Happy Monday, Winnipeg.
Hope everyone had a great weekend, even with the snow that rolled through. The good news is this week is looking a lot brighter. We’re set to see temperatures climb, with some days getting as warm as 2°C, which is always a welcome change this time of year.
If you can, try to plan your week with that in mind. It’s a great chance to step outside, run errands without rushing, or sneak in a short walk while the weather cooperates.
Now, in today’s edition:
Manitoba to Test 24/7 Snow Clearing Program
An Affordable Valentine’s Date Idea in Winnipeg
Restaurant of the Week
The Nestaweya River Trail Is Now Fully Open
Manitoba Donates $4 Million From U.S. Liquor Sales to Support Local Children
Multiple events this week & more
— Jas Singh

News
Manitoba to Test 24/7 Snow Clearing Program on the Perimeter Highway
Winnipeg winters have a way of reminding us who’s in charge. Heavy snow can roll in quickly, and when it does, keeping key roads open really matters. That’s the thinking behind a new pilot the province is rolling out this winter.
As of January 22nd, Manitoba can now activate 24/7 snow clearing on the Perimeter Highway during major winter storms.
Here’s what that looks like:
It applies to Highway 100 and 101
Crews can be scheduled to work around the clock when severe weather is forecast or already happening
Two 12-hour shifts allow plows to keep moving overnight instead of stopping and restarting
The goal is simple. Faster response during big storms, fewer disruptions, and a better chance of keeping the Perimeter open for people who rely on it.
This past weekend’s snowfall was a good reminder of why plans like this matter. When snow adds up fast, timing makes a real difference.
This is a pilot for now, but it’s one focused squarely on safety and keeping Winnipeg moving when winter shows up at full strength.

Together with Eleven Hundred Dance!

An Affordable Valentine’s Idea in Winnipeg
Valentine’s plans don’t have to be expensive or overplanned to feel special. If you’re looking for something affordable and a little different, doing something together can be just as meaningful as a big night out.
That’s where 1100 Dance Studio comes in. Their classes offer a fun, low-pressure way to spend Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or any February night. Come with a partner, a friend, or even on your own. It’s easy to jump in and enjoy, no matter your experience level.
Classes move at a comfortable pace, and everyone’s there to learn, laugh, and try something new.
Group classes start at $15.00 per person, making this an easy plan for a date night, a friend’s outing, or a solo night out that still feels social.
Here’s what you can explore:
Argentine Tango for something connected and intimate
Ballroom for a classic and elegant feel
Salsa for energy and warmth
Swing and Lindy Hop for laughs and lighthearted fun
Hip Hop and Heels for confidence and self-expression
Ukrainian Dance and Line Dancing for a strong community vibe
Private lessons are also available and booked in advance. These sessions are arranged one-on-one, giving you privacy while learning new moves together. It’s a thoughtful, memorable gift that feels personal without being over the top.
With Valentine’s Day (February 14) booking up quickly, planning ahead is a good idea if this is on your list.
If you’re looking for a Valentine’s plan that’s fun, affordable, and a little different, this is a great way to make the night feel special without breaking the bank.

Restaurant of the Week: Peacock

Winnipeg Gets A New Dinner Spot on Grant Ave
Some openings feel extra personal. And, this is one of them.
Yujiro has quietly changed into Peacock, a new dinner-only spot where decades of experience are coming together in one kitchen. After 30 years of cooking, Chef Ed is bringing everything he’s learned into a style that feels very much his own.
The idea here is simple and thoughtful. Japanese and Chinese influences, mixed with Canadian ingredients and comfort. Familiar in some ways, surprising in others.
A little context that makes this one special: Yujiro was one of only nine Japanese restaurants in Canada to make Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list in both 2024 and 2025. That same level of care is being carried forward here.
What to know before you go:
Dinner only, starting at 5 PM
No lunch service and no takeout
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Peacock officially opens on February 6 for reservations, with bookings now available online.
Peacock Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 5 PM to 10 PM
Friday and Saturday: 5 PM to late
📍 1822 Grant Ave
If you enjoy places that feel intentional, calm, and quietly confident, this is one to put on your list and actually make time for.

Community Digest
The Nestaweya River Trail Is Now Fully Open

Source: The Forks
If you’re looking to step outside this week as temperatures warm up a bit, this is a great place to start.
The Nestaweya River Trail is now fully open, which means the entire stretch is ready for people to enjoy it in whatever way feels right. Skating, walking, or just getting some fresh air. No pressure, and no plan needed.
Here’s what’s open right now:
6.8 kilometres of river trail, end to end
New warming huts where you can stop, warm up, or take a break
Plenty of space to skate, walk, or simply be outside
A winter space like this only works because of the people who show up for it. Through the Trail Together campaign, more than 1,200 metres have already been adopted, helping keep the trail in great shape throughout the season.
We also want to say a genuine thank you to everyone who donated and supported the work that brought the river trail to life, especially since it’s such a core part of our winters here in Winnipeg.
So, if you’ve been meaning to get outside but didn’t know where to start, this is an easy, feel-good option right in the heart of the city.
Manitoba Donates $4 Million From U.S. Liquor Sales to Support Local Children

Source: Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba
The Manitoba government is adding another $4 million to support children’s health and nutrition across the province. This comes on top of the $2.6 million already donated in December, all from the sale of U.S. liquor products.
Here’s where the new $4 million is going:
$3 million to the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba, helping provide healthy food to kids at school
$1 million to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, supporting pediatric care, equipment, and family services
This is in addition to the $30 million invested each year in Manitoba’s universal school nutrition program.
This funding comes on top of the $2.6 million announced in December, which was directed to food banks, cheer boards, and community organizations across Manitoba.
The province says it will continue selling the remaining U.S. liquor inventory and donating the proceeds to charities, keeping the focus on supporting kids and families where it matters most.
Click here: To learn more about where the funding is going and how it supports kids and families in Manitoba.
City Updates
Updates on School Safety Across Manitoba
After the safety concerns raised late last year, this update is a reassuring one for families across Manitoba.
The province has now received updated school safety plans from every school division, allowing for a more coordinated approach to keeping students and staff safe. It’s work that mostly happens behind the scenes, but it plays a big role in how schools operate day to day.
Here’s what’s happening:
All school divisions have reviewed and submitted their safety and access plans
The province has committed over $500,000 in new funding focused on school safety
16 school divisions are already using that funding to carry out detailed safety assessments
As a result, 101 schools are preparing plans for security improvements
The funding helps schools take a closer look at building access, entry points, and where upgrades may be needed.
The province is also working with the Manitoba School Boards Association to:
Provide safety training for all 37 school divisions
Create a province-wide online safety training module for school staff
And host leadership forums focused on school safety
It’s practical, system-wide work aimed at making schools safer and more consistent for students, staff, and families across Manitoba.

Dinner Club Returns for Round Two
Making new friends in Winnipeg as an adult isn’t always easy. That’s exactly why we started Dinner Club.
After 125+ people showed up to our first one, we’re hosting our second Dinner Club on Wednesday, February 18. And already, 50+ people have signed up.
The idea stays the same. Support local restaurants, sit at small tables, and enjoy easy, natural conversation with people who are also looking to meet new friends.
If you’ve been wanting a simple, low-pressure way to connect with others in the city, this is exactly what we built this for.
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!
WAG Wednesday Nights | 5-9PM, Feb 4 (More Info)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Theme: Spill some “T” & Scavenger hunt
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.
The Leaf Unplugged | 7PM, Feb 4 (Tickets)
Location: The Leaf
Description: Reconnect with nature and discover the healing power of plants. The Leaf Unplugged offers a calming, adults-only experience for you to unwind, meditate, and relax.
WSO presents Brawl at the Hall | 7:30PM, Feb 4 (Tickets)
Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Description: Experience live professional wrestling amplified by a live symphony orchestra. This season, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra teams up with Winnipeg Professional Wrestling (WPW) for a night of hard-hitting action!
Brawl at the Hall is a groundbreaking event that will get you out of your seats and screaming at the stage in ways you never thought possible in a concert hall.
Holland Play | Feb 4-21 (Tickets)
Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse
Description: This world premiere is a hilarious madcap adventure, an unflinching look at disability rights and a love letter to everyday heroes who will do anything for their people.
The Offspring Concert | 7:30PM, Feb 5 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Description: The Offspring is an American rock band from Garden Grove, California, formed in 1984.
Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights! | 5PM-8PM, Feb 5 (FREE)
Location: The Forks Market
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.
Brews & Shoes | 7PM, Feb 5 (Tickets)
Location: FortWhyte Alive
Description: An adventure and craft beer tasting for beginners and experts alike! Pair a moonlit guided snowshoe with a sampling selection of creative beer from One Great City - a truly Canadian experience!
Game Nights at The Leaf: Trivia Night | 7PM, Feb 5 (Tickets)
Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom (The Leaf)
Description: Flex your nature knowledge at Trivia Night at The Leaf!
Gather your team and test your wits with questions inspired by The Leaf, animals, current events, and more.
Rock The River Festival | Feb 6-8 (More Info)
Location: Redboine Boat Club
Description: A community not-for-profit hosting a bonspiel that brings people together each year to celebrate health, inclusivity, and local spirit
Ram Motorsports Spectacular | Feb 7-8 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Description: The Monster Truck Challenge will feature seven of the world’s toughest monster trucks in a car crushing challenge with appearances by Rockstar, Power Up, Identity Theft, Mixed Up, Spitfire, the all-new Roughneck and Crude Behavior.
Threads: A Fashion Demonstration | 2PM, Feb 8 (FREE)
Location: WAG-Qaumajuq
Description: A fashion show featuring local designers Inspire D’Elykia and Chogah Customs. From stunning bridal gowns to chic corsets, this show will set trends in Winnipeg fashion.
Exciting Events: February 2nd & 3rd
Music 🎵
Sean Burns | 12PM, Feb 2 (FREE)
Location: Belle’s Kitchen & Music Hall
Rena Semenko/Mark Conroy/Lewsh + Jake/Prairie Soul
| 12-11PM, Feb 3 (FREE)Location: Belle’s Kitchen & Music Hall
Community Fun🎆
The Snow Maze Opens | Feb 2 - End of Winter (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!
Lights on the Exchange | Feb 2 - March 21 (More Info)
Location: Various Venues in the Exchange District
Description: From brick and terracotta building facades, to storefronts and alleyways, Lights On the Exchange – Allumez le quartier invites you to explore our iconic neighbourhood and engage with a collection of artwork by over 30 contemporary Canadian and Manitoban artists, featuring installations, large-scale digital projections, and live performances and events.
Toddler Tuesdays at The Leaf | 9:30AM, Feb 3 (More Info)
Location: Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf
Description: Your little one will enjoy music and games while discovering the joy of movement in the beautiful Mediterranean Biome. There will be a mix of different activities throughout the weeks, including music, dance, yoga, and drama.
Special Events🥂
At the Heart of this Land Art Exhibition | Feb 2-13 (More Info)
Location: Manitoba Legislative Building
Description: This inaugural Indigenous art exhibition honours and amplifies Indigenous voices through creative expression, showcased within the heart of Manitoba’s legislative institution.
Murder on the Orient Express Play | Feb 3-7 (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.
Matt Falk Comedy | Feb 3-4 (Tickets)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: Matt Falk is a comedian, writer and actor who the CBC called, “Effortlessly Funny.” You’ve heard him on Sirius Satellite Radio, Laugh Out Loud and The Debaters.

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

