Hey Winnipeggers!

Hope you’re staying warm in this extreme cold! It’s been rough out there, but if there’s one thing we know, it’s that winter doesn’t slow our city down.

There’s a lot happening right now, from exciting opportunities for students to big changes in the community. Whether you're looking to learn, grow, or just find something fun to do, I hope some of these events give you a reason to step outside (even if it’s just for a little bit).

Stay warm, stay safe, and as always, we’ve got you covered! ❤️

In today’s edition:

• 2,600+ New Child-Care Spots in Schools

• Charity of the Week

• More Jobs for Young Manitobans

• Byelection Set for Transcona on March 18

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

2,600+ New Child-Care Spots in Schools

If you’ve ever scrambled to find child care before work or had to turn down a job because there weren’t any spots available—you're not alone. It’s one of those things that so many Winnipeg families deal with every single day. And when you’re trying to juggle work, school, and life, it can feel impossible.

But things are changing, thanks to a partnership between the federal and provincial governments. They’re rolling out new child-care spaces across Manitoba—backed by $20.9 million in federal funding—to make life a little easier for parents, caregivers, and students.

Here’s what’s happening:

• More spaces at hospitals – 324 new spots are opening in health-care facilities, helping staff who work long, unpredictable hours.

• New spots in schools – Six more schools are adding child-care spaces, bringing the total to 2,600+ new spots in schools across Manitoba.

• Help for students – Red River College and UCN are getting 128 new spaces, so parents can focus on their education without stressing about child care.

• Support for child-care workers – More than $60.5 million is being invested into training, tuition reimbursements, and outdoor learning grants.

For parents, this isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. It’s about being able to take that extra shift, go back to school, or just breathe a little easier knowing their kids are in good hands.

More Support For Kids in Care

Staying on the topic of supporting families, Manitoba is increasing financial support for children in care for the first time in over a decade. The province is raising daily rates by 10%, meaning foster families and caregivers will now receive $24.32 to $34.72 per day, depending on the child’s age and location.

With a $3.59 million investment, this increase helps cover essentials like food, clothing, and other daily needs. It means caregivers will have more resources to provide a stable, nurturing home, and kids will have better access to the things they need to grow and thrive.

This also makes it easier for more families to step up and provide foster care, knowing they’ll have the support to do so. At the end of the day, when children feel safe and supported, they have a better chance at a bright future. And that’s something worth investing in.

Sponsored by Globe Property Management!

A Winnipeg Apartment That Has It All:

Moving is stressful. You spend hours scrolling listings, booking tours, and picturing your life in each space—only to find out there’s no parking, no in-suite laundry, or worse…no dishwasher. But then you come across The Bolt at 2735 Pembina Hwy, and suddenly, the search feels worth it.

Managed by Globe Property Management, The Bolt is designed for real life.

Including everything from:

• Fully-loaded suite: In-suite laundry, walk-in closets, and a dishwasher that makes life easier.

• Indoor heated parking: A non-negotiable for Winnipeg winters.

• Fitness room: Your health goals are just a short walk down the hall.

• Prime location: Minutes from the University of Manitoba, Superstore, and Princess Auto Stadium for game-day.

So, whether you’re a student looking for convenience, a professional wanting modern comfort, or a family seeking home vibes, The Bolt delivers.

Stop searching and start living. Book your tour today—or pass this on to someone who’s ready to find their perfect match. 🏡✨

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Charity of the Week:

Career Trek

Helping young people find their path in life isn’t always easy, but that’s exactly what Career Trek does. This charity is all about removing barriers to education and career opportunities by giving kids and youth hands-on experiences, mentorship, and workshops to spark their passion for learning.

Each year, Career Trek supports nearly 800 young people, working with families and communities—especially First Nations, newcomer, and rural youth—to remove barriers to education and career opportunities.

How You Can Support Career Trek (And Have Some Fun!)

If you love a good game of pickleball, here’s your chance to support a great cause while getting active.

📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
📍 Venue: YMCA Downtown, 301 Vaughan St, Winnipeg
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
💰 Registration: $75 (Includes 2 games & a light snack)
📩 To register, email: Dawna Atamanchuk at [email protected]

It’s a simple way to give back while having a great time!

Community Digest

More Jobs for Young Manitobans

Landing that first job is tough. No experience means no job, but no job means no experience. It’s a cycle that’s frustrating for so many young people. But the First Jobs Fund is stepping in to help.

With $1.1 million invested, the Manitoba government is funding six projects that will give youth aged 15-29 real workplace experience:

• Urban Transition Centre – A 17-week pre-apprenticeship program for Indigenous youth.

• IRCOM – A Youth Employment Program for newcomer youth.

• Manitoba Aviation Council – Training and flight experience for young Manitobans, including a path to becoming a pilot.

• Tech Manitoba – IT training for Indigenous and newcomer students.

• Dexterra Community Initiatives – A summer land-based training program for Indigenous youth.

More opportunities mean more young people staying in Manitoba, building careers, and contributing to the community. And that’s a win for everyone.

UWinnipeg Makes Life a Little Easier for New Students

Thinking about university can feel overwhelming—between applications, fees, and figuring out where you’ll live, it’s a lot. But UWinnipeg is making things a little easier for students looking to start their journey.

From today to March 5, prospective undergraduate students can take advantage of:

• Free applications – No $100 fee for Canadian students or $120 for international students.

• A $100 campus food gift card – Because let’s be honest, a free meal always helps.

• 10% off dorm fees – For students taking a full course load at McFeetors Hall.

• Application Assistance Days – Online Zoom sessions on February 22, 25, and 26 to help students navigate the process.

This makes applying to university just a little less stressful. So if you—or someone you know—is thinking about UWinnipeg, now’s the perfect time to take that first step.

City Updates

Ice-Cutting on the Red River Begins

If you’ve ever seen giant machines carving up the Red River, that’s Manitoba’s ice-jam mitigation program in action. It’s not just for show—this work helps prevent flooding before spring melt hits.

From February 18 to March 15, crews will be:

• Cutting and breaking 28 km of river ice – From Netley Marsh to Selkirk.

• Using Amphibex icebreakers – To keep water flowing smoothly.

• Monitoring other areas – Including Riverton, where ice cutting may also take place.

For safety, stay off the ice where work is happening, and if you’re an ice fisher, be sure to remove huts in these areas. It’s all part of making sure spring melt doesn’t bring unexpected floods to our communities.

Byelection Set for Transcona on March 18

Transcona voters—mark your calendars. A byelection has been called for March 18, giving the community a chance to elect a new representative.

This comes after the passing of Nello Altomare, who served as MLA for Transcona. Now, voters will decide who will take on the role.

Here’s what to know:

• Election date: Tuesday, March 18

• Advance polling details: To be announced soon by Elections Manitoba

• Current legislature seats: 33 NDP, 21 PC, 1 independent Liberal, 1 independent, and 1 vacant seat (Transcona)

Elections are a big deal, even at the riding level. A strong voter turnout means Transcona gets a leader who truly represents the community. So if you live in the area, make sure your voice is heard!

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!

• Blue Beads and Blueberries Play | Feb 21 - Mar 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Blue Beads and Blueberries transforms an ancient fairy tale into a celebration of Métis culture.

• The Manitoba Tattoo Expo | Feb 21-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Whether you're a tattoo Artist, fanatic, or looking to get your first tattoo. This is for everyone interesting in anything tattoos.

• The Underground Comedy Railroad | Feb 21-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: A groundbreaking all-black comedy tour. As Canada's first tour of its kind, UCR has been pioneering the way for Black Canadian comedians to share their unique humor and stories with a wider audience.

• Winterpeg is For Everyone: Accessible Ski Day

  | 9:30AM - 3PM, Feb 22 (More Info)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: An accessibility-focused cross-country ski day for persons with disabilities and their families with Accessible Sport Connection and the Winnipeg Trails Association.

• Winterfest | 1-3PM, Feb 22 (More Info)

  • Location: Central Park

  • Description: Enjoy live music, snow painting for kids, skating lessons, cozy bonfires, and delicious food as we embrace the magic of the season.

• IBTIDA – A Theatrical Experience | 7PM, Feb 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rachel Browne Theatre

  • Description: This show will feature dancers – whether from a bhangra, giddha, or classical background. Come experience a night filled with rich culture and heritage!

• Wonderful Wedding Show | Feb 22-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: The largest single source of information available about local wedding services, featuring all of the city’s leading wedding professionals.

• Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Feb 23

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Winter Wellness Classes, Storytelling and Drumming in the Teepee and more!

Exciting Events: Feb 19th & 20th

Music 🎵

• Tannis Tyler/Chris Harris/San Carlos/Justin Séguin | 12-11PM, Feb 19

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall (1212 Nairn Avenue)

• Evan Miles | 6PM, Feb 19

  • Location: Inn at the Forks

• Matthew Gervais/Probable Selves/Yoyu/Sleepcasket | 7PM, Feb 19

  • Location: The Handsome Daughter

• Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol.2 Tour | 7:30PM, Feb 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: One of metal’s greatest, most unlikely success stories.

• Derek ‘Gabs’ Gaboury/Orvis/Matt Zelich/Suzanne Mariani | 12-11PM, Feb 20

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall (1212 Nairn Avenue)

• Aaron Hutton | 1:30PM, Feb 20

  • Location: Berney Theatre

• New Music Night | 8PM, Feb 20

  • Location: The Osborne Taphouse

• Colin James: Chasing the Sun 2025 Tour | 8PM, Feb 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Colin James has 20 studio albums, 8 Juno Awards, 31 Maple Blues Awards and multi-platinum record sales.

Family Fun🎆

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Feb 19 - March 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | Feb 19 - March 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry

  • Description: This takes you on a hilarious journey through the untamed wilderness of family drama, ranching antics, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• Indecent Play | Feb 19 - March 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: Told through music, song, dance and comedy, Indecent is an arresting play about forbidden love, artistic censorship and the enduring power of theatre.

• Free Entry to Manitoba Parks | Feb 19-28

  • Location: Multiple Locations

• CIAO - Dine About Winnipeg | Feb 19-23

  • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Description: For two weeks, top restaurants heat up the season by offering signature three course, prix-fixe meals at a special price!

• Festival du Voyageur | Feb 19-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Whittier Park

  • Description: This festival showcases the arts of several disciplines, including music, dance, sculpture and visual arts, while prioritizing francophone and indigenous artists. (75,000 festival-goers per year)

• Cirque Du Soleil Crystal | Feb 20-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: This performance combines stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.

Special Events 🎨

• Spencer Adamus Comedy | Feb 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7PM, Feb 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Enjoy a relaxing adults-only atmosphere complete with live musical entertainment, wine, beer, and more!

• University/College Open Houses | Feb 19-20

  • Red River College - 9AM - 2PM | Feb 19th

  • University of Winnipeg - 9AM - 2PM | Feb 19th 

  • University of Manitoba - 9AM - 3PM | Feb 20th

• Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival | Feb 19-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: 1315 Gateway Rd

  • Description: Features cool, clean, and compelling feature films, documentaries and shorts from around the world in a multi-theatre style format.

• Samay Raina - Unfiltered Tour | 7:30PM, Feb 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Get ready for a night of raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic comedy with one of India’s biggest stand-up comedians. (In Hindi)

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].