Hey Winnipeggers,

The countdown is on—it’s officially the last edition before we launch the Digest Cards on Monday! They’ll be printed over the weekend and ready to go, with the link going live right at 6:01 a.m. Monday, the second the newsletter hits your inbox.

We’ve heard from so many of you who can’t wait to grab them as Christmas gifts, and that excitement means the world to us. It’s why we’re already planning more tools to help you support local next year—some free, some paid, and all designed to connect you to the best of Winnipeg.

Thank you for believing in what we’re building here. We’re so excited for Monday and hope you are too!

Now, enjoy today’s newsletter and start planning your weekend! ❤️

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg’s 2025 Preliminary Budget

• New Year’s at The Forks

• Assiniboine Park Joins Hidden Disabilities Program

• 40+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

A call could ‘save someone’s life’

Before we jump into the rest of the newsletter, an important note: it’s dangerously cold out there. With temperatures feeling like -40°C, frostbite can happen in minutes.

If you see someone struggling with the cold, you can help. Just call 211. The folks on the line are real people, available 24/7, and they can connect outreach teams like Main Street Project or the Downtown Community Safety Partnership to get help to someone who needs it.

Our city has always been great at looking out for each other. Let’s keep that going. Stay safe, stay warm, and if you can, keep an eye out for anyone who might need a little extra care in this weather. A small act could make a huge difference.

Now, enjoy the rest of the newsletter!

Winnipegs 2025 Preliminary Budget

Winnipeg’s 2025 Preliminary Budget is here, and while a 5.95% property tax hike (around $10/month for most homeowners) isn’t the easiest news, it’s paired with some big investments for the city’s future.

Where the Money’s Going

• Roads: $1 billion over six years, with $169.3M in 2025 alone—a 15.8% increase from last year.

• Public Safety:

  • 36 new police officers and 15 transit safety officers over the next two years.

  • 24 new firefighters (funded by the province) and upgraded firefighting equipment.

• Youth Programs: $1M for recreation in high-needs areas to help prevent crime and keep kids engaged.

• Transit: $124M operating subsidy as Winnipeg prepares to launch a new transit network next summer.

Next Steps

The budget is now open for community consultation for the next six weeks, with a final vote scheduled for January 29, 2025.

It’s not easy to pay more, but with 65,000 new residents in the last three years, these investments are about keeping Winnipeg safer, better connected, and ready for what’s next. Let’s make our voices heard and help shape the city’s future!

Sponsored by Magic Room Spa!

The Perfect Holiday Gift…

As the year winds down, I’ve been thinking… we all deserve a reset, right? A chance to feel refreshed and ready for whatever’s ahead. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Magic Room Spa to bring you some amazing deals to help you step into 2025 feeling your best.

We’re focusing on laser treatments as they’re perfect for tackling multiple things like wrinkles, hair growth, hyperpigmentation and more. It’s a little upgrade to your routine that saves time and feels great.

Here’s what they’re offering:

• 30% off all laser treatment packages until December 31st. Whether it’s for you or a friend, now’s the perfect time to check it off your list.

And if you’re thinking about gifting something thoughtful (because gifting can be hard), this one’s a no-brainer:

• Buy a $200 gift card and get a small area laser hair removal package for free—underarms, upper lip, or sides of the face. You can gift the card, keep the bonus, or share both—it’s completely up to you

Just show this email to them when you book!

Click the button below to explore all of their laser options and give yourself—or someone you care about—a fresh start to the new year.

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

Community News

New Year’s at The Forks

Looking for a fun way to start the new year? The Forks has a packed schedule of family-friendly events for January 1st, and there’s something for everyone.

What’s Happening

• Indoors: Drag performances, kids’ crafts, and yoga classes.

• Outdoors: Skating at the Canopy Rink, live music, and fireside storytelling with Elder Barbara Nepinak.

• Learn & Reflect: Workshops and speakers at the Agowiidiwinan Centre focused on Treaties and Reconciliation.

Oh, and here’s a cool perk—The Forks is offering parking ticket forgiveness if you adopt a metre of the Nestaweya River Trail for $50. It’s a great way to support the community and wipe out that $84 ticket.

The full event schedule is coming soon, but it’s shaping up to be a fun, memorable start to 2025!

Assiniboine Park Joins Hidden Disabilities Program

Assiniboine Park is taking a big step to make visits easier for people with hidden disabilities. As reported by The Winnipeg Sun, They’ve joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, becoming the first Canadian zoo and park to do so.

Here’s how it works: visitors can wear a sunflower lanyard or sticker to discreetly signal they might need a bit of extra help or time. Staff trained in the program are ready to assist, and you can pick up free sunflower stickers at any park venue, including The Leaf and Zoo.

It’s all about making the park a more welcoming space for everyone—without anyone having to explain or disclose their disability.

Jets Look to Build Momentum

The Jets absolutely dominated the Boston Bruins earlier this week with an 8-1 win—talk about a statement!

And as I’m writing this, they’re gearing up to take on the Vegas Golden Knights tonight at Canada Life Centre. It’s been a mixed homestand so far (one win, one loss), but there’s a good chance we can turn that around and start a streak.

Coach Scott Arniel has been fine-tuning the team’s play, and the players are ready to bring that same fire from Tuesday’s game.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting night on the ice. Let’s cheer them on and keep that momentum rolling! Go Jets!

City Updates

Heads Up About TIPP Payments

Adding to the 2025 Preliminary Budget, the City just announced changes to the Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP), and they’re starting January 1. Most folks on TIPP will see their payments go up by about 50%.

With the Canada Post strike, some people might not get the notice about these changes before their payments come out. So, if you’re enrolled, check your updated amount through the My Properties portal (you’ll need your roll number) or call 311.

And hey, if you know someone on TIPP, let them know about this! A quick heads-up can save a lot of confusion.

700 Speeding Tickets!

As reported by The Winnipeg Sun, between November 1 and November 16, a joint campaign by Winnipeg Police and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) handed out 725 speeding tickets and 74 other citations for dangerous driving.

Why the crackdown? Speeding is one of the top causes of traffic deaths in Manitoba, leading to about 20 fatalities a year. And in winter, icy roads make it even harder to stop safely.

The campaign focused on rush-hour hotspots, targeting areas with heavy traffic between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. MPI also reminds drivers to:

• Adjust speed for road conditions.

• Leave extra space between vehicles.

• Use winter tires and keep your car clear of snow and ice.

It’s not just about avoiding tickets—these steps can save lives. Let’s all drive a little more carefully and keep Winnipeg’s roads safer this winter

Exciting Events: Dec 13 - 15

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Dec 14 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Jets vs Montreal Canadiens | 7PM, Dec 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Watt a Season | Dec 13 - Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

• Zoo Lights | Dec 13 - Jan 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Dec 13 - 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 13-31

  • Location: Grant Memorial Church (877 Wilkes Ave)

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

• We call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show | 6:30 & 9PM, Dec 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

  • Description: Experience ‘Sleeping Beauty’ like never before, as dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes bring this classic tale to life on stage.

• Create and Connect Crafts | 1-3PM, Dec 15 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Tannis M. Richardson Classroom at The Leaf

  • Description: Crafts are appropriate for kids and families of all ages and are accessible without admission to the biomes.

• Skate with Santa | 1-3PM, Dec 15 (Free)

  • Location: Notre Dame Recreation Centre (271 Cathedrale Ave)

Markets 🛍️

• Pitâw Mīno Muskîki Indigenous Handmade Market | Dec 13-15 (Free)

  • Location: Via Rail Union Station (123 Main St)

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Dec 14 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Ugly Sweater ~ Craft & Bake Sale | 11AM - 3PM, Dec 14 (More Info)

  • Location: 565 Guilbault St, Winnipeg

  • Description: Freshly baked goodies, handcrafted jewelry, homemade spices, and amazing bath & body products.

• The Merry Krampus Zine Fair | 10AM - 4PM, Dec 14 (More Info)

  • Location: Suite 607 + 611 - 70 Arthur Street

  • Description: A celebration of the wild weirdness of the winter season, with a focus on small batch art, zines, books, prints, pins, jewelry, AND SO MUCH MORE!

• luckygirl holiday POP UP | 11AM - 5PM, Dec 15 (More Info)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Over 140+ local vendors!

• Beautifully Disturbed Market | 4-8PM, Dec 15 (More Info)

  • Location: Garden City Community Centre (725 Kingsbury Avenue)

Comedy❗

• Matt Broussard Comedy | Dec 13-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Matthew Broussard is a disgraced financial analyst forced into stand up comedy.

• John Mostyn Comedy | Dec 13-14 (Tickets)

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

  • Description: John was recently featured in Interrobang's top ten up-and-coming comedians to watch in Canada.

Special Events 🥂

• A Jann Arden Christmas | 7PM, Dec 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Celebrate the holidays with Alberta’s own Jann Arden as she puts her unique spin on the classics.

• An Improvised Holiday Rom Com | Dec 13-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Centre

  • Description: Improvising a new Holiday Film every night!

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Little Women | Dec 13 - 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.

• Christmas with Johnny Reid | 8PM, Dec 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Catch JUNO Award winner live on stage in a joyful celebration of holiday spirit.

• JYSK Polo Park Grad Opening Event | Dec 14-15 (More Info)

  • Location: 1030 Empress Street

  • Description: 20-75% off almost everything in store!

• A Year With Frog and Toad | Multiple times, Dec 14-15 (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.

• Deck the Halls of Dalnavert: A Victorian Christmas Tour | Dec 15 - 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].