allow schools to support kids consistently throughout the day, while giving parents more stability at home and work. It also means fewer winter trips in and out of school, something many families know all too well.

Registration opens on Feb. 17, and current students staying at the same school do not need to register again.

This move won’t change every school yet, but for many families, it’s a meaningful step toward more accessible early education.

Click here: To register your child and view key dates and details!

Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to mean big plans or last-minute reservations. Sometimes the most thoughtful gift is something that helps your partner feel confident and cared for.

This February, Paris Cosmetology is putting the focus on lips, with a few Valentine’s options designed to feel flexible and pressure-free.

Their lip offerings start at $214 + GST for a mini lip treatment, making it a unique and approachable gift for anyone who’s been curious but not quite ready to commit to more.

They also offer gift cards and couples-friendly services, so your partner can choose what feels right and book when it works for them.

If you’re looking for a Valentine’s gift that feels personal and a little different, this is an easy way to do that.

P.S. They also offer several other services you can gift your partner if lips aren’t quite the right fit.

Gather feels like a natural extension of a day at The Leaf.

Located right inside Assiniboine Park’s indoor gardens, it turns a simple meal into part of a larger experience.

You can wander through the biomes, take your time among the greenery, and then settle in for food that feels thoughtfully connected to the space around you.

Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar leans into prairie-inspired cooking with global influences. The menu is designed for sharing, featuring small plates, comforting mains, and botanical drinks that often use herbs grown right on site.

It’s an easy choice for a day at the park, a relaxed lunch, or an evening that feels a little more memorable without much planning.

📍 145 The Leaf Way, Assiniboine Park
🕓 Open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

If you’re looking to turn a meal into an experience, Gather brings both together in one place.

Click Here: To view the menu and plan your visit to Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar!

It’s safe to say Heated Rivalry has taken over. The hockey drama turned TV series has been everywhere lately, from social feeds to group chats and watch parties. That popularity is now spilling into unexpected places, including our libraries.

Winnipeg Public Library is seeing a surge in demand for Heated Rivalry by Canadian author Rachel Reid, the book that inspired the series, with waitlists growing quickly as more people try to catch up.

With the series clearly striking a chord across Winnipeg, one local spot is leaning fully into the moment and turning it into a night out.

On Valentine’s Day, Little Brown Jug Brewing is hosting a full Heated Rivalry marathon, complete with bingo, drinks, and a packed taproom of fellow fans.

It’s a fun, very Winnipeg way to celebrate a series that’s taken over the city in more ways than one.

Click Here: To check out the event details and plan your night out!

Roughly 31,000 students are part of the Winnipeg School Division, and while many identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, only a small fraction speak an Indigenous language at home.

This winter, the division is taking a meaningful step to help change that.

Free Indigenous language classes are expanding with online options, making it easier for families and community members to take part, no matter their schedule or location.

The program is designed for all ages and experience levels, welcoming parents, kids, and community members to learn together in a supportive setting.

With Indigenous languages at risk of being lost, programs like this play an important role in preserving them for future generations.

So if you or someone you know has been thinking about learning, click the link below for registration details!

Click Here: To register for the free Indigenous language classes!

Pharmacists play a key role in how Manitobans access everyday health care, especially outside major cities. A new change from the Government of Manitoba is focused on strengthening that access across the province.

Manitoba has introduced a streamlined licensing pathway to help internationally trained pharmacists, including those from the United States, begin practising here much faster. The new process took effect in December 2025 and is already showing early results.

Even with the faster timeline, Manitoba says strong safety and professional standards remain in place, including required exams and a supervised practice period to ensure safe, high-quality care.

In 2025 alone, 51 U.S.-trained pharmacists became licensed in Manitoba, with more already moving through the faster process.

By removing unnecessary delays, this change helps strengthen Manitoba’s health care system and ensures families can get timely, reliable care when and where they need it most.

Click Here: To read more about the new pharmacist licensing pathway.

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

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