Hey Winnipeggers!

We’ve replaced the "Home of the Week" section with the "Charity of the Week" this time, based on your feedback from the survey last week! We're just testing it out to see how you feel about it. Please vote in the poll at the end to let us know which section you liked better!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• New Website Helps Catch Winnipeg Criminals

• Halloween event for the whole family!

• Charity of the Week

• $10 Million for Affordable Housing

• Multiple events this week & more!

— Jas Singh

News

New Website Helps Winnipeggers Keep Communities Safer

We don’t usually dive into the topic of crime, but this one’s different. It’s all about making Winnipeg safer, thanks to the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit (MIVOAU). MIVOAU is a team effort between Winnipeg Police and the RCMP, focusing on tracking down serious, violent offenders.

Since starting in May 2023, they’ve brought 480 of these individuals into custody. That's a huge win for community safety. But now, they’ve launched a new tool: the Manitoba’s Most Wanted website.

It gives the public a look at who MIVOAU is searching for, helping to keep everyone informed. Why is this important? Because being aware means that if you spot someone on the list, you can tip off the police or Crime Stoppers. By reporting early and keeping our city informed, we can cut down on crime significantly and stop more incidents before they even happen. In the first three quarters of 2024, they’ve made 264 arrests and executed 375 warrants. It’s all part of keeping Winnipeg safe, and that’s something worth talking about.

A message from Red River Ex!

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Halloween Fun for the Whole Family!

Family-friendly Halloween events can be hard to come by in the city, but this one's a treat! Starting this weekend, Witchy Wonderland is the place to be for some spooky fun that everyone can enjoy. With kids' rides, a not-so-haunted hayride, and an inflatable corn maze that’s sure to get everyone smiling, it’s got something for the whole family.

And the best part? There’s free candy for the little ones, plus face painting to turn them into their favorite spooky characters!

It’s all happening at Red River Exhibition Park from October 11 to 27. So, gather up the kids, throw on those costumes, and head over for some Halloween fun. It’s the perfect way to make new family memories together.

Don’t wait—grab your tickets before they disappear!

Charity of the Week:

Agape Table

Agape Table is on a mission to fight hunger in Winnipeg, serving meals to around 800 people every weekday. With their “A New Home for Agape Table” campaign, they’re working to build a new 10,500-square-foot facility at 352-356 Furby St, allowing them to expand their programs and serve even more people in need. They’ve set a goal to raise $8 million and have already reached the halfway mark.

But they can’t do it alone. With over 2,000 volunteer hours needed each month, Agape Table depends on local support. If you’d like to make a difference, you can donate or volunteer—just visit their website to get involved!

Note: We’re testing this section, replacing the “Home of the Week” to see if you like it! Share your thoughts in the poll at the end of the email.

City Updates

$10 Million for Affordable Housing

The government of Manitoba is putting $10 million into a new plan to create more affordable housing.

The funding goes to the Business Council of Manitoba to kickstart the Collaborative Housing Alliance Real Estate Investment Trust. This trust will focus on converting old buildings and building new ones to offer below-market rent options.

It’s a team effort, pulling together resources from businesses, nonprofits, and the government to make sure more people in Manitoba have a safe and affordable place to live. The goal? At least three new housing projects in the next year, helping more Manitobans find a home!

Health-Care Workers Strike Delayed

Manitoba’s health-care support workers reached a temporary deal on October 8, so they didn’t go on strike as planned. About 25,000 workers will keep working while they review the new agreement, which promises better pay and working conditions.

Both CUPE and the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union are encouraging workers to vote “yes.” This means hospitals and clinics won’t see any disruptions right now. It’s a big relief for patients and their families who rely on these services. Let’s hope the final vote brings some long-term stability.

Local Community

Jets Start Season Tonight

Hockey fans, the wait is over! The Winnipeg Jets are starting their season tonight in Edmonton against the Oilers.

After some final roster changes, the team is set with 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and three goalies. It’s a fresh start for the squad, and fans are eager to see them in action. So grab your jerseys, tune in, and cheer for our Jets as they hit the ice. Let’s get this season off to a winning start!

7-Eleven Stores Close Due to Crime

Following up on Monday’s edition about rising theft, four 7-Eleven stores in Winnipeg are closing down for good.

As reported by CTV News, Locations on Ellice Ave, McPhillips St, and Pembina Highway are shutting their doors after facing too many losses due to crime. It’s a tough blow for the neighborhoods that depended on these stores for late-night runs. While the province has put a focus on tackling retail theft, the problem is far from over. Hopefully, more solutions will come soon to help keep local businesses open.

Winnipeg Baker Wins $1M

As reported by Winnipeg Sun, Winnipeg’s Van Nguyen just scored big—$1 million in the Lotto Max! After 34 years of baking, he’s ready to retire and enjoy the good life. Nguyen plans to share some of his winnings with his old co-workers, showing that even a little kindness can go a long way. It’s a well-deserved win, and we’re all happy for him. Here’s to enjoying every bit of that retirement, Van!

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!

• Witchy Wonderland – A (not-so) Fright Fest | Oct 11 - 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park, West Gate (At the top of Festival Dr)

  • Description: An event for the whole family! Manitoba’s newest multi-day Halloween attraction.

• The Basement Comedy 1-Year Stand-Up Anniversary | 8PM, Oct 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge (3740 Portage Ave)

  • Description: Jeff Gobeil, Kaitlynn Brightnose and more celebrate their one-year anniversary of stand-up comedy! Headlined by Benji Rothman.

• Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Toronto Argonauts | 7:30PM, Oct 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

  • Description: Bomber’s last season game! (Almost Sold Out)

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Chicago Blackhawks | 7PM, Oct 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Jet’s Season Home Opener!

• The Play That Goes Wrong | Oct 13 - Nov 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage (174 Market)

  • Description: The Play That Goes Wrong is the right choice if you’re looking for a hilarious night out!

Exciting Events: Oct 9 - 10

This section only includes events starting on Oct 9th or 10th.

Music 🎵

• Ruby Waters | 8PM, Oct 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Ruby has amassed over 50 million streams, with her singles and two EPs, Almost Naked (2019) and If It Comes Down To It (2020), as well as a Juno nomination for Alternative Artist of the Year in 2022

• The Buhr Quartet | 8PM, Oct 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club (234 Main Street)

• Stephanie Westdal | 10PM, Oct 9 (Free W/food)

  • Location: Shannons Irish Pub and Eatery (175 Carlton St)

• Karl Kohut/Karly Epp | 6:30PM, Oct 9 (Free W/food)

  • Location: SMITH Restaurant

• Mastané/Raaginder/Asad Khan | 7PM, Oct 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Exchange Event Centre

• Tayler Morgan/Adam Johnson (SK)/Thomas Gut| 9PM, Oct 10 (At the door)

  • Location: The Osborne Taphouse (112 Osborne St)

• Can You Hear My Artbeat | 7PM, Oct 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Park Theatre (698 Osborne Street)

  • Description: Featuring Andrew Neville and the Poor Choices, The Funky Miracles, and DJ Kilma, this benefit concert is packed with great music, a 50/50 raffle, and prizes. Support a cause that proves art saves lives.

Family Fun🎆

• Corn Maze @ A Maze In Corn | Oct 9-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn (1351 Provincial Rd 200)

  • Description: Enjoy the country views while wandering through the corn maze, climb the giant bale pyramid, and visit the petting zoo.

• HEEBIE JEEBIES | Oct 9-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Heebie Jeebies (53071 La Salle Road)

  • Description: One of the most terrifying Halloween experiences and haunted houses near Winnipeg, Heebie Jeebies is back for its annual scare-fest.

• Six Pines Haunted Attractions | Oct 9-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Six Pines (4 km North of Perimeter Hwy on Sturgeon Road)

  • Description: Continuously strived to offer Manitoba’s haunt enthusiasts an ever-changing range of haunted houses since inception.

• Boo at the Zoo | Oct 9-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: The Zoo's transformed for the spooky season, with rides, games, treats and performances!

• Culture Days Events | FREE, Multiple Locations, Oct 9-13 (More Info)

  • Description: Culture Days offers multiple events with a chance to try something new, like singing or pottery for free!

• FortWhyte Alive | Events (All Info)

  • Sunset Goose Flight Exp: 5:30-8PM, Oct 9-13

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, Oct 9 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

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

• South Osborne Farmer's Market | 4PM, Oct 9 (More Info)

  • Location: Lord Roberts Community Centre

• Think BIG-Brain Health, Immune Health, Gut Health! | 7-9PM, Oct 10 (More Info)

  • Location: Théâtre Cercle Molière (340 Provencher Blvd)

  • Description: Dr. Jim Sears, M.D. is an Emmy-nominated co-host of the award winning talk show, the Doctors.

Special Events 🎨

• Art Exhibition and Sale 50 to 500 | Oct 9-19 (More Info)

  • Location: Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art (203-290 McDermot Avenue)

  • Description: 50 to 500’ exhibition, featuring artwork by talented members priced between 50 cents and 500 dollars.

• Derrick Stroup Comedy | Oct 9-12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club (190-2025 Corydon Ave)

  • Description: In 2023, Derrick appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and was named a New Face at JFL Montreal.

• Culinary Night at the Museum | 6PM, Oct 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Canadian Museum for Human Rights

  • Description: Exclusive dinner at the museum.

• The Bridge of Hope | 6:30-9:30PM, Oct 10 (More Info)

  • Location: The Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge

  • Description: The Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge and Winnipeg sign will light up in pink for the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride Bridge of Hope, featuring 50 decorated motorcycles to raise awareness for breast cancer. All proceeds will support the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, with the bridge open for spectators and volunteers.

• 50 over 50 Group Launch | 7-8PM, Oct 10 (More Info)

  • Location: Atrium of McNally Robinson Booksellers, Grant Park

  • Description: This is the first part of a two-part special issue celebrating women writers aged 50 and over in Canada. The focus in this first issue will be primarily on our own Manitoba women, as well as those from the west.

CHEERS!

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

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