Hey Winnipeggers!

Our first summer markets are coming up May 10–11, and we’re now under 40 days away. We can’t wait to see you there. We also posted an update on Instagram with more details and some behind-the-scenes, so if you missed it, here’s the [LINK]. If you’re not following us yet, now’s a great time. We’ll be sharing more updates as the weekend gets closer and all the updates on future Digest events.

In today’s edition, we’re covering some important changes coming to your water, sewer, and garbage bills, plus everything else you need to know this week.

In today’s edition:

• Manitoba Increasing Its Minimum Wage to $16

• Important Changes Coming to Your Water & Sewer Bill

• Charity of the Week

• How Downtown Winnipeg Is Changing in 2025

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba Increasing Its Minimum Wage to $16

When I was younger, making minimum wage, every extra dollar felt like a win. Whether it was grabbing coffee with a friend or covering a bus ride home, the small stuff really added up.

So here’s a quick update that might not change everything, but still means something.

Starting October 1, Manitoba’s minimum wage is going up:

• The new rate will be $16 per hour

• That’s a 20 cent increase from the current $15.80

• It’s based on Manitoba’s 2024 inflation rate of 1.1 percent, rounded up to the nearest nickel

• The change follows rules set by the Employment Standards Code

This isn't nearly enough to have a great standard of living, but it’s a step in the right direction for thousands of Winnipeggers just trying to get by.

If you’re an employer, it’s a good time to make sure your pay rates are up to date. And if you’re a worker, this one’s for you.

Let’s keep building a city where the little things matter.

Important Changes Coming to Your Water & Sewer Bill This Quarter

Yesterday marked the start of a new quarter, and with it, some updates that will affect most households across the city. As we’ve mentioned in past editions, water, sewer, and waste collection fees are going up. Here’s a quick recap so you’re not caught off guard.

Water and Sewer Updates:

• Our North End Sewage Treatment Plant is 88 years old and is nearly full

• And it’s now undergoing a $3 billion upgrade to help meet growing demand and protect our rivers and lakes

• But, to help fund this work, quarterly water and sewer bills are increasing by $56.01 for a typical family of four starting this quarter

• Council has approved the 2025 rate increase but held off on further increases

New Waste Management Fee:

• A new Waste Management Fee will also officially replace the old Waste Diversion Fee as of April 1

• For most households, this will add about $63.50 per quarter to the utility bill

• The fee will help cover garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection citywide

• It also goes toward buying green carts for households to support waste programs

It’s an added cost, no doubt, and it won’t be easy for everyone, especially with prices rising everywhere.

But the hope is that these investments lead to a cleaner city, healthier waterways, and services we can all rely on for years to come.

A message from us, Winnipeg Digest!

Helping Winnipeggers Find the Right Help

We’ve all had that moment where something breaks and we don’t know who to call.

A leaking pipe in the middle of the night. A sore back that won’t go away. A furnace that quits on the coldest day of the year.

It’s not just the problem. It’s the stress of trying to find someone who’ll actually show up, do a good job, and charge you fairly.

We’ve been there too. That’s why we’re building something different.

At Winnipeg Digest, we don’t just feature local service providers. We vouch for them.

If you see a service business in our newsletter, it means:

• We’d tell our own friends to call them

• Their work has made a real difference in the community

• They care deeply about what they do and who they serve

So if you run a local service business, maybe you're a plumber, massage therapist, mover, or someone who simply takes pride in making people’s lives easier, we’d love to meet you.

📩 [email protected]

This city deserves that kind of trust. And we’re here to build it. One local business at a time.

Charity of the Week:

The Winnipeg Foundation

Some charities focus on one cause. The Winnipeg Foundation supports them all.

As Canada’s first community foundation, they’ve spent over 100 years helping build a stronger, more connected Winnipeg. At its heart, it’s a collection of endowment funds created by donors from all walks of life who want to give back to the community in a way that lasts.

Each donation is pooled, invested, and turned into support for local charities. From food banks, youth programs and most other charities that help improve Winnipeg!

In 2024 alone, they received over 8,300 gifts and distributed more than $91 million to over 1,100 charities across the city. That’s the kind of quiet impact that shapes lives.

Now, here’s how you can help:

• Make a gift to support multiple causes at once

• Or start your own fund to keep giving in a way that lasts forever

Because when Winnipeg works together, everybody wins.

City Updates

How Downtown Winnipeg Is Changing in 2025

When you think of downtown, it might feel like things have been a bit stuck. But Downtown Winnipeg BIZ just released their 2024 annual report and it’s actually full of progress, momentum, and reasons to feel hopeful.

Here’s a quick look at what moved the needle in 2024 and what’s ahead for 2025:

Highlights from 2024:

• Downtown visitation rose 13.5%

• Over $1.1 million in grants supported 55 local businesses

• Nearly $430,000 went toward downtown safety improvements

• Downtown events brought close to 60,000 people together

What’s coming in 2025:

• Big events like the Jets Whiteout Parties, Sea Bears championship weekend, and Grey Cup Festival

• Major redevelopment projects, including the Hudson’s Bay building, Portage Place, and Railside at The Forks.

• The Portage and Main intersection will finally open to pedestrians this summer

There’s a lot more packed into the full report. If you want the full breakdown of everything that happened in 2024 and what’s coming for 2025, click the button below to read more.

Bringing Indigenous Languages Into the Legislature

For many of us in Manitoba, Indigenous languages aren’t something we hear in our day-to-day. That’s what makes this new step so meaningful.

The province is launching a pilot project to start translating government proceedings into Indigenous languages, beginning with Anishinaabemowin.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Translations will start with Hansard, the official record of debates

• If successful, it could expand to six more Indigenous languages

• The work will support language learners, teachers, and AI researchers

• Two Indigenous translators are being hired to help lead the project

It’s a small but powerful move to preserve and respect the languages that have shaped this land for generations.

Community Digest

Louis C.K. Adds Extra Show in Winnipeg

When Louis C.K. announced his first two Winnipeg dates, they sold out almost instantly. Now, he’s added a third show on April 16 at the Burton Cummings Theatre as part of his Ridiculous Tour, which includes over 75 stops across North America.

• General tickets went live yesterday (April 1) on Ticketmaster

• Tickets start at $49 plus fees

If you’re thinking of going, don’t wait. Hopefully there are still some left while you’re reading this.

Coming up this week:

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

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, April 4 (Free)

  • Location: Multiple locations in the Exchange District

  • Description: A chance to experience everything the Exchange District has to offer while being part of one of the city’s most vibrant and creative arts events.

• Dylan Gossett Concert | 8PM, April 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: An American country singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. He has released two studio EPs and seven singles.

• CoComelon Meet & Greet | 11AM - 3PM, April 4 (Reserved spots are sold out)

  • Location: Outlet Collection Winnipeg

  • Description: An opportunity for your kids to meet their favourite characters, JJ & Cody! Limited walk-up spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• ​The Winnipeg Fine Art Fair | April 4-6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: A juried ART SHOW AND SALE where 70+ local artists with diverse backgrounds and media will showcase their work.

• ​Untamed: A Cirque Spectacular | April 4-5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain

  • Description: Step into a world where the jungle comes alive in the air!

• NostalgiaRama-2025 | 10AM - 5PM, April 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: A large vintage/antique clothes & collectibles sale!

• ​Mini Pop Kids Live Celebration Tour | 1PM, April 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Audiences can expect a high-energy, interactive, and exciting concert that will have everyone singing, dancing, and grooving to their favourite tunes.

• The Comic Strip*ers | 7PM, April 6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: A male stripper parody and improv comedy show. Ages 18+ only. The award winning improv comedians are back with a new show, more moves and even quicker wits.

Exciting Events: April 2nd & 3rd

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Feel free to look them up for tickets, as we might not be able to include every link due to email size limits.

Sports🏀

• Manitoba Moose vs Laval Rocket | 7PM, April 2 ($)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | April 2-13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry (1824 Pembina Hwy)

  • Description: A hilarious journey through the wilderness of family drama, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• Casey and Diana Play | April 2-12 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: Inspired by Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991.

• Astronaut Adventure | 10AM - 5PM, April 2-6 ($)

  • Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Space-themed experience will immerse young explorers in hands-on activities inspired by astronaut training, space science, and the wonders of the universe.

• Spring Break at the Zoo | April 2-6 ($)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Activities will include Zoo chats with our animal care team, crafts, a special historical tour of the Zoo, and more.

• Spring Break Line-Up at the Children's Museum | April 2-6 ($)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: From 11:00AM – 3:00PM daily throughout Spring Break.

• Spring Break Week at Living Prairie Museum | 10Am - 4PM, April 2-4 (Free)

  • Location: Living Prairie Museum

  • Description: Drop-in to visit the hands-on displays and plant your own prairie flower to take home!

• Winnipeg Home & Garden Show | April 3-6 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

Special Events 🎨

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7PM, April 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Enjoy a relaxing adults-only atmosphere complete with live musical entertainment. Wine and beer, as well as charcuterie plates.

• Jordan Welwood Comedy | April 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Local Winnipeg Comedian! In 2015, he won Runner up in Sirius XM’s “Canada’s Top Comic” at JFL42. He also represented Winnipeg in the finals of “Top Comic” in 2013.

• Murder for Two Musical | April 2-19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse Theatre

  • Description: A blend of classic musical, comedy and murder mystery, where two actors play a dozen characters and a piano. Settle in for this witty homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries.

• Raised by Women Play | April 2-13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: Raised by Women is Barker’s tale of the lessons he learned through the women in his life.

• Spring Break Hip Hop Dance Workshops | April 2-3 (Free)

  • Location: The Event Space (2nd floor, The Forks Market)

• Harry Settel Comedy | April 3-5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: A NYC based stand-up comedian from outside Boston. He’s the host of “Son of a Boy Dad” podcast and appears on “Out of Order” sketch show, both for Barstool Sports.

Music 🎵

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

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].