Important Heads-Up for Winnipeg Parents

Author

Jas Singh
April 25, 2025

Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

It looks like we’re in for some beautiful weather today and tomorrow, so if you’ve been waiting for a sign to step outside, this is it!

Whether it’s checking out a local market, dropping by the Coffee Party downtown, or just grabbing a patio spot while the sun’s out, try to get out there and enjoy it. Summer’s knocking, and it’s starting to feel real.

In today’s edition, we’ve got a few local highlights worth knowing. Including a $1.2M upgrade for our polar bears at the zoo, an important heads-up for parents, and more!

So pour yourself a coffee, find a sunny corner, and let’s jump in!

In today’s edition:

  • Winnipeg’s New Buffalo Crossing at FortWhyte Alive

  • Important Heads-Up for Winnipeg Parents About New Game

  • Manitoba Lifts Ban on Homegrown Cannabis

  • 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Source: FortWhyte Alive

Winnipeg’s New Buffalo Crossing at FortWhyte Alive

After years of planning and dreaming, FortWhyte Alive just opened the doors to its brand new Buffalo Crossing visitor centre. But this isn’t just a new building. It’s a sign of where Winnipeg’s headed: greener, more connected, and built for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • It’s Manitoba’s first building certified to both Passive House and Zero-Carbon standards, setting a new bar for sustainability in our province.

  • The space was built to help people connect more deeply with nature and with each other.

  • Inside, you’ll find a cozy new gift shop, a small coffee bar, and dedicated areas for youth and school programming.

  • And if you want to check it out, admission is free until April 27 for Earth Week.

To go along with the grand opening… Winnipeg Transit is now also offering direct service to FortWhyte Alive, making it easier than ever to get there without a car:

  • You can now hop on routes 649 Chevrier or 650 McGillivray, both of which stop right at Buffalo Crossing.

  • The City also added new traffic lights at McGillivray and Brady, making the entrance much safer for everyone!

Feels good to see projects like this come to life, right here at home.

Sponsored by Great Escapes By Christine!

Stress-Free Getaways You Won’t Want to Miss

We all have that one trip we keep saying we’ll do.
But life gets busy, and “someday” turns into “wish I had.”

Christine Ward is here to make sure that doesn’t happen.

She’s from Winnipeg, has been to 115 countries, and helped hundreds of people finally take the trips they’ve been putting off.

With everything planned for you, all you have to do is book your spot, pack your bag, and go.

Here’s what’s coming up:

  • Iceland (Sept 5–13, 2025)

    • Glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, and wild, raw beauty. (Only 4 spots left!)

  • England & Wales (May 7–17, 2026)

    • Castles, cobblestone streets, and a smaller group so you can actually soak it all in.

    •  EARLY BOOKING BONUS: Save $200/person, if booked and deposited by May 31, 2025

  • Bordeaux River Cruise (Aug 11–18, 2026)

    • Cruise through storybook villages, sip wine in ancient chateaux, and get introduced to the history, food, and art of one of France’s most beautiful regions.

    • Price includes savings of $4,200/couple. Book by July 31, 2025, and receive an additional $200/couple as an early booking discount.

    • Note: These river cruises fill up a year in advance!

Whether it’s for you, your parents, or multi-generational, this is your chance to stop waiting for “someday.”

Click below to see all the details and save your spot before they fill up!

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Community Digest

Jets Playoff Murals Are Turning Heads in Downtown

With the Jets getting ready for Game 3 of the playoffs as we write this, the whole city’s holding its breath. Hopefully by the time you’re reading this, we came out with the win!

But while we wait to see how things play out on the ice, we just wanted to highlight something pretty special happening off it.

As reported by The Winnipeg Sun, the Centennial neighbourhood teamed up with students from local schools and community groups to create some seriously cool murals in downtown.

What used to be plain concrete barriers on Donald and Hargrave are now covered in colour, Jets logos, and messages of pride and unity.

The details:

  • The murals have become a fan favourite!

  • Adding colour and playoff energy to the Whiteout Street Parties, bringing art and team spirit right into the heart of downtown.

  • Each one was painted by local students, making it a true community effort.

  • As they also double as safety barriers during the events, helping keep fans safe while they celebrate.

So, be sure to check out all the unique art next time you’re in downtown!

And as we get closer to Game 4 on Sunday, if you’re looking to watch it with other fans, don’t forget the Jets are hosting Whiteout Watch Parties at Canada Life Centre.

Bryan Adams Is Coming to Winnipeg This Fall

Bryan Adams is hitting the road for his biggest North American tour in years, and yes, Winnipeg’s on the list.

He’s bringing his Roll With The Punches tour to Canada Life Centre on September 29, and The Sheepdogs will be joining him for the Winnipeg show.

Adams has spent over four decades on stages around the world. Earning Grammys, American Music Awards, 18 JUNOs, and even one of the country’s highest honours as a Companion of the Order of Canada. And now, he’s bringing all of that experience to our city for one unforgettable night!

Here’s what to know:

  • The Winnipeg show happens on Sunday, Sept 29 at Canada Life Centre

  • The Sheepdogs will be opening, bringing even more hometown energy

  • And the tickets go on sale Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster

So, whether you’ve been a fan for decades or just love a good live show, this one’s worth putting on your calendar. Set a reminder and share it with someone who’d want to be there with you.

City Updates

A Heads-Up for Parents About the “Senior Assassin” Game

If you're a parent or grandparent with a teen about to graduate, here's something you might want to be aware of.

A game called Senior Assassin is making the rounds again at some Winnipeg high schools. It’s meant to be a lighthearted game where students use water guns to "eliminate" each other in a last-one-standing challenge. But lately, it’s been spilling into public spaces, and that’s where the concern comes in.

Here’s why it’s raising flags:

  • It can look like real gun activity to people who don’t know what the game is

  • Police treat every report involving a weapon seriously, even if it turns out to be a water gun.

  • Because of that, officers can end up pulled away from real emergencies that need urgent attention.

  • And all of this is already causing extra stress for community members and first responders who are just trying to keep people safe.

So if you’ve got a teen in your life or know someone who does, this might be a good time to check in and have that conversation. It’s not about ruining the fun, but making sure everyone’s safe and using good judgment.

Assiniboine Park Zoo Gets $1.2M for Polar Bear Upgrades

Source: Assiniboine Park Conservancy

We all have those places in the city we bring out-of-towners to. The ones that make us feel proud to call Winnipeg home. For a lot of us, Journey to Churchill is one of them.

And now, the province is putting $1.2 million into making that experience even better, not just for visitors, but for the polar bears that call it home.

Here’s what the funding will support:

  • A new pool chiller to keep the water cold year-round for the polar bears

  • Important upgrades to the geothermal heating and water filtration systems

  • Repairs and improvements to the bear holding areas and Gateway to the Arctic building

This isn’t just about a better zoo. It’s about keeping alive one of the few places in the city that brings together conservation, learning, and a little bit of magic all in one place.

Manitoba Lifts Ban on Homegrown Cannabis

Starting May 1, 2025, adults 19 and older in Manitoba will be allowed to grow up to four cannabis plants per residence.

The Details:

  • This change aligns with the federal law under the Cannabis Act.

  • But those plants will need to be grown from licensed seeds or seedlings, as required under the law.

  • Even though growing is allowed, it’s still illegal to sell any cannabis you grow at home.

  • Manitoba had been one of only two provinces with a ban, but that restriction is now being lifted.

With this update, Quebec is now the only province in Canada where home cannabis growing is still not allowed.

Note: Don’t forget, our very own community summer markets are just around the corner, happening Mother’s Day weekend, May 10–11! It’s the perfect place to find a thoughtful gift for your mom or just enjoy a bit of summer shopping.

There’ll be tons to check out, with local vendors, great food, and a bunch of fun for the little ones too, think face painting, bouncy castles, and more. So keep it in mind and mark it on your calendars!

Exciting Events: April 25th - 27th

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

Sports🏀

  • Winnipeg Valour FC vs Halifax Wanderers | 7PM, April 25th

    • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

  • Fight For Charity | 5PM, April 26th (Tickets)

    • Location: RBC Convention Centre

    • Description: Each ticket includes entry to the event (boxing matches, live music, silent auction, and casino games), a 3-course plated meal, drinks for the evening, and a starter pack of casino chips, with the bonus of supporting a great cause!

  • Winnipeg Run Club | 8:30AM, April 26th (FREE)

    • Location: The Forks

  • Winnipeg Jets Away Game 4 | 12PM, April 27

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: The Winnipeg Jets are hosting Whiteout Watch Parties at Canada Life Centre for away games.

  • DND Run Club | 8:15AM, April 27th (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: The Forks

    • Note: Dash N’ Dine Run Club! This is their first run this Sunday!

Family Fun🎆

  • ELEVATE: Manaaji'idiwin Play | April 25 - May 17 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: What happens when the elevator gets stuck on your way to an important meeting? As Jonesie and Tallahassee attempt to escape their circumstances, the cramped space becomes a pressure cooker and a bitingly funny conversation.

  • The Great Benjamins Circus | April 25-27 (Tickets)

    • Location: Assiniboia Downs

    • Description: You’ll see Clowns, Acrobats, Aerialists, and daredevils.

  • Party for the Planet | April 26-27 (More Info)

    • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo, The Leaf & Assiniboine Park

    • Description: Earth Day Tours, Window Curtain Workshop, Flock Walk Guided Birding and more!

  • Earth Day at FortWhyte Alive | April 27

    • Location: FortWhyte Alive

    • Description: Guided bison walks, Live talks on bats, cycling, water research, Eco-crafts, bonfires with marshmallows, recycling drop-offs and so much more!

Markets🎡🎢🎠

  • Mulvey Night Market | 5-9PM, April 25 (More Info)

    • Location: 421 Mulvey Avenue East

    • Description: New, Collectibles & Antiques to Handmade & Homemade!

  • Children’s Hospital Book Market | April 25-27 (More Info)

    • Location: St. Vital Centre

    • Description: Shop for great books of all genres and support sick and injured kids in your community at the Children’s Hospital Book Market!

  • Grant Park Spring Market Pop Up | April 25-27 (More Info)

    • Location: Grant Park Shopping Centre

  • St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 10AM - 2PM, April 26

    • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

    • Description: Manitoba’s Largest Farmers’ Market!

Comedy❗

  • Jordan Jensen Comedy | April 25-26 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Comedian who hosts the podcast “RIP Jordan Jensen” and co-hosts the "Bein' Ian with Jordan" podcast. She can be seen on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" and at the world-famous Comedy Cellar

  • Dave Nystrom Comedy | April 25-26 (Tickets)

    • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club

    • Description: Dave Nystrom is an acclaimed comedian who has performed stand-up all over the world.

Special Events 🥂

  • Boustan Middle Eastern Restaurant Grand Opening | April 25

    • Location: 1615 Regent Ave W, Unit 1005

    • Description: 50% off all pitas and bowls, all day long. With the first 50 customers getting a free gift card for their next visit.

  • ​Tomato Blues / by means of each other | April 25-27 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rachel Browne Theatre

    • Description: Dance, songs, text, bricks and a chair come together to portray the vicious circle in the life of a heroic tomato. Created and performed with cabaret appeal by the fabulous Lina Cruz!

  • ​Rodarama Car Show | April 25-27 (Tickets)

    • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

    • Description: Check out all the hot rods, classics, and muscle cars!

  • ​ 26th Annual Artarama | April 25-27

    • Location: 85 Kirkbridge Dr

    • Description: Fundraising event featuring 44 Manitoba artists, showcasing their work in two galleries

  • Speakeasy Magic | April 25-26 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

    • Description: Step back in time to the roaring 1920s and enter a world of hidden doors, jazz music, and prohibition-era intrigue in Speakeasy Magic

  • ​Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Orchestra Concert | April 25-26 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: Witness the beginning of Harry’s most important battle yet, with the full film accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.

  • Caffinated Session #2 | 12-3PM, April 26 (More Info)

    • Location: Saintuary Bar & Cafe

    • Description: Coffee Party! Serving up fresh coffee, to go along with R&B Beats!

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

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