Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

The weather has been warming up, and with the sun sticking around a little longer each day, it’s starting to feel like brighter days are ahead. It’s a welcome change after those icy temperatures!

But, first things first, we want to quickly apologize for a small mix-up in Friday’s edition. Both Jets games were listed as happening on Jan. 24, but the Calgary game actually took place on Sunday, Jan. 26. Sorry for any confusion we caused! We definitely dropped the ball on that one but promise to keep improving with each edition.

That said, your responses from last week were absolutely amazing and made our whole team’s day. We can’t thank you enough for the kind words and heartwarming messages—here are a few of our favorites from last week.

P.S. There’s a poll at the end of today’s email, and we’d love to hear from you again—especially those feel-good messages that keep us smiling. 😊

In today's edition:

• Manitoba’s New Council For U.S. Tariff Threats

• Winnipeg’s New Budget Updates

• Restaurant of the Week

• Car Crashes into Osborne Village Store

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba’s New Council For U.S. Tariff Threats

As many of you know, the new U.S. president has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. This could have a major impact on everything from local businesses to Manitoba’s provincial budget.

To stay ahead of this, Premier Wab Kinew announced the creation of a U.S. Trade Council. It’s made up of leaders from agriculture, business, and other industry, all working together to prepare and respond to these challenges.

The province is also opening a trade office in Washington, D.C., this spring to represent Manitoba’s interests right in the U.S. capital. “We’re building a budget with two plans: one where trade continues as usual, and another that supports businesses in an economic slowdown,” Kinew told CTV News.

So, what does this mean for us? It’s a reminder to support local:

• Shop at Manitoba-owned stores.

• Choose homegrown products and services.

• While exploring the incredible tourism opportunities across our province.

And keep an eye out this week for a new hotline and website to answer any questions about trade with the U.S. Let’s rally together for Manitoba businesses as they’re counting on us during these tough times!

Winnipeg’s New Budget Updates

After the city’s new budget was announced, it sparked a lot of conversation. Many people voiced their thoughts in the surveys the city ran last month, especially about the nearly 6% property tax increase. While that increase is staying in place to cover rising city costs, the updated budget includes some big changes aimed at tackling urgent issues.

The biggest change? $22 million is now set aside for the Arlington Bridge. As reported by CBC News, closed in 2023 over safety concerns, the bridge will soon be demolished, with $17 million going to tear it down and another $5 million to start designing its replacement. With traffic piling up at nearby routes, the city says moving forward now will save money and help commuters in the long run.

Other updates include:

• Snow-clearing Pilot Dropped: The city dropped the plan to wait for more snow before plowing residential streets after hearing from the public.

• Millennium Library Kiosk: The space will now host temporary programs run by the Downtown Community Safety Partnership.

The revised budget heads to council for approval on Jan. 29. We’ll keep you updated on what happens next—because these changes impact all of us.

Restaurant of the Week: Dave and Lavernes Modern Diner

Let’s take a trip back to the ‘50s—but with a fresh, new twist. Dave and Laverne’s Modern Diner just opened this January in Southdale, and it’s already turning heads. They’ve got that retro charm you’d expect from a classic diner, but with a modern take on all your favorite comfort foods.

Here’s what’s cooking:

• Shareables you’ll love: Their Brussels sprouts with whipped feta are crispy, creamy, and impossible to stop eating. And the Mediterranean bread? It’s perfect for splitting—or not.

• Burgers & Sandwiches: From their juicy smash burger to their cheesy Philly sandwiches, they’ve got a lot of options for you to try!

• Shakes to top it all off: Thick, dreamy, and everything you’d hope for in a milkshake.

You’ll find them at 15 Lakewood Blvd, and trust me, it’s the perfect spot for family night, a casual date, or just treating yourself. Swing by and see what the buzz is about—this new gem is too good to miss!

City Update

Car Crashes into Osborne Village Store

Staying on the topic of supporting local, one Osborne Village business could really use some help right now. As reported by Winnipeg Free Press, Early Friday morning, a car spun out and smashed into the front of Rooster Boutique, leaving the storefront damaged and forcing the shop to close for cleanup.

This is a tough break for a small business that’s already been through so much. Co-owned by Arden Coy and her mom, Rooster has been a part of the Village alongside their other shops, Small Mercies and Silver Lotus. Sadly, this is their second major incident like this. As Small Mercies was hit hard by a fire in 2023 and had to close for over a year.

The good news? Rooster plans to reopen soon. So, when they do, let’s all show up for them. Whether it’s stopping in for a purchase or spreading the word to friends, every little bit helps. Osborne Village thrives when we rally around its small businesses. Let’s make sure they know how much this community has their back!

245 Winnipeg Lab Workers Face Job Cuts

As reported by CBC News, the federal government is letting COVID-19 funding expire, which means over 800 Public Health Agency jobs won’t be renewed, including 245 at Winnipeg’s National Microbiology Lab.

Here’s what’s happening:

• COVID-19 funding is ending, and the government is reducing spending to pre-pandemic levels.

• Immigration Canada is also cutting 3,300 jobs over the next three years, further impacting employment across the country.

This is tough news for many families, especially workers who’ve been in their roles for years. But as a community, there are ways we can help:

• If you know someone impacted, share job opportunities or retraining resources with them—it can make a world of difference.

• Support local organizations that provide career counseling or job placement services.

For those who’ve worked tirelessly through the pandemic, this is a tough transition. Let’s show our community spirit by lending a helping hand wherever we can.

Community Digest

Indigenous Youth Skate with NHLers

As reported by CBC News, this weekend, 50 Indigenous youth from northern Manitoba laced up their skates with former NHL players at Camp Manitou, thanks to the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC).

Here’s why it matters:

• Representation: Kids saw role models like Ray Neufeld and Trevor Kidd, showing them hockey can be for everyone.

• Community Building: Beyond skating, the youth participated in cooking, mental health workshops, and team-building activities.

• Opportunities: Many of these kids come from remote communities, and this experience opens doors to new possibilities.

The weekend wrapped up with WASAC Night at the Jets game, celebrating Indigenous culture with music and special performances. Seeing these moments of joy and connection reminds us how important programs like WASAC are for building confidence and community.

Grants for Teaching and Learning Projects

Good news for UM professors, instructors, and librarians: The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Fund is accepting applications for 2025. These grants support projects that improve student learning and success.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Seed Projects: Up to $6,000 for smaller teaching and learning research initiatives, to be completed within one year.

• Major Projects: Up to $25,000 for large-scale interdisciplinary projects, to be completed within 18 months.

Applications are due March 31, but departments may have earlier internal deadlines, so check with yours. For help, connect with the SoTL team at The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning—or if you know someone who fits the criteria, be sure to let them know!

Perfetti’s Hat Trick Leads Jets to Victory

What a game for Cole Perfetti! He finally broke a 14-game goal drought on Friday with his first career hat trick, leading the Jets to a 5-2 win over Utah. And if that wasn’t enough, Nikolaj Ehlers hit a major milestone, picking up his 500th NHL career point with an assist on Perfetti’s empty-net goal.

So, after a tough loss earlier in the week, this win felt even sweeter for the Jets and our fans. The crowd at Canada Life Centre was buzzing, and you could feel the excitement as the team took back control on home ice.

But as I’m writing this, the Jets are already gearing up for their next challenge against Calgary at 5 p.m. tonight. Let’s hope they can pull off another win! Be sure to check the results, as the game will be done by the time you’re reading this. Here’s hoping for three wins in a row!

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!

• Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights! | 5-8PM, Jan 30 (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.

• Mid Canada RV & Boat Sale | Jan 30 - Feb 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: The show will fill the entire, third floor of the RBC Convention Centre. All dealers and exhibitors will be in one location and on one floor.

• We call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show | 6:30 & 9PM, Jan 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes bring this classic tale to life on stage.

• Ram Motorsports Spectacular | Jan 31 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Canada Life Centre will host monster trucks, motocross and more.

• Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity | 7PM, Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Catch the screenings of the best films from the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity!

• Rewind Vintage Market | 10AM - 1PM, Feb 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Parlour Coffee

  • Description: A local market to buy cool vintage clothing!

• Snoball Winter Carnival 2025 | 12-4PM, Feb 1 (More Info)

  • Location: 185 Young St

  • Description: Free meal and hot beverages from NOON - 2pm, horse drawn carriage rides, Outdoor fun/games & fireside activities.

• Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Feb 2 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks

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

• The Great Skate 2025 | 9-11AM, Feb 2 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: The Great Skate is a 6KM race along the Nestaweya River Trail. Helping you embrace the winter season with fun and friendly competition..

Exciting Events: Jan 27th & 28th

Music 🎵

• Schmaltz & Pepper | 7:30PM, Jan 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Berney Theatre

• Quinton Blair (MCMA male artist of the year) | 12-2:45PM, Jan 27

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

• Will Bonness | 7PM, Jan 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain

• Randy Hiebert/Gary Gach/Dave Wasyliw/Derrick Gottfried | 7PM, Jan 28

  • Location: Royal George

• Sean Taylor (MCMA album of the year) | 12-2:45PM, Jan 28

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

• Tuesday Night Jazz Jam | 8PM, Jan 28

  • Location: Park Alleys

Family Fun🎆

• Mini Mondays at the Children's Museum | 10 AM - 2PM, Jan 27 (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!

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Jan 27 - March 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

  • Description: Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!

• Waitress - Musical | Jan 27 - 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.

• $12 Tuesdays at the Zoo | 9AM - 4PM, Jan 28 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Enjoy all that the Zoo offers and discover the wild winter days! Plan your visit and take advantage of this limited-time offer.

Special 🥂

• Raw Almond Restaurant | Jan 27 - Feb 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: World class chefs gather to create a pop-up restaurant experience like no other.

• Fat Joke Play | Jan 27 - Feb 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: A fusion of stand-up comedy, storytelling, and unapologetic fact-blasting, Fat Joke thrusts fatphobia into the spotlight.

• Trivia Night | 7-9PM, Jan 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Across The Board Cafe

  • Description: Bring a team of up to 4 people and test your knowledge in 5 rounds of general trivia.

• Feminist Figure Drawing | 7-9:30PM, Jan 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: 329 Cumberland Ave

  • Description: MAWA offers figure drawing with live models in a feminist environment. No need to register, just show up. Doors open at 6:30 pm to give you time to set up. The model begins at 7 pm for quick gesture drawings, followed by longer poses.

• Tim Gray Comedy | Jan 28-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: With over 12 years of experience. He has appeared on the CBC Radio's "The Debaters" 3 times, Just for Laughs Northwest, San Francisco Sketchfest, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, etc.

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].