Midweek check-in, Winnipeg 💙

The weather has finally turned the corner, and you can feel it everywhere.

Patios are full, people are out walking, and the whole city seems to have stepped outside all at once. After the long stretch of grey, this kind of warmth feels well earned.

And the timing couldn't be better, because the calendar is suddenly packed. Events are popping up all over the city, the weekend is shaping up to be a busy one, and there's a real sense that summer is here and Winnipeg is ready for it.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

A lot of Winnipeggers have memories tied to the Arlington Bridge, and now the next chapter is officially beginning.

The city says removal of the century-old bridge is expected to begin as early as June 1, marking the first major step toward eventually building a brand-new replacement for the North End.

The current bridge has been closed since 2023 after engineers found it was no longer safe to repair.

For many people in the North End, the bridge has always been more than just infrastructure. It’s been part of daily commutes, family routines, and a connection between neighbourhoods for generations.

And while it’s hard seeing such a historic Winnipeg landmark come down, many residents are hopeful about what comes next.

Click here: To learn more about the Arlington Bridge project and what’s coming next!

You can feel it this week. We're heading into the +30s, and just like that, summer is officially here.

Some summer plans take weeks of group chats and colour-coded calendars to pull off. The EX is the easy one.

You show up, and the fun is already waiting for you.

There's a reason it's Manitoba’s biggest fair, and this year it's packing even more into its ten days.

The Ex returns June 12 to 21 at Exhibition Park, with ten full days of rides, food, live entertainment, and special events. There is honestly so much going on that one visit barely covers it.

Special events include Marriage on the Midway, a Mardi Gras parade, Pokemon GO Day, and a DJ foam party!

Along with indoor and outdoor shopping markets, a free family fun zone, and creative competitions featuring Manitoba talent.

Whether you're bringing the whole family for a weekend adventure, rounding up the group chat for a night out, or turning it into a summer date, a day at The EX always ends up being one of the highlights of the season.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Canada.

Odds are it has touched someone you love, and this Saturday, Winnipeg shows up for the dads, brothers, husbands, and friends who have faced it.

The 18th annual Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad is happening on May 30th, bringing together riders from across the province to raise money for prostate cancer research, education, and awareness right here in Manitoba.

Around 1,500 motorcycles are expected to take part this year, and behind all of them is a cause that has touched countless families across the province.

Funds raised through the ride stay right here in Manitoba to support local prostate cancer research, education, and awareness efforts. Since it began, the event has already raised more than $5 million.

And if you want to be part of it without hopping on a bike, the raffle is a great way in. Enter to win one of two motorcycles or $30,000 cash.

So whether you're riding or cheering from the sidelines, click below to register or make a pledge donation to enter the raffle!

Click here: To register for the 2026 Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad or make a pledge donation!

If your kids have been asking when the spray pads open, the answer is: right now.

The City of Winnipeg started opening spray pads earlier this week, and most will be fully up and running by Friday, May 29th.

With temperatures sitting in the 30s, the timing couldn't be better.

For a lot of Winnipeg families, spray pad season is one of those little things that officially marks the start of summer.

And the best part? They're completely free.

So if you’re already planning outings with the kids, click the link below to check which spray pads and pools are opening near you!

Click here: To see which spray pads and pools are open near you!

Here's some exciting news if you own or manage a small business in Manitoba.

The governments of Canada and Manitoba have jointly launched the Building Up Manitoba Program (BUMP), a new $4 million initiative designed to help small and medium-sized businesses invest in their people.

Some businesses could receive up to $100,000 in total funding through the program.

Small and medium-sized businesses make up the majority of Manitoba’s economy, and programs like this are designed to help both employers and workers adapt as industries continue to change.

So if you or someone you know owns a small business, is hiring, or looking to grow a team, click the link below and share this with them so they can see what support is available!

Click here: To see who can apply for the Building Up Manitoba Program!

You might start noticing some changes the next time you stop in for a double-double.

Tim Hortons and its local Manitoba restaurant owners are putting $13 million into the province this year, as part of a larger national plan to invest $400 million into building 80 new restaurants and renovating 400 existing locations across Canada in 2026.

The company is also looking to hire 10,000 new team members across Canada as part of this push, and all renovation materials are Canadian-sourced, with furniture handcrafted in Montreal from Canadian maple.

So next time you're in line for your morning coffee, take a look around. Chances are, your local Tim’s is already getting a bit of a refresh.

Click here: To check Tim Hortons locations across Manitoba and plan your next stop!

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

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

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