Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

A few things around the city have moved forward this week, and we’ve pulled together the updates worth knowing. From new digital health cards to changes coming down the line, it’s a good one to skim and stay in the loop.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • Manitoba Launches Digital Health Cards You Can Use on Your Phone

  • Manitoba Introduces a New Poverty Reduction Strategy

  • The City’s 2026 Election Website Is Now Live

  • Abercrombie & Fitch Is Coming to Winnipeg

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba Launches Digital Health Cards You Can Use on Your Phone

Source: Government of Manitoba

Manitobans now have an easier way to carry their health card, right on their phone.

This week, the province rolled out a new digital health card, giving people across Manitoba the option to securely access their health card information on a mobile device.

It’s the next step after moving from paper cards to plastic, and part of a broader effort to make everyday health care tasks simpler and quicker.

Premier Wab Kinew says the goal is convenience and accessibility: putting people more in control of their own information while reducing wait times and friction when accessing care.

Here’s what to know:

  • You can choose a digital card, a plastic card, or both

  • Existing cardholders can request a digital version at any time

  • The card lives in the MB Wallet app, available free on Apple and Android

  • Your information can be accessed securely, even offline

  • You control when and where your information is shared

The digital health card also works alongside MediNav, Manitoba’s online appointment-booking system, making it easier to both book care and present your health card from the same device.

Setting it up is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. If you’ve been meaning to update your card or want a more convenient option going forward, click the link below to apply for a digital health card.

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If winter has already taken a toll on your windshield, click below to book your replacement and receive the free Premium Repair Plan.

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

Community Spotlight

Manitoba Introduces a New Poverty Reduction Strategy

Manitoba has introduced a renewed five-year poverty reduction strategy focused on supporting people during key transition points in life, including early childhood, youth leaving care, and seniors.

What sets this strategy apart is how it was shaped. Input from more than 3,000 Manitobans helped bring forward the real financial pressures families face across the province. That input helped shape where support is being focused.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the steps already being taken:

  • Higher earning exemptions for Employment and Income Assistance, allowing people to keep more of what they earn

  • A provincewide universal school nutrition program, helping ensure students have access to meals during the school day

  • A doubled Healthy Baby Prenatal Benefit, now the highest in Canada

  • Rent Assist and disability supports are indexed to inflation, helping offset rising housing costs

  • New investments in social and affordable housing, alongside expanded renter supports

These actions are part of a broader, long-term approach that continues to evolve, with more measures planned to support stability and reduce financial pressure for Manitobans over time.

City Updates

Meter Reading Week Is Underway in Winnipeg

Source: Manitoba Hydro

This week marks Winnipeg’s first Meter Reading Week of 2026: a reminder to submit a water meter reading so your bill reflects what you actually use, rather than an estimate.

Here’s why submitting a reading helps:

  • More accurate bills with no guesswork

  • Avoids large catch-up charges later on

  • Helps spot leaks sooner

  • And ensures you’re billed only for the water you actually use

Submitting a reading takes less than a minute and can be done anytime online. Residents are required to submit at least one reading per year, and doing so whenever you receive a reminder helps keep bills predictable and manageable.

It’s a small step that can make a noticeable difference on your utility bill.

The City’s 2026 Election Website Is Now Live

We usually keep things pretty non-political around here, but when it comes to practical city info that affects everyone, this felt worth flagging.

The City of Winnipeg has officially launched its website for the 2026 Municipal and School Boards Election, giving residents an early place to find clear, straightforward information ahead of Election Day this fall.

Here’s what to know:

  • Election Day is Wednesday, October 28, 2026

  • Voters will choose a Mayor, City Councillors, and School Trustees

  • The website includes details on voter eligibility, candidate nominations, and election rules

Even though the vote is still months away, having everything in one place makes it easier to stay informed whether you’re planning to vote, thinking about running, or just want to understand how the process works.

Community Digest

Abercrombie & Fitch Is Coming to Winnipeg

Source: Old Spitalfields Market

Winnipeg’s retail lineup is getting another familiar name.

Abercrombie & Fitch is officially on its way to the city, with plans to open a new location at CF Polo Park.

A recent city development permit confirms building updates tied to the brand, and store manager job postings have already started popping up, a strong sign that plans are moving ahead.

The timing also adds to a bigger moment for Polo Park. As we shared in a recent edition, Uniqlo is preparing to open two Winnipeg locations, making the mall a growing hub for well-known global brands.

There’s no opening date yet for Abercrombie & Fitch, but permits like this typically signal a full, permanent store rather than a short-term pop-up.

Between Uniqlo and Abercrombie & Fitch, Winnipeg shoppers can expect more variety, more choice, and fewer reasons to shop out of town.

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!

  • An Evening of Sherlock Holmes | 7PM, Jan 16 (Tickets)

    • Location: Dalnavert Museum

    • Description: Step into the parlour for an intimate evening with the world's greatest detective. Enjoy a reading of the classic Sherlock Holmes tale "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" in the immersive setting of Dalnavert's lavish surroundings

  • Friday Comedy Showcase | 8:30PM, Jan 16 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

    • Description: An all-star lineup of Winnipeg's most talented comedians strutting their stuff at The Basement!

  • Winnipeg Renovation Show 2026 | Jan 16-18 (Tickets)

    • Location: RBC Convention Centre

    • Description: The Winnipeg Renovation Show is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop in-person with REAL people for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals.

  • Winnipeg Jets vs Toronto Maple Leafs | 6PM, Jan 17 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Living Prairie Museum Snowshoe Saturday | 11AM-3PM, Jan 17 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Living Prairie Museum

    • Description: Free snowshoe rentals available between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Learn to snowshoe on the prairie and then warm up with hot chocolate!

  • ImproVision | 8:30PM, Jan 17 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Getaway

    • Description: They take suggestions from the audience (that’s you) and make stuff up on the spot with their own unique brand of twisted short form improv. It’s like Whose Line Is It Anyway suffered a head injury and decided to incorporate clothespins, audience cell phones, puppets and more.

  • WSO presents The Music of Studio Ghibli | 2PM, Jan 17 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: A symphonic journey through the musical world of Studio Ghibli and the acclaimed composer Joe Hisaishi.

  • Learn to Winter Activities | Jan 17-18 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: The Forks

    • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Yoga, Ice Basketball, Warming Hut Tours and more!

  • Ski Library at the Marsh | Jan 18 (Ticket)

    • Location: Oak Hammock Marsh

    • Description: Make the most of winter and try skiing surrounded by the beauty of Oak Hammock Marsh. Glide through wide-open prairie skies and frozen wetlands on peaceful, scenic trails. With freshly groomed routes and free trail access, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy cross-country skiing while spotting winter wildlife and soaking in the quiet of the marsh.

Current Events: January 14th - 15th

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

Community Fun🎆

  • WAG Wednesday Nights | 5-9PM, Jan 14 (More Info)

    • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq

    • Description: Enjoy weekly free admission to the galleries and more from 5-9pm. WAG-Qaumajuq transforms Wednesday nights into an after-hours experience designed for people who want more from their week — more creativity, more connection, more inspiration.

  • Fleurs de Villes | Jan 15-25 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Leaf

    • Description: Fleurs de Villes - Wonder is a fresh floral celebration of the natural wonders of the world brought to life by Winnipeg’s talented floral designers.

Performances🎭

  • Vox Populi Plays Stevie Wonder & Bill Withers | 7:30PM, Jan 14 (Tickets)

    • Location: Berney Theatre, Asper Jewish Community Campus

    • Description: Led by Carter Graham on keyboards and vocals, and joined by a band of all-star musicians, Vox Populi pushes the boundaries of contemporary pop music by creating uncomplicated joy.

  • Murder on the Orient Express Play | Jan 14 - Feb 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: Detective Hercule Poirot is aboard the Orient Express when a fellow passenger is murdered. As the famous detective investigates, he encounters a cast of intriguing passengers, including the glamorous Mrs. Hubbard and the enigmatic Princess Dragomiroff.

Special Events🥂

  • Jordan Welwood | 7:45PM, Jan 14 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Jordan Welwood is a Winnipeg born comedian and writer. In 2015 he won Runner up in Sirius XM’s “Canada’s Top Comic”at JFL42. He also represented Winnipeg in the finals of “Top Comic” in 2013.

  • Astronomy Night | 7PM-9PM, Jan 15 (Tickets)

    • Location: Oak Hammock Marsh

    • Description: Learn about what is in the current night sky with an informative theatre presentation followed by an observation session from the rooftop of the Wetland Discovery Centre with our large telescopes, weather permitting.

  • Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights! | 5-8PM, Jan 15 (More Info)

    • Location: The Forks Market Patio

    • Description: Patio season doesn’t have to end in summer. Join us every Thursday this winter for fresh oysters and seafood paired with a drink from The Common. Whether you are skating in or stopping by, settle in by the fire and enjoy the winter ambiance

  • Clayton English Comedy | Jan 15-17 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: He first came to national attention as the winner of NBC's 2015 ‘Last Comic Standing’ competition and has since headlined in clubs, colleges, and festivals non-stop throughout the country.

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].

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