Midweek check-in, Winnipeg 💙
Quick heads up before you dive in.
There's a national emergency alert test happening today, so if your phone goes off with that loud alarm sound, no need to panic. Scroll down to the City Updates section for all the details.
Outside of that, plenty of good stuff in today's edition. Big news for one of Winnipeg's most iconic theatres, a heads up worth passing along to the older folks in your life, and a new tool from the province worth knowing about.
Grab your coffee, settle in, and let's dive into what's happening around Winnipeg.
Now, in today’s edition:
Province Launches Emergency Information App For Manitobans
Phone Scams Cost Manitoba Seniors Over $31,000
A National Emergency Alert Test Is Happening in Manitoba Today
Manitoba Invests $15M to Transform the Pantages Playhouse
Multiple events this week & more
— Jas Singh
News
Province Launches Emergency Information App For Manitobans
Source: Manitoba Government
Last summer made one thing very clear.
When wildfires, smoke, or severe weather hit, getting the right information quickly matters.
That’s why Manitoba has officially launched the new MB Ready app, a mobile emergency information tool built to keep Manitobans informed when things change fast.
It sends real-time updates straight to your phone, so you have one reliable place to check before, during, and after an emergency.
Here's what it does:
Sends real-time, location-based alerts for wildfires, severe weather, floods, road closures, and power outages
Lets you set notifications for specific addresses, like your home, your parents' place, or your kids' school
Includes step-by-step guidance on building an emergency kit and making a household plan
Provides safety information during an active emergency, right from your phone
It’s free, available in both English and French, and only takes a few minutes to set up.
And when something urgent happens, having that information ready in one place can make a real difference for you and the people you love.
Download the MB Ready app in your app store, or visit the website below to learn more about everything it covers!
P.S. Share this in all your group chats, so more people have it ready before they ever need it.
A Message from Paragon Living!
The Winnipeg Neighbourhood Everyone Wants to Live In
Imagine walking out your door for a Saturday morning coffee, strolling along the river in the afternoon, and ending the night at one of your favourite spots just down the street.
That's life in Osborne Village.
Walkable streets, the best local coffee shops and restaurants, the river just steps away, and a community feel that's hard to find anywhere else in the city.
And Paragon Living has suites available for immediate move-in at 162 Scott Street, right in the middle of it all. A four-storey building designed with everyday comfort in mind, and only three 2-bedroom suites remaining.
Here's what comes with every suite:
Spacious two-bedroom suites with walk-out balconies
Quartz countertops and designer finishes throughout
In-suite full size washer and dryer
FREE high-speed internet included
Central air conditioning
Pet friendly units
Paragon Living also has properties at 530 River and 333 Wardlaw, so there are a few good options depending on what you're looking for.
Suites in the Village don't sit empty for long, especially heading into spring. If you've been thinking about making a move, this is the time to take a look before they're gone.
Community Spotlight
Phone Scams Cost Manitoba Seniors Over $31,000
Source: justhangup.ca
It’s a hard one to read, but it’s worth paying attention to.
Earlier this year, a series of phone scams targeted older adults in Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, with six seniors in their 70s and 80s losing more than $31,000.
Police say the calls followed a familiar pattern, and it’s one more reminder of how quickly these scams can catch people off guard.
Here’s what to watch for:
Someone calls pretending to be a grandchild or family member in trouble
They ask for emergency bail money right away
Another person is sent to collect cash in person
In one case, jewellery was taken when cash wasn’t available
Victims were targeted in Charleswood, Windsor Park, North Kildonan, and Portage la Prairie
These scams work because they hit at the worst possible moment.
The phone rings, someone says their grandchild is in trouble, and instinct takes over before there's time to think.
The best thing we can do is talk about it openly with the older people in our lives. Let them know this is happening right now in Winnipeg, and remind them of one simple rule: pause, hang up, and call the family directly first.
If you have seniors in your life, click the link below and share this with them so they know what to watch out for.
City Updates
A National Emergency Alert Test Is Happening in Manitoba Today
If your phone goes off loudly around 1:55PM today, don’t worry, it’s just a test.
Canada’s Alert Ready system is running a scheduled emergency alert test this afternoon, and Manitoba is part of it.
Here's what to expect:
The test happens today, Wednesday, May 6 at 1:55PM
It will appear on TV, radio, and compatible cellphones
Not all phones will receive it, depending on your device, settings, and LTE coverage
No action is needed if you receive it
It’s part of Emergency Preparedness Week, and while it might catch a few people off guard this afternoon, it’s a helpful reminder that this is the system used when real emergencies happen.
Whether it’s a tornado warning, wildfire evacuation, or another urgent alert, this is one of the fastest ways important information gets out.
Manitoba Invests $15M to Transform the Pantages Playhouse
Source: Number TEN Architectural Group
One of Winnipeg’s most beautiful old theatres is finally getting its next chapter.
The province is investing $15 million to restore the historic Pantages Playhouse Theatre and turn it into a permanent performing arts home in the Exchange District.
The renewed space will become the future home of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, while also opening its doors to other local performers and community arts groups.
Here's what the renovation includes:
Stage upgrades built for orchestral and performing arts use
Modern acoustic systems with digital capability
Wider, more comfortable seating, around 1,100 seats total
Restored heritage features of the historic Exchange District building
New backstage facilities and WSO administrative offices
The goal is to open in 2029, with $22 million in federal support still being pursued.
It’s the kind of project Winnipeg’s arts community has been waiting on for a long time, and one that gives a landmark building real life again.
And for the Exchange, it means one more historic space being brought back with purpose.
Community Digest
Pothole Season Is Back In Winnipeg
You know spring has officially arrived in Winnipeg when you hit your first pothole.
The good news is the city has already filled more than 48,000 potholes since the snow melted, and crews are still out repairing roads across Winnipeg every day.
And if there’s one near your home or along your usual route, reporting it is still one of the fastest ways to help get it filled.
Here's how you can help:
Report through the City's 311 service, online, by phone, or through the app
The more specific your location, the faster crews can find and fix it
Resident reports help crews prioritize the streets that need attention most
Crews are working through them fast, but with thousands of streets across the city, every report helps them get to yours sooner.
So if there's a pothole on your street or along your usual route, take a few seconds and send it in through the link below.
The Most Thoughtful Mother's Day Gift in Winnipeg
If your mom or grandma has been quietly pushing through sore joints, tired legs, or long days on her feet, this Mother's Day is a chance to do something about it.
Give her something that actually makes her days a little easier.
Innovative Medical Supplies carries everything she needs to feel better and move with more comfort:
Walkers and walking poles for steady support on the go
Braces for sore joints and busy days
Compression stockings to keep legs feeling lighter
Use code WINNIPEGDIGEST at checkout for 10% off your first order, just in time for Mother's Day this weekend.
Moms spend their whole lives taking care of everyone else.
This weekend, it's her turn.
📍 2020 Corydon Ave & 217 Henderson Hwy
Click below to find something she'll actually use every day.
Events 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!
2026 Family Fun Spring Fair | May 8-10 (Tickets)
Location: Assiniboia Downs
Description: Get ready, Winnipeg! Wonder Shows Midway is back with our Annual Family Fun Spring Fair at Assiniboia Downs — and it’s bigger, brighter, and better than ever! Featuring our major thrill rides the 1001 Nachts, Spin Out, Musick Express and many more for the whole family!
Moms & Makers Market | May 8-9 (FREE)
Location: Hargrave Street Market
Description: This thoughtfully curated market brings together female entrepreneurs, local makers, and small businesses for a weekend of shopping, dining, and community. Enjoy Hargrave St. Market’s food and cocktail offerings while browsing unique goods in a warm and lively market setting.
20th Annual Manitoba Metalfest 2026 | 6:30PM, May 8 (Tickets)
Location: The Park Theatre
Description: Two nights. One anniversary. Maximum volume. Manitoba Metalfest returns to The Park Theatre for its 20th year, stacking the bill with heavy hitters and future favourites for a full weekend of chaos.
The Veiled Raven Presents A Mad Hatter’s Market and Tea Party | 11AM-5PM, May 9 (More Info)
Location: Deer Lodge Community Centre
Description: Welcome to the dark and enchanting world of the Veiled Raven Artisan Market! Step into a realm where shadows dance with intricate designs and where every creation tells a story steeped in the mystery and intrigue.
Ron James | 7:30PM, May 9 ($)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: Canada’s #1 stand-up road warrior Ron James, is in the driver’s seat once again and bound full throttle for the ‘big wide open’ with his new show, ‘The Noise Between Our Ears’.
Otosan | May 9-17 (Tickets)
Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Description: Featuring puppets, real wildlife footage projections, highly physical storytelling and an original score, Otosan is based on playwright Skizuka Kai’s real life experiences of trying to connect with her father, a dedicated wildlife documentary videographer.
Scattered Seeds “Mother’s Day Special” | 10AM, May 9-10 (Tickets)
Location: Exhibition Place at Red River Exhibition Park
Description: A spring time celebration of local craft, thoughtful gifting, and time spent together. Just in time for Mother’s Day, this special edition of our market brings together a beautifully curated lineup of makers offering one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else.
Sooshi Mango | 7:30PM, May 10 ($)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: Sooshi Mango is an Australian comedy troupe founded in 2015. The group consists of two brothers, Joe and Carlo Salanitri, and their best friend, Andrew Manfre.
Red River Valley Swap Meet | 6:30AM-4PM, May 10 (Tickets)
Location: Near the West Gate at Exhibition Park
Description: The 28th Annual Red River Valley Swap Meet is coming up! Join the Manitoba Classic & Antique Auto Club at Red River Exhibition Park. The Show and Shine is open to all vehicles 25 years and older, street rods, modified, and special interest vehicles.
Mother’s Day (2016) - Brunch and A Movie at The MET | 10AM-2PM, May 10 (Tickets)
Location: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre
Description: Start your morning with our signature brunch buffet, available from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, featuring a curated selection of brunch favourites. At 12:00 PM, enjoy a screening of Mother’s Day (2016) complete with hot buttered popcorn.
Current Events: April 29th & 30th
Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!
Community Fun🎆
WAG Wednesday Nights | 5PM-9PM, May 6 (FREE)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: Zuki sets the tone with a special 3-hour set, blending afrorock, roots, reggae, and soulful global rhythms. Plus, join us at 7pm in Gallery 6 as celebrate the opening of Ningiukulu Teevee:Stories from the Arctic. One of Canada’s most talented graphic artists, Ningiukulu Teevee brings Inuit stories vividly to life
Morning Birding Walk & Breakfast | 7AM-9AM, May 7 (Tickets)
Location: Oak Hammock Marsh
Description: Explore the Marsh with one of our nature interpreters, as you look for birds. Bring your own binoculars or use the ones provided. Full hot breakfast included.
Storytime with a Pilot | 11AM-12:15PM, May 7 (More Info)
Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Description: Designed for early learners and families, Storytime with a Pilot blends literacy, imagination, movement, and STEM learning in a fun, accessible experience—set in the inspiring surroundings of Canada’s aviation heritage.
Performances🎭
Stars on Ice | 7PM, May 6 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Description: This spring, Stars on Ice returns with a dynamic new show that highlights Canada’s Olympic aspirations, world-class talent, and the beauty of figure skating. The show brings together the country’s most celebrated skaters – past, present, and future – in a one-of-a-kind live experience.
Rubaboo - A Métis Cabaret | May 6-23 (Tickets)
Location: John Hirsch Mainstage
Description: Métis singer-songwriter Andrea Menard's feast for the senses blends master storytelling with the beauty of Métis culture through music, dance and visual art.
Special Events🥂
Matt Nightingale | May 6 ($)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Descriptions: His blend of observational and absurdist comedy styles has made him a favourite among comedy lovers wherever he goes.
The Leaf Unplugged | 7PM-9PM, May 6 (Tickets)
Location: The Leaf
Description: Bring your yoga mat or your book and step away from the constant buzz of technology and the demands of daily life. The Leaf Unplugged offers a calming, adults-only experience for you to unwind, meditate, and relax.
Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival | May 6-23 (Tickets)
Location: Various venues
Description: This year’s lineup is filled with powerful documentaries, heartfelt dramas, and feel-good comedies from around the world, along with special events that make every visit to the theatre something more.
Get Sketchy at Artists Emporium's Open House 2026 | May 6-7 (More Info)
Location: Artists Emporium, 580 Roseberry St
Descriptions: Don’t miss incredible deals on fine art supplies. Live Art Supply Demos. Community Sketching and more!
Sergei Putinski | 8PM, May 7 ($)
Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge
Description: "Sergei Putinski, the brainchild of the hilariously inventive comedian Byron Bertram (Britain’s Got Talent, Riverdale, Just For Laughs, Supernatural), is a character who defies convention and thrives on the absurd.
Jason Cheny | May 7-9 ($)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: Jason Cheny is a Taiwanese American stand-up comedian based in Los Angeles. Jason has toured all over Asia — including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
Music 🎵
Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!
