Hey Winnipeggers!

Ready to kick off your week with some exciting updates? We’ve got news that’s sweeter than a cinnamon bun and events that will make you forget all about those mosquitoes. So dive into everything Winnipeg has to offer this week and let’s make some plans!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Winnipeg Mosquito Fogging Update

• Tall Grass Prairie Bakery is Expanding!

• $250,000 Federal Funding for Folk Fest

• Multiple festivals this week & more!

— Jas Singh

News

Mosquito Fogging Update

Last night, the city kicked off its mosquito fogging program to tackle the recent increase in mosquitoes. With all the rain we’ve had, these insects have been multiplying quickly. The insect control team was out from 9:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., focusing on high mosquito count areas like Kilcona Park, St. Vital Centre, and Assiniboine Park.

They used DeltaGard, a Health Canada-approved insecticide, to help make our summer nights more comfortable. If you prefer to keep the spray away from your home, you can still apply for a buffer zone.

Let’s all pitch in by draining standing water around our properties, cleaning up any containers where water collects, and covering rain barrels to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Together, we can make a big difference. We’ll bring you more updates soon!

First Supervised Consumption Site to Open Next Year

The Manitoba government has announced plans to open the province's first supervised consumption site next year. This Indigenous-led initiative, in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, aims to provide a safe space for people to use drugs under trained supervision.

The site will also offer addiction treatment, health care, and social services like mental health counseling and laundry facilities. With $727,000 in funding, the project is set to become a crucial part of our community's health system. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to its 2025 launch. This is a big step forward for our city!

Restaurant of the Week: VA Cafe

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy amazing coffee in an aesthetic setting? Check out VA Cafe, located at 171 McDermot Ave in the heart of the Exchange! It's the perfect spot for getting some work done or taking a break during a walk.

VA Cafe offers not just delicious coffee but also specialty pastries that will delight your taste buds. The cozy, stylish ambiance makes it perfect for relaxing or staying productive. They often host cool pop-ups, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

As they are just getting started, let's support VA Cafe and enjoy their exceptional coffee, pastries, and unique events. Check out their Instagram for more info on the pop-ups. Click the button below to see more!

What's Happening in Winnipeg?

Humane Society Halts Intake

I went to the Sea Bears game, and they announced some unfortunate news: the Winnipeg Humane Society has paused pet intake due to a capacity crisis. The shelter is currently overwhelmed with animals, with over 230 in the shelter and another 260+ in foster care.

Their staff and volunteers are stretched thin, so they've reduced adoption fees to encourage more adoptions and make room for more pets. Now's the perfect time to consider adopting a new furry friend or fostering a pet. Let’s help spread the word and support our local shelter during this tough time.

New Business: Tall Grass Prairie Expands!

As reported by Gabrielle Piché of The Winnipeg Free Press, Tall Grass Prairie is branching out to St. Boniface! This fall, expect to smell their famous cinnamon buns on Provencher Boulevard.

This new location will be their largest yet, offering a 3,000 sq. ft. space for baking and catering. Known for their fresh bread and vegan options, Tall Grass Prairie has been a Winnipeg staple since 1990. Their new spot, will provide even more delicious treats and support their growing wholesale and catering business. Can’t wait to visit!

$250,000 Federal Funding for Folk Fest

Great news for festival lovers! Minister Vandal announced a $250,000 federal investment for the Winnipeg Folk Festival. This funding will enhance infrastructure and create promotional videos for next year's 50th anniversary.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival, held at Birds Hill Park, is a summer staple that draws visitors from all over. This investment will ensure the festival continues to thrive and attract even more attendees!

Upcoming Festivals this Week!

This week is packed with fun! Here’s what’s happening:

• Winnipeg Fringe Festival: Running from July 17-28, the Fringe Festival features 149 indoor shows and free outdoor events at Old Market Square Park. Enjoy a diverse lineup of artists from Manitoba, Canada, and around the world, with ticket prices ranging from $10-$14 for indoor events.

• Great Outdoors Comedy Festival: Happening this weekend, this festival will feature big names like Bobby Lee, Tom Segura, and Jessica Kirson. Get ready for a weekend full of laughter and unforgettable performances at Assiniboine Park.

With great weather and so many exciting events, let’s get out there and enjoy what our city has to offer! For more details, check the events section below.

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!

• Winnipeg Fringe Festival | July 17-27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Description: From a variety of improvs, musicals, dramas, cabaret, clowns, magic, and more!

• Super-Spike | July 19-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Maple Grove Rugby Park, 190 Frobisher Road

  • Description: Super-Spike is Western Canada's largest outdoor volleyball tournament and two-day concert series, all set in a festival atmosphere.

• Great Outdoors Comedy Festival | July 19-21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg

  • Description: Think of it as a cabaret style outdoor comedy club, celebrating up-and-coming local talent to headliners with massive followings and global comedy specials.

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Saskatchewan Rattlers | 7:30PM, July 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB

• Manitoba Night Market & Festival | 3PM - 11PM, July 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Avenue

  • Description: There will be kids activities, live bands, beer gardens, 15+ food trucks, shopping sprees, 100+ Artisans, a fire show and so much more!

Exciting Events: July 15 - July 16

This section only includes events starting on July 15 or 16.

Music 🎵

• Fallujah/Persefone/Vulvodynia/Dawn of Ouroboros | 6:30PM, July 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Park Theatre

• Classic Rock Rewind Workshops| 9AM - 4PM, July 15-19 (Info)

  • Location: 657 Corydon Ave, Winnipeg

  • Description: Great for students 9-18 years old who play at an intermediate level or above.

• Summer Drop-In Choir | 6PM - 8PM, July 16 (Info)

  • Location: The Forks Canopy

  • Description: Public Sing-Along Rehearsals

• Brandi Vezina | 12PM, July 16 (Info)

  • Location: The Forks Outdoor Canopy

  • Description: Whether you're exploring local attractions or enjoying your running or bike route, catch live music under the canopy!

Family Fun🎆

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, July 15-16 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Horse racing, 140 VLTs and fabulous dining - it’s fun you can bet on!

• Paddle Night | 6PM - 8:30PM, July 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening canoeing or kayaking for the perfect summer night – no experience required!

Special Events 🎨

• Chuck Byrn Comedy | 7:45PM, July 16-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor’s Comedy Club

  • Description: Chuck has always been popular at major Canadian festivals and has his own comedy specials on CTV!

• VISITING AIRCRAFT: AVRO LANCASTER | July 16-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: This is one of only two airworthy Lancasters in the world—you won’t want to miss it!

CHEERS!

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! I’ll see you again on Wednesday!

— Jas, Winnipeg Digest

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