Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to answer last week’s polls—we loved hearing your thoughts! It’s clear that markets and classes are a favourite, so we’re already rolling up our sleeves to bring you more of what you love.

Here’s a little sneak peek: we’ve got 3-5 markets lined up for this summer, and most will be free to attend. All we ask is that you come out and support them because if they’re a success, we can make even more community events happen together.

We’re committed to keeping this a community-led initiative, creating events you’re genuinely excited about. After all, we’re building this for our city, and we can’t wait to see what we create together.

Today’s edition is packed with updates, stories, and a feedback poll at the end, so don’t forget to share your thoughts. Let’s make it a great week, Winnipeg! 💙

In today's edition:

• Manitoba’s $50,000 Accessibility Grant

• Restaurant of the Week

• RRC Polytech Waives Fees for Indigenous Applicants

• Nestaweya River Trail Expands at The Forks

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba’s $50,000 Accessibility Grant

We’ve all seen how hard it can be for folks with disabilities to access the same services or spaces many of us take for granted. It’s a reminder that our community can always do better—and now, there’s a chance to make a real difference.

The Manitoba Accessibility Fund is offering up to $50,000 in funding to help create a more inclusive Manitoba.

Here’s how it works:

• Who can apply? Registered charities, non-profits, local businesses, municipalities, and on-reserve entities in Manitoba.

• What’s the funding for? Projects that:

  • Raise awareness about accessibility.

  • Create tools or training to meet accessibility standards.

  • Remove communication barriers—whether online, in print, or in person.

• How much funding? Up to 100% of project costs, with a cap of $50,000 per application.

This fund has already helped 109 projects with $2.4M in funding. The deadline is Feb. 14, so don’t wait! Let’s make Manitoba a place where everyone belongs. Apply now!

Sponsored by Great Escapes By Christine!

The Ultimate Bucket List Adventure

We all have a bucket list of those places we dream of visiting someday. But how often do we actually make it happen? Life moves fast, and before we know it, years go by, and we’re left wishing we had taken the leap.

That’s where this hassle-free tour to Iceland comes in. Carefully planned by Christine, a Winnipeg travel expert who has organized hundreds of trips and visited 115 countries herself, this adventure makes your dream of exploring Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes easy and unforgettable.

No matter your age, whether you are in your early 20s, have kids, or want to send your parents, this is as stress-free as it gets. They get to enjoy the adventure while leaving all the planning behind.

Here’s what’s included:

• Flights, transfers, and hotels all taken care of

• A guided tour to bucket list spots like the Golden Circle, Reykjavik, Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, and more

• 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners so you can focus on enjoying every moment

This is Iceland like you have always dreamed of. Come see it for yourself from September 8 to 18, 2025. It is time to cross something off your list and let Christine handle the details.

Click below to learn more and book your spot. Your adventure awaits!

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

Restaurant of the Week: Pauline Bistro

Located at 112 Marion St. in St. Boniface, Pauline Bistro feels like stepping into 1920s France. With its vintage charm and cozy atmosphere, it’s one of my favourite go-to spots for brunch in the city. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch when you’re looking for something special but still simple and welcoming.

Their menu has a bit of everything, whether you’re in the mood for something classic or want to treat yourself:

• Poached eggs and crispy hashbrowns for a comforting breakfast.

• Brioche Cinnamon French Toast if you’re craving something sweet.

• And even juicy cheeseburgers if you’re after something hearty to fuel the rest of your day.

Perfect for a weekend date, a relaxed brunch with friends, or just treating yourself to a solo outing, Pauline Bistro makes every meal special. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s an experience that reminds you why St. Boniface holds such a special place in Winnipeg’s heart.

Take a stroll through the neighborhood and make sure to stop by—you won’t regret it!

Community Digest

RRC Polytech Waives Fees for Indigenous Applicants

For First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners, this initiative removes a major financial barrier to post-secondary education. RRC Polytech is waiving application and seat deposit fees throughout January, making it easier for Indigenous students to start their journey.

What you need to know:

• Fees waived: $119 application fee and $400 seat deposit.

• When: All of January 2025.

• Why it matters: This helps high school students, single parents, and career changers take that first step toward their goals.

• Extra support: Indigenous learners gain access to advisors and tailored services focused on their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual success.

With over 150 programs to choose from, including pathways through the School of Indigenous Education, this is an incredible chance to remove barriers and build brighter futures. If you know someone who qualifies, share this opportunity and encourage them to apply!

Hellebuyck and the Jets Are Unstoppable

What a season, right? I’m not sure how many of you have been following the Jets, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen magic like this on the ice. Connor Hellebuyck is on fire, shutting out the Colorado Avalanche for the third time in a row during regular season matchups.

With 22 saves in a 3-0 win, Hellebuyck now has six shutouts this season—tying his career best. And let’s not forget Nikolaj Ehlers, who scored twice, and Mark Scheifele, who added another. It’s not just about the stats; it’s the consistency and heart they’re showing this season.

Winnipeggers, we’re lucky to witness a season like this. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just starting to watch, this is a team worth rooting for. Go Jets Go!

City Updates

Waverley West Fire-Paramedic Station Officially Open

A few weeks ago, we shared news about Waverley West getting a modular fire-paramedic station, and now it’s official!

With increasing fires in vacant homes and a rapidly growing population, this station at 130 Eaglewood Dr. is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Here’s why it’s important:

• Faster emergency response times for families in Waverley West.

• A fire engine, ambulance, and full crews are already operating out of the station.

• The modular building can be reused elsewhere once the permanent station is ready.

This $6.8 million project shows the city is stepping up to support both safety and growth in Winnipeg’s newer communities.

Nestaweya River Trail Expands at The Forks

If you’ve been to The Forks recently, you know winter fun is in full swing. And if you made it to the first Learn to Winter session yesterday, you got a chance to skate the newest stretch of the Nestaweya River Trail.

But, If you missed it, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy this classic Winnipeg experience. From skating rinks to on-land trails, there’s already so much to explore. Now, the Assiniboine River section of the trail is open too!

Here’s what’s ready:

• Skating rinks and trails on land are up and running.

• The new river trail section spans 3 km along the Assiniboine, connecting the Port Rink at The Forks to Hugo Docks on Wellington Crescent.

• And lastly, work on the Red River section is already underway and will soon stretch to the Norwood Bridge.

So, whether you come for Oyster Nights on Thursdays, Learn to Winter on Sundays, or just to skate with friends, this is Winnipeg winter at its best. Don’t miss out!

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!

• Winnipeg Jets vs Seattle Kraken | 7PM, Jan 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Fleurs de Villes | Jan 16-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf

  • Description: Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE is a fresh floral event showcasing Manitoba’s vibrant arts scene and outstanding floral talent. 15 fresh floral mannequins designed by local florists in collaboration with Manitoba arts and cultural organizations.

• Astronomy Night at Fort Whyte | 6PM, Jan 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Enjoy food, drinks, and a trip through the stars!

• Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights! | 5-8PM, Jan 16 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks Market

  • Description: We believe evenings on the patio shouldn't be reserved for only the summer months, so The Common is partnering with Raw Bar Oyster Co. to bring you Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights.

• Brian Holtzman Comedy | Jan 17-18 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Brian Holtzman is a certified L.A. and Austin comedy legend going on 35+ years in the business.

• Life-Cycle | Jan 17-19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Life-Cycle combines acrobatics, puppetry, and digital effects to create a world where a simple bicycle can become pure magic.

• Kiyanaan Indigenous Theatre Festival | Jan 18-19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: Dedicated to bringing Indigenous theatre to audiences, offering production support to achieve artistic goals of the work of First Nations, Métis, Inuit artists.

• The Snow Maze Soft Opening | Jan 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

  • Description: Home of the Guinness Book of World Record's Largest Snow Maze! Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!

Exciting Events: Jan 13th & 14th

Music 🎵

• Central Sound Wave | 12-2:45PM, Jan 13

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

• CaRaVaN Open Mic + Open Stage | 6-10:30PM, Jan 13

  • Location: X-Cues Cafe & Lounge

  • Description: The sets are from 6 to 7:30 PM and 9 to 10:30 PM, with sign up beginning 15 minutes before each set.

• Sean Taylor | 12-2:45PM, Jan 14

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

• Casati (Mardi Jazz) | 7PM, Jan 14

  • Location: Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (340 Provencher Blvd)

  • Genre: Folk

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs Vancouver Canucks | 7PM, Jan 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Mini Mondays at the Children's Museum | 10Am - 2PM, Jan 13 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: A fun-filled day of stimulating play designed for our youngest visitors, children under 4 years old!

Special 🥂

• Big Broadway Trivia Night | 7-9PM, Jan 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Kilter Brewing (450 Rue Deschambault)

  • Description: Calling all musical theatre nerds: it's the Big Broadway Trivia Night! Test your "theatre kid" cred with five brain-busting rounds of questions, spanning the Golden Age to present. (A lot of gifts!)

• Waitress - Musical | Jan 13 - Feb 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

  • Description: Jenna is a small-town waitress who puts her passion into incredible pie-baking. When she finds herself pregnant in a dead-end relationship, she realizes she must address her life, and find her true self in a world.

• Board Game Trivia Night | 7-9PM, Jan 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Across The Board Game Café

  • Description: Bring a team of up to 4 people and test your knowledge in 5 rounds of board game trivia!

• Malik Elassal Comedy | Jan 14-18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Malik Elassal is a Lebanese-Canadian actor, writer, and comedian from northeast Calgary. He was named one of the New Faces at Just For Laughs in Montreal in 2022.

CHEERS!

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! I’ll see you again on Wednesday!

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected].