Happy Friday, Winnipeg!

A lot is happening around the city right now, and we’re here to help you keep up and map out your weekend plans. From events to little changes you might have missed, today’s edition brings it all together in one place.

Whatever you end up doing, the streets are extremely slippery today, so take it slow and drive safe.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

Anyone who has ever called 911 for a loved one in distress knows the mix of worry and hope you feel in those moments.

And for years now, well-being checks have quietly become the most common call in our city. More than 21,000 of them came through last year alone.

That’s why Mayor Scott Gillingham is taking the next step toward creating a fourth emergency response service focused entirely on mental-health crises.

The proposed Winnipeg Community Crisis Response Service would be a citywide, community-led team of trained, trauma-informed responders who can support people in crisis with care rather than enforcement.

This lightens the load on 911 and lets each emergency service focus on what it does best.

More importantly, it moves Winnipeg closer to a response system that meets people where they are and offers help in a way that feels safe, calm and human.

Click Here: To learn more about how this new team could reshape emergency care in Winnipeg.

If you’ve been feeling overdue for a little care this season, this might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

Paris Cosmetology is opening two days of rare, once-a-year pricing, and it comes at the perfect moment for anyone who’s been busy looking after everyone else.

On December 10 and 11, they’re offering their lowest prices of the entire year on treatments that help you feel refreshed heading into the new year… everything from smoother, healthier skin to fuller-looking hair and small enhancements that make you feel more like yourself again.

And if you’ve been thinking about finally doing something for yourself, or gifting a little confidence to someone you love, this is the easiest moment to follow through.

The event only runs on December 10 and 11. So, click the button below to see all the services they offer and grab up to a 60 percent discount.

If you’d like to ask more about the deals, you can call 431 996 6965 or stop by in person during the event.

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

The province is taking a practical and generous approach to a leftover issue from earlier this year. After pulling U.S. made alcohol from shelves in response to American tariffs, about $1 million worth of stock has been sitting in storage.

Some of it is nearing expiry, so instead of letting it go to waste, the Manitoba government is putting it up for sale and directing the proceeds to families who need extra help this season.

The sale is expected to raise $500,000 for holiday charity cheer boards in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson, helping provide food hampers and gifts to local families.

It’s a simple way to turn unused inventory into something meaningful. At a time of year when many families feel the strain a little more, this move channels those dollars back into the community where they’re needed most.

Click Here: To watch Premier Wab Kinew’s full update about the liquor sale and where the proceeds will go.

It’s been a big year for Manitoba’s Universal School Nutrition Program, and new data from the province gives a clearer picture of the impact it’s having on students and families across the province.

Over the 2024-25 school year, students accessed more than 30 million meals and snacks, with daily participation rising to 93,431 kids. For many families, this support has brought stability at home and helped children stay focused and ready to learn throughout the day.

Teachers are seeing noticeable changes in attendance, confidence and engagement. And families say knowing their child has access to healthy food at school eases some of the pressure during busy or challenging times.

South Winnipeg shoppers just got some exciting news. The City has officially granted the popular Japanese clothing brand, Uniqlo, a construction permit at St. Vital Centre, bringing the long-rumoured store much closer to reality.

Temporary walls are already up as crews prepare to merge six mall units into one large space near the former Hudson’s Bay location.

Uniqlo is known for its simple, affordable basics for men, women, and kids, with major locations across Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto.

For many Winnipeggers, especially those who travel to other cities to shop Uniqlo’s basics, this feels like a long-awaited addition to the city.

Click Here: To see the kind of clothes Uniqlo is known for.

If you’ve been looking for a way to keep yourself, your kids or even your grandkids active this winter, the city’s new Winter 2026 Leisure Guide Swimming and Skating brochures are now online!

It’s a great chance to explore all the programs Winnipeg offers and maybe try something new together. Registration opens December 16 at 8 a.m. for Winnipeg residents and December 18 at 8 a.m. for non-residents.

If you plan to register online, take a moment to log in ahead of time so everything runs smoothly, especially since registrations tend to fill up fast.

Click Here: To browse the winter programs and secure your spot!

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

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