Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

First off, huge thanks to everyone who replied to the markets poll in our last edition—it’s been awesome seeing how many of you are excited for them. For those wondering about the location, they’ll be happening at the Outlet Mall parking lot. If you want to see the full list of dates for all five markets, you can find everything you need to know right here: [LINK].

In today’s edition, we’re covering the upcoming federal election, some major city updates, and over 50 events happening this weekend—so if you’re looking for something to do, we’ve got you covered!

In today’s edition:

• Mark Carney to Call a Federal Election

• Hudson’s Bay Redevelopment Costs Double to $310M

• New Funding for Manitoba’s French-Speaking Communities

• Push for More Pet-Friendly Housing in Winnipeg

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Mark Carney to Call a Federal Election

We usually stick to what’s happening right here in Winnipeg, but this one’s too important to ignore. No matter where you live, a federal election affects all of us. It’s about the future of our country, our communities, and the people we care about.

And now as reported by CTV News, Prime Minister Mark Carney will ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election this Sunday. That means in just a few weeks, we’ll all be heading to the polls to decide who the next Prime Minister of Canada will be.

So, here’s what we know so far:

• The election will likely be held on April 28 or May 5, but we’re still waiting for official confirmation.

• Carney has only been in office for a week, stepping into the role after winning the Liberal leadership race.

• With Parliament set to return Monday, calling an early election means Carney won’t have to face a confidence vote or present a throne speech.

• Polls show the race is extremely tight, with the Liberals and Conservatives nearly tied.

• And while we’re used to 338 seats in Parliament, this time there will be 343, thanks to new electoral district changes.

Elections aren’t just about politics—they’re about the kind of country we want to build together. When the time comes, be sure to get out there and vote. We’ll keep you posted as soon as the date is finalized.

Hudson’s Bay Redevelopment Costs Double to $310M

The transformation of the old Hudson’s Bay building is moving forward, but like any major project, it hasn’t come without challenges. What started as a $130 million plan in 2022 has now grown to $310 million, as rising costs, supply chain issues, and heritage upgrades push the budget higher.

Even with these hurdles, the vision behind Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn remains strong. Led by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), this project is about reclaiming space, creating opportunity, and building a future that truly reflects First Nations culture and leadership.

Here’s where things stand now:

• A tower crane is now in place, marking a major milestone as construction moves forward.

• 373 housing units are planned, with 200 designated as affordable housing for First Nations tenants.

• The space will also include a daycare, office and retail spaces, and cultural areas to support Indigenous businesses.

• Some original plans, like assisted living spaces and a governance centre, had to be cut due to rising costs.

• Over 77% of the workforce is Indigenous, creating lasting employment opportunities.

While the timeline is still uncertain, phase one is expected to open by 2028. Despite the setbacks, this remains one of Canada’s most significant reconciliation and redevelopment efforts—a project that will serve the community for generations to come.

A message from us, Winnipeg Digest!

Helping Local Businesses Get Noticed

Winnipeg Digest isn’t just another newsletter. It’s a community. A growing family of over 70,000 Winnipeggers who love this city, who try new restaurants, who show up for local events, and who actually care about supporting small businesses.

That’s why we’re really intentional about who we work with. If we wouldn’t tell a friend about it, we’re not sharing it. Simple as that. Our readers trust us, and we take that seriously.

If you run a business that deserves to be seen by real people—not just empty clicks and impressions—let’s chat. Whether it’s food, fitness, home services, real estate, or retail, we want to help you reach the right audience.

• Know someone with a business? Especially in the home services space? Send them our way! We’re looking for great partners in every industry and would love to connect.

• Want to get in front of people who actually care? We’ll make sure your business gets seen by Winnipeggers who are ready to support local.

At the end of the day, it’s all about putting the best local businesses in front of the people who actually care.

Let’s make something happen. 📩 Email us at [email protected]

Community Digest

New Funding for Manitoba’s French-Speaking Communities

For so many families in Manitoba, French isn’t just a second language—it’s a way of life. It’s the language spoken at home, in schools, and in businesses that have been around for generations. And now, the province is putting more resources into keeping that culture strong.

A new $1.05 million funding agreement will help bilingual municipalities strengthen French-language services, making it easier for residents to live and work in both of Canada’s official languages.

• The funding will go toward translation services, policy development, and language training, ensuring French remains accessible in daily life.

• The goal is to create a truly bilingual province, where communities can continue to thrive in both English and French.

This investment is about protecting a way of life—one that connects generations, strengthens communities, and ensures Manitoba’s Francophone identity continues to grow for years to come.

City Updates

The Push for More Pet-Friendly Housing in Winnipeg

For a lot of people, a pet isn’t just a pet—it’s family. They’re there when you come home after a long day, they curl up beside you when life gets tough, and they make a place feel like home. But for many renters in Winnipeg, keeping that family together isn’t always an option. As reported by CTV News, the second most common reason people surrender their pets is because they can’t find pet-friendly housing.

That’s why the Winnipeg Humane Society is calling for change. They’re asking the City of Winnipeg to require developers who receive city funding, grants, or tax credits to set aside a portion of affordable housing units for pet owners.

• Right now, 60% of Canadian households have pets, but renters are struggling to find places that allow them.

• Seniors and young renters are hit the hardest, with many forced to give up their pets just to secure housing.

• The Humane Society wants policy changes at municipal, provincial, and federal levels to ensure more pet-friendly housing options.

For so many, pets are more than just animals—they’re part of the family. So we’re curious...

Century-old School Demolished to Make Way for Housing

If you grew up in Charleswood, you probably knew Chapman School. It was part of the community for over 100 years, a place where kids made their first friends, played outside until the bell rang, and built memories that lasted long after they graduated. But after sitting empty for nearly a decade, as reported by CTV News, the school has now been torn down to make way for new housing.

The plans for the site include:

• A six-storey, 60-unit condo building facing Roblin Boulevard.

• Townhouse-style buildings with 20 additional units.

• A portion of green space will remain, though some neighbors worry about losing too much.

Not everyone is thrilled about the change, and that’s understandable. Losing a familiar landmark is hard. But Winnipeg’s housing demand isn’t slowing down, and this project will give more people a place to call home. And while Chapman School is gone, the community that surrounds it will continue to grow in new ways.

Exciting Events: March 21st - 23rd

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

Sports🏀

• Manitoba Moose vs Abbotsford Canucks | Mar 21-22

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Mar 22nd (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Jets vs Buffalo Sabres | 2PM, Mar 23rd

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Folklorama night and human rights | 6PM, Mar 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Human Rights Museum (85 Israel Asper Way)

  • Description: Travel to three parts of the world in one night and explore human rights!

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | March 21 - April 13 (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 wilderness of family drama, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• Casey and Diana Play | Mar 21 - April 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: Inspired by Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991, Casey and Diana is a tremendously moving and surprisingly funny portrait of the men at the heart of the AIDS crisis, their devoted caregivers, and the ‘People’s Princess’.

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | March 21-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

• Prophecy Play | Mar 21-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rachel Browne Theatre

  • Description: Cassandra has been blessed with the ability to see the future, but her curse is that no one will ever believe her.

• The Gruffalo’s Child | Mar 21-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood.

• King James Play | Mar 21-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse (140 Rupert Avenue)

  • Description: Forced to sell his beloved Cavaliers season tickets, Matt unexpectedly finds a new friend in Shawn, bonding over basketball and the rise of LeBron ‘King’ James.

• Ice Fishing Festival | 10AM - 4:30PM, Mar 22

  • Location: Fort Whyte Alive

  • Description: Hit the ice with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation for an annual celebration of all things ice fishing!

Markets 🎡

• The Ode'imin Collective Spring Market | Mar 21-23

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: The Ode'imin Collective Spring Market will celebrate the season with an Indigenous market featuring handmade products by Indigenous artisans.

• Manitoba Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale | Mar 21-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club (7620 Roblin Blvd)

  • Description: Artistic displays of blooming orchids, crafts and artwork. Seven vendors on site with rare species and hybrids.

• Indigenous Handmade Spring Market | Mar 21-22

  • Location: VIA Rail Station

  • Description: Beautiful handmade crafts, delicious food, and live music as we celebrate the arrival of spring.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 1PM, Mar 22

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Fully vegan Herbivore Haven Market | 10AM - 3PM, Mar 22

  • Location: Windsor Park United Church (1062 Autumnwood Dr)

  • Description: 50+ vendors showcasing everything from jewelry and vintage finds to home decor, fresh baking, clothing, records, knit and crochet pieces, and more.

• Dog Apparel Sale! | Mar 22-23

  • Location: Mint Self Storage

  • Description: Everything is $5.00 and under! Shop a huge selection of:

    • Jackets, sweaters, & t-shirts

    • Leashes, collars, & harnesses

    • Pet carriers & more!

• Clothing & Goods Market! | 12-4PM, Mar 23

  • Location: Bord Aire Community Centre

  • Description: Join us for another Clothing & Goods Market! New clothing vendors plus a collection of curated small businesses.

Comedy❗

• Pinky Patel #isaidwhatisaid Tour | 7PM, March 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre

  • Description: Chicago based Pinky Patel is a PTA mom turned creator, comedian, and Internet personality with a fan base of over 5 million.

• Moe Ismail Comedy | March 21-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Moe Ismail is an Egyptian-Canadian stand-up comedian bringing new levels of energy, diversity, and most importantly, authenticity to the entertainment space.

• Shane Torres Comedy | Mar 21-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Shane Torres is a stand up comedian, writer, actor, and podcaster

• Dylan Gott Comedy | Mar 21-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club

  • Description: Dylan Gott's personal and observational style is complemented by some of the best improvisational instincts in comedy today!

Special Events 🥂

• 48th Annual Piston Ring World of Wheels | Mar 21-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

• Stone Soup 2025 | Mar 21-23 (More Info)

  • Location: Across the Province

  • Description: Restaurants across the province are stepping up for the 13th annual Stone Soup fundraiser, donating $1 from every bowl of soup sold to support school meal programs.

• WSO presents Rajaton Sings Queen | Mar 21-22 ($)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Get swept away in the “Rhapsody” of it all from “We Are The Champions” to “The Show Must Go On” in a concert that is guaranteed to “Rock You”!

• Latin Sundays at The Forks | 5:30-9:30PM, Mar 23

  • Location: Room 201, second floor of The Forks Market

  • Description: Experience Latin culture through music, dance, food and performances.

• WSO presents How to Grow an Orchestra | 2PM, Mar 23 ($)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: A hilarious exploration of how orchestras have grown from the humble conch shell to today’s dynamic ensembles of 60+ musicians!

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].