Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

The weekend is here and there is so much happening around the city. With over 50 events lined up, there is something for everyone, whether you are into live music, winter festivals, or just looking for something new to try.

Be sure to check out the lineup below and plan your weekend adventure. While you’re at it, don’t forget to let us know what you think of today’s newsletter. Your replies will be featured in our community section on Monday. We love hearing from you!

Stay warm, have fun, and enjoy everything our city has to offer!

In today’s edition:

• Manitoba Has Lowest Inflation Rate Across Canada for 2024

• Help Save the U of W Women’s Soccer Team

• Main Street Project 50/50 Raffle

• ASL-English Interpretation Program Returns in Fall 2025

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba Has Lowest Inflation Rate Across Canada for 2024

It’s been a rough stretch for a lot of us. Groceries, gas, rent, you name it. Prices have been climbing everywhere. Every time you check the receipt, it’s like, "Are you kidding me?"

But here’s something worth celebrating: Manitoba came out on top in 2024, with the lowest inflation rate in the country at 1.1%. The rest of Canada? They averaged 2.4%. That’s a big difference.

So, how’d we manage it?

• Gas Tax Holiday: Took some pressure off at the pump when we needed it most.

• Permanent Fuel Tax Cut: Starting January, we’ve got a 10% cut locked in.

• Hydro Rate Freeze: No increases in 2025—huge for families.

• $1,500 Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit: A bit of extra help for us homeowners.

It’s not perfect, but it’s progress. And as we roll into 2025, it’s nice knowing we’ve got some things working in our favor. We’ve got this, Manitoba. Let’s keep supporting these initiatives and make life even better for everyone.

Help Save the U of W Women’s Soccer Team

Sports bring us together—on the field, in the stands, and as a community. They’re about more than just competition; they create friendships, teach teamwork, and give us something to cheer for. That’s why it’s heartbreaking to hear that the U of W Wesmen women’s soccer program has been cut for the 2025 season.

The university made the tough decision last week, citing financial challenges and broader budget cuts. But the team isn’t giving up. They’ve launched a petition to save the program, and in just a few days, it’s already gained over 3,500 signatures.

Here’s why it matters:

• Soccer unites people from different cultures—it’s more than just a game.

• Female athletes bring so much to campus life, and losing this program is a step backward.

• The team is standing strong, leaning on each other, and fighting to keep their sport alive.

Let’s help them out. If you believe in what sports bring to our community, please sign the petition and show your support. Together, we can make a difference!

Community Digest

Main Street Project 50/50 Raffle

It’s cold out there, and not everyone has the comfort of a warm meal or a safe place to stay—especially during our harsh Manitoba winters.

That’s where Main Street Project steps in, making sure those who need it most are cared for. They serve over 1,000 meals a day to people facing homelessness and food insecurity, and now they’ve launched a 50/50 raffle to raise funds for their life-changing programs.

The draw date is January 31st, so if you can, grab a ticket before then!

Here’s why it matters:

• They’re ensuring no one in our community goes hungry, even on the coldest days.

• Proceeds keep their food bank, shelters, and transitional housing running for those who need a safe space.

• You could win big—last year’s jackpot hit an amazing $34,850! (With the winner receiving over $17,000)

This is a chance to maybe win some money, while making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Click the button below to learn more!

P.S. If you’re looking for more ways to support local charities doing great work in our Winnipeg winters, we just made a list of 7 amazing charities! Check it out here: [LINK]

Reminder: Upcoming Art Grant Deadlines

Arts keep our city thriving, bringing people together and making downtown an exciting place to explore. The more creative projects we have, the more people want to get out, support, and celebrate our local talent. It’s a beautiful cycle that keeps Winnipeg alive and buzzing!

So, if you’re an artist or an organization with big ideas but limited funds, these grants could be just what you need to add to city’s creative scene:

• Project Grant Deadline: February 4, 2025 – Perfect for one-time initiatives and projects that create a big impact in the community. (LINK)

• Individual Artist Grant Deadline: March 4, 2025 – A great chance to develop new work or showcase your art. (LINK)

These grants are all about turning creative ideas into reality. If you’ve got a vision, now’s the time to bring it to life and make Winnipeg’s art scene even more exciting!

City Updates

ASL-English Interpretation Program Returns in Fall 2025

Our friendly Manitoba is known for its diversity, and making sure everyone feels included is a big part of what makes this place so special.

That’s why it’s exciting to see the ASL-English Interpretation Program coming back to RRC Polytech this fall! This program is a huge step forward for inclusivity in our city, ensuring everyone—deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing—can connect and understand each other.

Here’s what makes this program so great:

• It’s been completely redesigned to meet the needs of both students and the deaf and hard of hearing community.

• Graduates will play a key role in improving inclusivity across Manitoba.

• It’s all part of a larger effort to create a culture of belonging in our city.

If you know anyone who might be interested in this important work, please share this with them! We’ll share more details as they come, but for now, it’s a great step forward for Manitoba.

Jets Bounce Back in OT

Our Winnipeg Jets finally got the win we were all waiting for on Wednesday night, beating the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in overtime! Neal Pionk sealed the deal with a slapshot just 17 seconds into OT. It was a much-needed bounce-back after some tough losses, and the team showed real determination to pull it off—even without key players like Adam Lowry in the lineup.

Now they’re heading into tonight’s game at home against Utah with some momentum. Let’s cheer them on and hope this is the start of another winning streak!

Exciting Events: Jan 24th - 26th

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs Utah | 7PM, Jan 24

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Wrestling For A Cause | Jan 25

  • Tickets: at the door or call 204-391-0215

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: A fundraiser for The Dream Factory

• Manitoba Moose vs Grand Rapids Griffins | Jan 25

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Jan 25 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames | 5PM, Jan 24

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Folklorama night and human rights | 6:30PM, Jan 24 (Tickets)

  • Location: 85 Israel Asper Way

  • Description: Travel to three diverse parts of the world in one night and explore human rights!

• 2025 Riverview Community Centre Winterfest | Jan 24-26 (More Info)

  • Location: 90 Ashland Ave

  • Jan 24 & 25th: The Riverview 4×4 hockey tournament. There’ll be Friday and Saturday beer gardens and food for sale.

  • Jan 26th: Family Fun Ski Day (12-4PM)

  • Jan 26th: Family Skate Night (6-8PM)

• Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents First Steps | 7:30PM, Jan 24-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: RWB Founders' Studio

  • Description: First Steps is an exhilarating competitive showcase of work choreographed on and by RWB School Professional Division students.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Jan 25 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Jan 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

  • Description: Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!

• Guided Snowshoe Experience | 10-11:30AM, Jan 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park (Riley Family Duck Pond Shelter)

  • Description: Depending on the session you choose, come ready to learn more about winter creatures, winter tracking, winter trees or Park history.

• Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Jan 26 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Winter Wellness Classes, Storytelling and Drumming in the Teepee and more!

Comedy❗

• Sugar Sammy Comedy | Jan 24-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: He has performed over 2,000 shows in 32 countries. He hits on cultural, social and political themes with great charm and finesse. (only a few tickets left)

• Dale Ward Comedy | Jan 24-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk’s Winnipeg

  • Description: He has opened for Bill Burr and Tom Segura and he is featured on a Just For Laughs live standup comedy album! He also has over 270,000 TikTok followers, with more than 60 million views on his viral videos!

• Speakeasy Magic: A Cabaret of Secrets | Jan 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Brett Oddly and Patrick Gregoire present their incredible illusion, magic, and side show. It's sure to be amazing, mysterious and fun! Don't miss it.

Special Events 🥂

• Raw Almond Restaurant | Jan 24 - Feb 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: World class chefs gather to create a pop-up restaurant experience like no other.

• Waitress - Musical | Jan 24 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

  • Description: Jenna is a small-town waitress who puts her passion into incredible pie-baking. When she finds herself pregnant in a dead-end relationship, she realizes she must address her life, and find her true self in a world.

• Game-itoba 2025 | Jan 24-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Bronx Park Community Center (720 Henderson Hwy)

  • Description: Winnipeg’s gaming convention!

• Fleurs de Villes | Jan 24-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf

  • Description: Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE is a fresh floral event showcasing Manitoba’s vibrant arts scene and outstanding floral talent. 15 fresh floral mannequins designed by local florists in collaboration with Manitoba arts and cultural organizations.

• Aurorae – Planetarium Show | Jan 24-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: Join us on an expedition to the Northwest Territories in northern Canada to see these shimmering curtains of light under pristine dark skies.

• Life-Cycle | Jan 25-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Life-Cycle combines acrobatics, puppetry, and digital effects to create a world where a simple bicycle can become pure magic.

• Jazz Orchestra Connections: East Meets West album release | 6:15PM, Jan 26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Garry Hotel

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].