Midweek already, Winnipeg!

It’s been really hot lately, hitting as high as 36 degrees, with Manitoba even issuing a heat warning earlier this week. And of course, it wouldn’t be Winnipeg without some back-and-forth weather. Now they’re saying we might get rain, and maybe even snow, later this week.

So yeah, definitely one of those weeks where it’s a good idea to check the forecast before heading out. This kind of flip-flopping weather is exactly what can make people sick if we’re not careful.

And with so many fairs, markets, and summer events getting started, I know a lot of folks will be stepping outside. If you’re bringing little ones or going with your parents, just take a few extra precautions.

A comfy jacket, some water, and a bit of planning can go a long way!

In today’s edition:

• Manitoba Parks Evacuated/Closed Due to Wildfires

• New AI Chatbot Helps You Use the City of Winnipeg Website

• MPI Launches Faster Summer Driving Courses

• Jets Family Viewing Party in the Park

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Fire Destroys Buildings in Transcona

As we mentioned last week, the city’s fire ban wasn’t just for show, and sadly, this weekend was proof.

A wildland fire broke out near Gunn Road in Transcona and spread quickly due to high winds. Fire crews were able to stop it from reaching Springfield, but several buildings were destroyed in the process.

No one was hurt, but it’s a tough reminder of how dry things are right now and how fast fires can spread.

And conditions outside Winnipeg? They’re even worse.

Manitoba Parks Evacuated Due to Wildfires

The fire in Transcona was devastating. But across the province, conditions are just as bad, if not worse.

Yesterday, the Government of Manitoba declared a state of local emergency for four provincial parks, and full evacuations are underway. Cottagers, campers, and business owners are being told to leave now as wildfires continue to grow.

Here’s what’s affected:

• Nopiming, Wallace Lake, South Atikaki, and Manigotagan River parks are all closed

• Evacuations are in effect for lakes like Bird, Long, and Beresford

• Whiteshell is also seeing closures, including the Mantario Trail and nearby water routes

These closures will stay in place until things improve, and they’re not just suggestions; they’re serious. So, please follow all the rules set by the province. It’s not just about avoiding fines. It’s about keeping the people around us safe.

Let’s continue to look out for one another. As fires can move fast, and staying cautious protects both the people and the places we care about most.

Click Here: For the latest Manitoba fire update from the province

Together with Cleanr Property Maintenance

A Simple Way to Fix Your Lawn This Summer

It’s mid-May, the birds are back, and so are the dandelions.

If you’re like me, you probably looked out the window this week and thought, “When did my lawn become a weed farm?”

But that’s where Cleanr comes in.

They’re a local Winnipeg team that takes all the guesswork (and hard work) out of lawn care. No hauling fertilizer bags or trying to decode weed spray instructions. Just a proven, reliable schedule that works with our climate.

And since so many of us are homeowners, we worked out a special discount for the Winnipeg Digest Community. If you book their Evergreen Pro or Ultimate Green Elite Package, your first application is completely FREE! No charge, no catch. Just a solid head start on a great lawn.

Here’s what’s included:

• Timed fertilizer applications in spring, summer, and fall

• Season-long weed control (including crabgrass and dandelions)

• Spot spraying between visits to catch anything stubborn

• 24-hour service alerts, so you’re never left wondering when they’ll show

It’s built just for Winnipeg lawns, so it actually works here, even with our unpredictable weather.

So, if you want your yard to stay green, weed-free, and low-maintenance this summer, this is the easiest way to make it happen.

Click below to check pricing, book online, and get your first application for FREE!

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

Community Spotlight

Support for Every Condo Owner in Manitoba

When you live in a condo, there's a lot more to think about than just paying fees and shoveling your little sidewalk. You're dealing with bylaws, surprise maintenance fees, and trying to figure out what’s actually your responsibility versus the board’s.

That’s where CCI Manitoba comes in. They’re a local non-profit helping condo owners and boards across the province with real support, advice, and a strong sense of community.

It’s an affordable membership that just makes sense for every condo owner or condominium corporation.

Here’s what you get:

• Webinars and Lunch & Learns to stay sharp on condo rules and rights

• Member-only resources like templates and legal updates

• Networking with other condo owners, property managers, and experts

• And a collective voice to help shape condo legislation in Manitoba

✨ Right now, new condo corporations get 50% off their first year. With every unit owner in that building becoming a member too. (Don’t miss out, as this offer ends on June 30th, 2025!)

So, if you or someone you know owns a condo, it’s worth checking out. Click below to see all the benefits and how easy it is to join.

Click Here: To learn more about their benefits and pricing!

City Updates

New AI Chatbot Helps Use City of Winnipeg’s Website

If you’ve ever been to the City of Winnipeg’s website, you know it can be a bit of a maze. One minute you’re trying to report a pothole, and five clicks later, you’re deep in a page about water meters.

But the City just launched something that might actually help.

They’re testing out a new AI-powered chatbot that lives in the bottom right corner of the City of Winnipeg’s website. You just click and start chatting.

Here’s what it can do:

• Answer questions about City services, 24/7

• Chat with you in 17 different languages

• While also finding any forms and pages faster than you can scroll

It’s all a part of a pilot program using AI to make things more accessible and less frustrating throughout our city.

You can still call, visit in person, or go online in the usual way. But if you want to try something new, this chatbot might actually save you a few minutes (and headaches).

Click Here: To give the new AI chatbot a try!

MPI Launches Faster Summer Driving Courses

If you’ve got a teenager trying to get their license, this could be the summer to make it happen faster.

MPI just announced a condensed version of its popular Driver Z course, perfect for students who don’t want to wait 12 weeks to get behind the wheel.

This summer-only option still teaches everything they need, just in a shorter format.

Here’s how it works:

• Two weeks of virtual classes

• Three weeks of in-car training

• Available in July and August across Winnipeg and other Manitoba towns

• Registration opens May 28 at 8 a.m. (mark your calendars)

Before signing up, students need to visit an Autopac agent or MPI Centre to get set up and buy the Driver Z service. Doing that first will help them register faster when the courses open up.

It’s a great way to fit learning to drive into a busy summer. So if you have any teenagers in your life or know someone who does, be sure to let them know!

Click Here: To learn more about the program and see all the locations.

Community Digest

🎶 Two Big Shows Just Announced at The Burt

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to grab tickets to a night out at The Burt, this might be it. Two massive shows just got announced. One for this fall, and one for early next year, and both are guaranteed to bring the energy.

• Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley & Stephen Marley – Traffic Jam 2025

  • Live at The Burt on September 4, 2025

  • Reggae royalty sharing the stage for one unforgettable night

• Nothing More – Carnal Nature World Tour

  • Coming to The Burt on March 4, 2026

  • With special guests: Catch Your Breath, Archers, and Doobie

  • A must-see for fans of hard rock and high-energy live shows

🎟️ Tickets for both go on sale this Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. So mark your calendars as these won’t last long!

Click Here: To learn more about both shows!

Jets Family Viewing Party in the Park

Playoff season in Winnipeg is electric, but not all of us can make it into the Whiteout crowds or snag a playoff ticket.

But if you still want that playoff energy, surrounded by fellow fans, there’s another way to catch Game 5 that’s way more family-friendly (and affordable too).

The Jets Family Viewing Party is back at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park, bringing fans another chance to catch the game together under the stars.

Here’s what to know:

• 📍 Location: Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park

• 📅 Date: Thursday, May 15

• ⏰ Time: Gates open at 7:30 p.m., puck drop at 8:30 p.m.

• 💸 Tickets: $10 donation (ages 3+)

They’re showing the game live on the big screen (just like Movies in the Park) and everyone’s welcome, kids, parents, diehards, and casual fans too.

Come out, bring a blanket, and let’s cheer the Jets on together.

Click Here: For more information and to get your tickets!

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!

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Edmonton Stingers | 7:30PM, May 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Home opener and Chad Posthumus’ jersey retirement.

• Family Fun Spring Fair | May 16-18, Open Fri, Sat & Sun (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Multiple rides, games and food trucks for you and your friends to enjoy!

• Manito Ahbee Festival | May 16-18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Performers: A celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and music. Includes the signature Powwow, Ball Hockey Tournament, Ignite Our Spirit Performance Stage and Indigenous Marketplace.

• Foodtrip Market SpringFest | 12-9PM, May 17 (More Info)

  • Location: IKEA, 500 Sterling Lyon Parkway

  • Description: Join us for Foodtrip Market SpringFest, a day full of blooming joy, delicious food, and local treasures. Pet fashion show, local vendors, handmade crafts, food stalls, live music and more!

• HerbFest 2025 | 10AM - 3PM, May 17 (More Info)

  • Location: The Leaf

  • Description: Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, this event has something for everyone. Get your herbs ready for summer with plants available for sale. With multiple workshops!

• Sound Lounge at the Garden of Contemplation | 7:50PM, May 17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canadian Museum for Human Rights

  • Description: Enjoy a live electronic music set accompanied by saxophone, vocals, and other live instruments by local artist Alex Maher.

• Tyndall Community Market Kick Off | May 17-18 (Free/Learn More)

  • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre

  • Description: Enjoy food trucks, local vendors, free Zumba, games, music, and more. Free admission and great vibes, so be sure to come!

• Andres Cepeda Concert | 8PM, May 18 ($)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Andrés Cepeda is one of the most renowned singers and songwriters in the Latin American music scene.

• Holi Summer Fest | 2-9PM, May 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Manitoba's biggest outdoor colour festival of the year

Exciting Events: May 14th & 15th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance.

Sports🏒

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, May 14 (free/learn more)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

• Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars Game 5 | 8:30PM, May 15 (Click here for all road closures)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Jets Whiteout Street Parties | 6:30PM, May 15

  • Location: Donald Street and Graham Ave

  • Description: 5,000 fans right outside the Canada Life Centre, watching Jets game 5 on big screens!

Family Fun🎆

• ELEVATE: Manaaji'idiwin Play | May 14-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: What happens when the elevator gets stuck on your way to an important meeting?

• Grease Lightning Musical | May 15,17 & 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

  • Description: Greetings, Winnipeg High class of 1959, you are all invited to the biggest Rock and Roll reunion this town has ever seen!

Special Events/Comedy🥂

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7-9PM, May 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf

  • Description: Enjoy an adults-only atmosphere with live musical entertainment, plus wine and beer.

• Brian Kiley Comedy | May 14-17 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Brian Kiley was a staff writer for Conan O’Brien for 27 years and wrote on the final season of “Ellen.” He has been nominated for 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and 2 Daytime Emmy Awards!

• Chris D’Elia Comedy | 8PM, May 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: An American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and podcast host. He is known for playing Alex Miller on the NBC sitcom Whitney, Danny Burton on the NBC sitcom Undateable, Kenny on the ABC television series and more!

• RECON-SILLY-ATION Comedy Tour | 7PM, May 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Park Theatre

  • Description: Your favourite Indigenous Comedy Duo, The Deadly Aunties, are back! This time, their stand-up comedy show puts The Silly in Reconciliation 2025.

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].