Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

First, I hope everyone is safe after yesterday's crazy snowstorm! We’re sending our best wishes to anyone who had to step out and drive through it. It’s been a rough one, and as I write this, it’s still coming down hard.

Just a quick heads-up—the parking ban is in effect, so don’t leave your car parked on snow routes overnight unless you want to wake up to a ticket (or worse, a tow)!

In today’s edition, we’re talking about how you can support local, and multiple initiatives happening around our city. Lots of great things are happening despite the snow, and we’ve got all the details for you!

If you love today’s edition (or even if you don’t), let us know with the poll at the end! We love hearing from you, and your feedback helps us make this newsletter even better.

In today’s edition:

• Manitoba’s New Shop Local Website

• $72M Dollars for Seniors in Transcona

• U of M Faculty Votes on Possible Strike

• 55+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba’s New Shop Local Website

You know that feeling when you grab a bag of locally roasted coffee or a handmade candle and feel good about supporting local? Well, the province is doubling down on that idea with the new "Support Manitoba. Buy Local" campaign. Urging Manitobans to buy locally, especially with the looming threat of U.S. tariffs.

Soon you’ll start seeing it online, on billboards, and on the radio, with the simple goal of keeping more money in our province by choosing Manitoba-made products whenever possible.

• Where to shop: If you’re not sure where to start, they’ve even made a website to help. Just go to manitoba.ca/buylocal and find a full list of local businesses selling everything from food to clothes to home goods and more.

• Why it matters: The food and beverage industry is actually Manitoba’s biggest manufacturing sector. So every time you grab a locally made beer, loaf of bread, or jar of honey, you’re helping keep more and more dollars in our province.

So next time you’re shopping for groceries or picking up drinks for the Super Bowl this weekend, check out what’s made right here in Manitoba first! It’s an easy way to support local businesses and keep our economy going strong.

Manitoba’s New Fund for Black Entrepreneurs

Staying on the topic of supporting local, and with February being Black History Month, there’s some great news for Black entrepreneurs in Manitoba. The province is putting $200,000 into a pilot program to break down barriers and help more Black business owners succeed.

• The funding: The Manitoba government is committing $110,000, with another $90,000 coming through the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, to help launch the program.

• The goal: The program will provide resources, business development tools, and funding opportunities to Black entrepreneurs who have faced barriers in starting and growing their businesses.

• Why it matters: Right now, only 2.3 percent of business owners in Manitoba are Black. That means many face extra hurdles when it comes to networking, securing loans, and building successful businesses.

A steering committee made up of members from the Black and business communities, will guide how the program works to make sure it helps those who actually need it most.

This is a big step toward making sure more Black entrepreneurs get the support they deserve. So, if you or someone you know fits the criteria and is looking to start or grow a business, please click the button to learn more about the program!

City Updates

Manitoba Invests $811,000 to Help Men End Gender-Based Violence

The Manitoba government is putting $811,000 into five community programs aimed at helping men and boys build healthier relationships and stop cycles of violence before they begin. The funding is part of a $12.5 million investment in the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, supporting 19 initiatives across the province.

The goal is simple—give men the tools, support, and mentorship they need to be part of the solution. The funding will support:

• Northern Men and Boys Programming (The Pas Family Resource Centre): $25,000

• NorWest Men’s Relationship Program: $166,000

• EmpowerMen Program (Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre): $200,000

• Aboriginal Health and Wellness – Men’s Program: $200,000

• Inspiring Newcomer Men’s GBV Program (Elmwood Community Resource Centre): $220,000

By creating spaces for men to learn, reflect, and engage, these programs are helping build safer families and stronger communities. Change starts with action, and this funding is making sure it happens.

$72M Dollars for Seniors in Transcona

If you’ve got parents or grandparents in Transcona, this one’s for you. The province is putting $72 million into expanding the Park Manor Personal Care Home, adding 90 private beds so more seniors can get the care they deserve.

• What’s changing: Right now, many seniors at Park Manor share semi-private or four-bed rooms. This expansion will give them more privacy and comfort while making space for new residents.

• Why it matters: Manitoba’s seniors built this province. They spent their lives working hard for their families and communities, and now it’s time to make sure they get the care and dignity they need.

• Bigger picture: This isn’t just about Transcona. The province is also adding more health-care aides and passing laws to make sure seniors’ rights are protected for years to come.

So, If you’ve got family members waiting for a spot in a care home, this is a step in the right direction. More beds mean more families can keep their loved ones close to home!

Community Digest

U of M Votes on Possible Strike

If you’re a U of M student or know someone who is, this could shake things up. As reported by The Winnipeg Free Press, Faculty members are voting on whether to strike, and the decision could have big impacts on students, research, and daily life on campus.

The issue? Pay. Professors, librarians, and faculty members say their salaries are among the lowest of any major Canadian university. They argue that in order to keep attracting top talent and offering quality education, they need better wages.

The vote runs until Friday, and bargaining talks are set to continue Monday. If a strike happens, it could mean cancelled classes, disrupted research, and uncertainty for thousands of students. No one wants that, but faculty members need fair wages to keep doing their jobs. For now, it’s a waiting game and we’ll keep you updated with everything that happens next.

New Support for Kids Struggling with Eating Disorders

When a child struggles with an eating disorder, it can feel impossible for families to know where to turn. That’s why the province is putting $500,000 into a new community-based eating disorders program for kids and youth, making it easier for families to access care earlier.

• More access to care: Instead of waiting for hospital treatment, kids will be able to connect with social workers, dietitians, and counselors in a community setting.

• A focus on early intervention: The earlier a child gets support, the better their chances of recovery. This program is all about catching issues before they get worse.

• Support for underserved communities: The program will make sure Indigenous and racialized youth, along with kids from all backgrounds, have the resources they need.

No child should have to struggle with this alone. This program is a step toward making sure more families get the help they need, when they need it.

Exciting Events: Feb 7th - 9th

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs. New York Islanders | 7PM, Feb 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Feb 8 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Manitoba Moose vs Iowa Wild | Feb 8-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, Feb 7 (More Info)

  • Location: Multiple locations in the Exchange District

  • Description: Dedicated to bringing together artists, artist-run centres, galleries, businesses and the public for a greater understanding, appreciation and promotion of the arts in the thriving Exchange District community.

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Feb 7 - 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!

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | Feb 7 - March 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry (1824 Pembina Hwy)

  • Description: Saddle up for a wild ride as Destination Dinner Stage takes you on a hilarious journey through the untamed wilderness of family drama, ranching antics, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• Free Entry to Manitoba Parks | Feb 7-28

  • Location: Multiple Locations

• CIAO - Dine About Winnipeg | Feb 7- 23 (More Info)

  • 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!

• Guided Snowshoe Experience | 10-11:30AM, Feb 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park (Riley Family Duck Pond Shelter)

  • Description: Depending on the session you choose, come ready to learn more about winter creatures, winter tracking, winter trees or Park history.

• Second Saturdays at Dalnavert Museum | 12-4PM, Feb 8 (Free)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

  • Description: Stop by for Second Saturdays, a free program inviting families to explore the past!

• Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Feb 9

  • Location: The Forks

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

• Canada Life Free Sundays @ WAG | 11 AM - 5PM, Feb 9

  • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

  • Description: Discover the 185,000-square-foot cultural campus that is WAG-Qaumajuq, including the stunning Visible Vault showcasing thousands of carvings, free access to the exhibitions on display, and more!

Markets / Festivals🎪

• Four Season RV Show & Sale | Feb 7-17 (Free)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Place

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest RV show and sale, presented by Four Seasons, is back!

• Children’s Hospital Book Market – pop-up sale | 10AM, Feb 8 (More Info)

  • Location: St. Vital Centre

  • Description: Shop a wide selection of fiction, mystery, romance, comics, graphic novels, teen titles and cookbooks along with sheet music, CDs, LPs, DVDs and puzzles!

• Fantastical Emporium of Amorous Finds | 11AM - 4PM, Feb 8 (More Info)

  • Location: 448 Burnell St

  • Description: A Valentine's themed market in support of Our Own Health Centre. Meet over 25 of the most incredible artists, artisans and makers our city has to offer.

• Community Centre Winter Carnival | 9AM - 11PM, Feb 8 (More Info)

  • Location: 980 Palmerston Ave, Winnipeg

  • Description: Hockey tournament, chess tournament, obstacle course and more!

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Feb 8

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Annual Valentines Craft & Bake Sale | 9:30AM - 2:30PM, Feb 8-10 (More Info)

  • Location: East End Community Club

  • Description: Just in time for Valentine's Day 💗 Shop from local makers, bakers, and small business owners!

Comedy❗

• Faris Hytiaa Comedy | Feb 7-8 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Faris Hytiaa is one of Canada's fastest rising comedians. Last year, he was a part of Just For Laughs New Faces of Comedy, appearing at festivals in Montreal and Toronto.

• Luis J. Gomez Comedy | Feb 7-8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: His television credits include NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, Comedy Central, TruTV and TV Land's "The Jim Gaffigan show," and more! (Along with his 4 appearances on the Joe Rogan Experience)

• John Beuhler Comedy | Feb 7-8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club

  • Description: John's arsenal of sickly smart comedy is enough to leave any crowd begging for more. He is fast becoming one of North America's favorite and controversial comedians.

Special Events 🥂

• First Fridays Lights On The Exchange Art Walk | Feb 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Exchange District BIZ

  • When: Tours will run at 5:30PM and 7PM

  • Where: Tours begin at 492 Main Street and conclude at 123 James Avenue

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

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

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

• Raw Almond Restaurant | Feb 7- 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks

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

• Mix Tapes From My Mom | Feb 7-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Tom Hendry Warehouse

  • Description: Winnipeg theatre veteran Cory Wojcik, shares a deeply personal story of the day he travelled back and forth between two hospitals.

• Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers present: "Old" by Margie Gillis

  | Feb 7-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rachel Browne Theatre

• The National Franchise Show | Feb 8-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Come to Manitoba’s Largest “Own Your Own Business” Event!

• Guided Fat Bike Tours | 1-2PM & 3-4PM, Feb 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Cargo Bar, beside Riley Family Duck Pond, Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Explore Assiniboine Park and learn about the area and the wildlife that live here!

• Threads: A Fashion Demonstration | 2PM, Feb 9 (Free)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: This event will include a fashion show, talks by designers, a family-friendly dance party, and more!

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Monday!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].