Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

A few important updates have come up around the city, and today’s edition brings them all together in one place. Take a moment and read through to the end. There’s a lot in here that’ll keep you up to speed.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

If your phone suddenly blares this afternoon, don’t panic; it’s just a test.

We’ve all heard that loud buzz before, and today it’s part of a planned check. The province is testing the emergency alert system to make sure everything’s running smoothly in case we ever really need it.

This is part of the Canada-wide Alert Ready system, and while it may only last a few seconds, the test helps make sure we’re all reached during a real emergency when it matters most.

Click Here: To check if your phone’s compatible and see how the system works

You might start to notice more activity in parks, under bridges, and near bus stops this week, but it’s not random. The city has started phasing in a new plan to manage encampments with a focus on safety and support.

Rather than clearing sites without notice, outreach teams will now work alongside city staff to help people move into safer shelter options before cleanup begins.

The city says the goal isn’t to penalize anyone, it’s to balance public safety with compassion.

That’s why mobile outreach teams are involved in every step, connecting folks to services while working to keep community spaces open and safe for all.

Click Here: To learn more about the new rules and where they’re being enforced.

Every year around this time, you can feel the city shift a little. Lights go up, families gather, and people head out for dinners, work parties, and late-night catch-ups.

And for three decades now, there’s been a group of volunteers making sure everyone gets home safely, no questions asked.

It’s all run by volunteers: folks giving their time so fewer impaired drivers end up on the road.

Last year alone, they helped complete more than a thousand safe rides, and they’re hoping to help even more this year.

While rides are free, donations are encouraged! They go straight to the Winnipeg Kids Foundation, which funds local programs that support children’s health, safety, and education. So every safe ride home also helps build a better future for kids in our community.

Click Here: To volunteer, donate, or learn how the service works!

Ever had to pull yourself out of bed while still sick, just to get a doctor’s note? A lot of us have, and honestly, it’s the last thing you want to be doing when you should be home resting.

That’s why the province is planning to scrap sick notes unless you’ve been off work for more than a full week. It’s a move that could take pressure off both workers and doctors, and shift how we handle sick days for the better.

Doctors Manitoba says more than 600,000 sick notes are written every year, most for minor illnesses that resolve before someone even makes it to a clinic.

If the change goes through, it could free up the equivalent of 300,000 patient appointments annually, giving doctors more time to focus on care and not paperwork.

It’s a small change, but one that could make it easier for people to rest, recover, and get back to work feeling better.

Click Here: To read more about the plan and why doctors are backing it.

It’s been a while since we last had a measles update. Things had slowed down, but this week, five new exposure sites have been confirmed across Winnipeg, and public health is urging folks to stay alert.

Measles can spread through the air; just being in the same room as someone infected can be enough. That’s why public health is asking anyone who was at these locations to check their immunization status and watch closely for symptoms like fever, cough, red eyes, or rash.

If you haven’t been vaccinated or aren’t sure, it’s best to check in with a healthcare provider.

Taking action early can help protect not just you, but also those in our community who are more vulnerable, like babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Click the link below to see all the locations and what steps to take if you may have been exposed.

Click Here: To read the full details and what to do if you were exposed.

If you grew up with Eat It blasting in the car, or you’ve ever caught yourself singing Amish Paradise under your breath, get ready. Weird Al is coming back to Winnipeg.

After a massive 2025 tour, the parody king is making a stop at Canada Life Centre next summer for his Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour.

Weird Al is the best-selling comedy recording artist of all time and a 5-time Grammy winner, so this one’s not just for the nostalgia crowd.

Whether you’re going for the music, the humour, or just to feel like a kid again, this show is bound to be a good time.

Click Here: To get your tickets and all the tour details!

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!

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