Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

Lately, our editions have started feeling a little too comfy.

But, starting today, you might notice a more unique format in each newsletter. That’ll help us cover everything happening in the city while giving you the option to dive deeper with links if something catches your eye.

Our goal? To make each edition feel a little more special, a little more engaging — and a lot more like us.

And hey, we’d really love to hear what you think. At the end of today’s email, there’s a quick poll. Tell us how you’ve been liking the newsletter lately, or just hit reply with any ideas.

This is your newsletter just as much as it is ours. ❤️

In today’s edition:

• Manitoba Puts $13M Into Downtown Grain Innovation Centre

• Province Announces Two Investments to Improve Safety

• St. Mary’s Road Could See New Parking Restrictions

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba Puts $13M Into Downtown Grain Innovation Centre

The province announced yesterday that it's putting $13 million into a brand new agriculture tech hub in the Exchange District, and it’s a pretty big deal for Winnipeg!

Here’s what’s coming:

• A new global grain innovation centre called Gate (Global Agriculture Technology Exchange)

• It’ll help Manitoba grain producers connect with more international markets

• The space will be fully equipped with specialty milling areas, a pilot bakery, pasta testing facilities, training rooms, and office space

• And the best part, it keeps Cereals Canada rooted right here in Winnipeg.

It’s all part of a bigger push to bring new energy and opportunity into the downtown area.

To go along with other big projects, like Portage Place, Your Way Home homelessness strategy, investments in the downtown YMCA, and events like the Winnipeg Jets whiteout celebrations.

Click Here: Learn more about the Downtown Agriculture Exchange

5 More Open Houses to Discuss Winnipeg-wide Zoning Changes

Winnipeg is in the middle of some big conversations around housing, and the city just announced five more open houses to get more people involved.

The goal is to update zoning rules so it’s easier to build two to four-unit homes in more neighbourhoods. Some could even be a bit taller if they’re near busy transit routes. It’s all part of easing the housing shorting and making room for more people to live in the city.

From April 29 to May 6, these open houses will be held in malls, arenas, and community centres. Giving you a chance to drop in, ask questions, and share your thoughts with city planners.

• Total of 5 in-person sessions

• Come-and-go format, all over the city

• Focused on infill, housing, and zoning updates

Click below to see where they are and when they are happening!

Click Here: More information on the open houses

Together with Magic Room Spa!

15% Off All Nail Services!

There’s just something about having your nails done that makes everything feel a little more together. You sit differently. Your coffee hits better. Even errands feel a bit more fun.

If that sounds like something you need right now, our friends over at Magic Room Spa are offering 15% off for first-time customers when you mention Winnipeg Digest, just in time for spring refreshes and Mother’s Day treats.

Their go-to spring options:

• Gel and acrylic extensions for added length

• Apres Gel-X for a softer, healthier alternative

• Classic manicures and pedicures

• Fresh spring colors and finishes to match any mood or look

If it’s nail-related, they can help and you’ll get 15% off while you’re at it!

It’s the perfect excuse to carve out a little time for yourself. Or turn it into a thoughtful gift for your mom, sister, or wife this coming Mother’s Day.

This offer is only available for the next 30 days, and spots fill up fast, so be sure to call before it’s too late. And if you know a friend or family member who might be interested, feel free to share this with them too.

Just give them a call at 204.943.6702 or click the button below to learn more!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

City Updates

Province Announces Two Big Investments to Improve Safety

The Manitoba government just announced two major investments aimed at improving safety in rural and northern communities. And they’re both focused on giving the RCMP the support they need to respond faster and smarter.

$2 million to upgrade RCMP emergency communications

• The province is expanding the Operational Communications Centre, which takes all emergency RCMP calls

• Funding will add 6 new RCMP officers and 10 new public service dispatchers to improve 24-hour emergency support

$3.3 million to grow the Emergency Response Team

• The team is doubling to 18 full-time members, trained for high-risk situations like armed threats, warrants, and rural search operations

• With this expansion, they'll be ready to deploy anywhere, anytime, across Manitoba

It’s a clear signal the province is stepping up to support safer communities, helping more Manitobans feel protected, connected, and cared for, no matter where they live.

Click here: Learn more about the funding!

St. Mary’s Road Could See New Parking Restrictions

If you drive along St. Mary’s Road, you might want to keep an eye on this. The City is looking at adding new no stopping rules during rush hour to help ease traffic, and the conversation officially starts on April 14.

What’s being proposed:

• No stopping from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. northbound, from Dunkirk to Fermor, in areas that don’t already have restrictions

• No stopping from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the two lane part of southbound St. Mary’s, same stretch

• Extend the current 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. rule on southbound St. Mary’s to run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• And a no stopping anytime rule from Glen to Fermor on the northbound side

The city says it’s all about keeping things moving during the busiest hours. We’ll keep you updated as things unfold.

Click here: For the full report

Community Digest

Program Returns to Help Youth Land Jobs

Some good news for young Winnipeggers looking to build a better future, the Level Up Program is officially back for another year.

As reported by CTV News, Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) secured new federal funding to bring back its training and education program for youth aged 18 to 28.

• The program pays youth while they learn

• It combines classroom education with real work placements

• With the goal is to help young people step into stable employment

So if you know anyone trying to get into the workforce, be sure to click the link below to learn more. It could be the opportunity they have been waiting for.

Click here: Learn more about the Level Up Program

Jets Prospect Chaz Lucius Retires After Health Diagnosis

This one’s tough to share. Chaz Lucius, a young Jets prospect full of promise, has announced his retirement after being diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a condition that affects the body’s connective tissues.

He thought for years he was just unlucky with injuries, but doctors have now told him it’s not safe to keep playing.

Lucius was a first round pick in 2021 and played with the Manitoba Moose this season. In his message, he thanked the Jets, his teammates, and everyone who supported him.

He’s heartbroken to leave the game but says he’s ready to advocate for others living with EDS. We’re sending him all the best wishes as he starts this new chapter with courage and heart.

Last Chance:

This is the last edition where you can get the Winnipeg restaurant guide for making 2 referrals. After today, we’ll be switching up the reward, so if you’ve been meaning to grab the guide for a while, this is your last chance to do it!

We’re talking 35+ local spots we genuinely love!

Exciting Events: April 11th - 13th

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

Sports🏀

• Manitoba Moose vs Iowa Wild | April 11-12 ($)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8:30AM, April 12th (FREE)

  • Location: Polo Park Center Court

• Winnipeg Jets vs Edmonton Oilers | 6PM, April 13 ($)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Manitoba Opera - La Boheme | 7PM, April 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Be Swept Away into a World of Young Love & Romance

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | April 11-13 ($)

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

• Casey and Diana Play | April 11-12 ($)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

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

• Mushrooms and Manitoba Maple Syrup | 1-2:30PM, April 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Learn to grow mushrooms and harvest Manitoba maple syrup.

• Create a Handmade Journal Workshop | 1:30-4:30PM, April 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom (The Leaf)

  • Description: Create your own handmade 5" x 5" sketchbook or journal using the crossed structure binding method

Markets 🎡

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 10AM - 2PM, April 11

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

  • Description: Manitoba’s Largest Farmers’ Market!

• The Locals Spring Market | April 11 (Free)

  • Location: St. Boniface Hospital

• Third + Bird Spring Market | April 11-13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: An amazing lineup of 170 + vendors.

• Semi-annual Childrens Items Sale| 10:30AM - 2:30PM, April 12

  • Location: 184 Alexander Avenue East, Winnipeg

• ​Lucky Girl Spring Pop Up Market | 11AM - 5PM, April 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: 140+ local vendor market!

• ​Big Thrift Energy Market & Bake Sale | 11AM - 5PM, April 13

  • Location: Transcona East End CC Rizzuto Hall (517 Pandora Ave E)

• ​Meow Mania Spring Market & Adoption Fair | 11AM - 4PM, April 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Norbert Community Centre

  • Description: Must-attend event for anyone who adores cats, whether you're a proud cat parent, an aspiring cat owner, or just a cat admirer.

Comedy❗

• "Shirley Valentine", a Comedy by Willy Russell | April 11-13 ($)

  • Location: Gas Satin Arts Centre

  • Description: A life-affirming story of one woman's journey of self-discovery through comedy.

• Marc Anthony Sinagoga Comedy | April 11-12 ($)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge (Speakeasy)

  • Description: Well known for his hilarious Instagram shorts poking fun at Italian culture and family dynamics!

• The Incredible Boris Comedy | April 11-12 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: A hilarious hypnotic event with comedy hypnotist The Incredible Boris Cherniak.

• Jonny Pogo Comedy | April 11-12 ($)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club

  • Description: Tipping the scales at 300lbs (his hair weighs 30), Johnny has made a living out of making fun of himself.

Special Events 🥂

• Murder for Two Musical | April 11-19 ($)

  • 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.

• Rampup Weekend 2025 | April 11-13 (More Info)

  • Location: 100 Innovation Drive

  • Description: Pitch tech-enabled, science-based, or advanced manufacturing business ideas, form teams, and build a startup over the course of three days.

• Raised by Women Play | April 11-13 ($)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

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

• Manitoba Schools’ Science Symposium | April 11-13 (More Info)

  • Location: Max Bell Centre, University of Manitoba

  • Description: The largest annual science event held for students throughout Manitoba. Open to all students from grades 4 to 12.

• Quilt Show and Competition | April 11-12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre

• Pass the #%&!@* Potatoes! | April 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Théâtre Cercle Molière - TCM

  • Description: An unforgettable theatrical experience that blends humor, heart, and thought-provoking dialogue to explore why we struggle to talk and how we can fix it.

• ​Viva Winnipeg Festival | 8PM, April 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre

  • Description: Experience the soul of Latin America at the heart of Winnipeg!

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!