Happy Monday, Winnipeg.

It finally feels like things are starting back up again. The holidays are behind us, routines are settling in, and this week marks the first official full week of the new year. That in between feeling is starting to fade, and the city is slowly waking up.

In today’s edition, we have a few city updates worth keeping in mind, along with some easy winter things to do if you’re looking for reasons to get out of the house.

Events are a little quieter right now as the city eases back into its rhythm, which honestly is not the worst thing. It feels like a good week for low-key plans, fresh starts, and keeping things simple.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • New Winter Road Rules Are Now in Effect Across Manitoba

  • Restaurant of the Week

  • Assiniboine Park Duck Pond Is Open for Skating

  • Winnipeg Police Ask for Help Finding Missing Teen

  • Four Winnipeg Jets Headed to the 2026 Olympics

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

New Winter Road Rules Are Now in Effect Across Manitoba

Winter driving can already feel stressful, especially when you are trying to figure out how close is too close around snowplows, cyclists, or roadside workers. That uncertainty has led to a lot of confusion over the years.

Because of that, the Manitoba government has introduced clearer road rules that are now officially in effect.

The goal is simple. Take the guesswork out and make winter roads safer for everyone.

Here is what drivers should know:

  • Give snowplows more space. When a snowplow has blue lights on, drivers must stay back:

    • 30 metres on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or lower

    • 100 metres on faster roads. Passing is not allowed if visibility is poor or if it could interfere with their work.

  • More room for cyclists. Drivers now need to leave at least one full metre when passing someone on a bike. This brings Manitoba in line with other provinces and helps reduce close calls.

  • Safer work zones for tow trucks. Tow truck and roadside assistance workers can now set up cones and warning signs to create space while helping drivers on busy roads.

These changes are about fewer close calls, safer winter drives, and protecting the people working out on our roads when conditions are tough.

A Message from Paris Cosmetology

New Options for Hair Restoration & Skin Care

If hair thinning or uneven skin has been sitting on your mental to-do list, the new year is usually when people finally decide to look into real options instead of putting it off again.

Paris Cosmetology has just started offering two new treatments that people have been asking about, and they’re rolling them out with lower pricing while availability is still limited.

Here’s what they’re offering right now:

  • Hair transplant treatments focused on fuller, natural-looking hair

  • Medical-grade skin peels that help smooth texture and even out tone

  • Lower pricing while these services are newly available

  • Consultations led by doctors, nurses, and experienced medical aestheticians

This is a chance to get clear answers, understand what’s possible, and decide if it’s something you want to move forward with, without pressure.

If one of your goals this year is to finally do something instead of just thinking about it, this is a good place to start.

Restaurant of the Week: Peasant Cookery

Source: Exchange District / Peasant Cookery

A Classic Exchange District Spot Locals Keep Coming Back To

If you’ve ever walked through the Exchange and thought, we should stop somewhere nice and actually sit down for a proper meal, Peasant Cookery is usually the place people point to.

It feels warm, familiar, and very Winnipeg, with a strong French influence that shows up in both the menu and the atmosphere.

This is one of those restaurants that locals genuinely trust. You see it in the reviews, too. With 4.4 stars on Google and more than 1,150 reviews, it is a spot a lot of people have spent time in and keep coming back to.

Here is what makes it stand out:

  • French-inspired comfort food, made in-house. From cured meats to pickled vegetables, everything feels thoughtful, classic, and well done.

  • A menu that works for any kind of night. Charcuterie to share, French staples like steak frites, and desserts worth slowing down for.

  • Cocktails done right. A natural choice for date night or a relaxed evening with friends.

  • Right in the heart of the Exchange. Located at 283 Bannatyne Ave, it is an easy stop before a show or after a downtown walk.

Nothing feels rushed, and that quiet, French bistro feel is part of the charm.

City Updates

Assiniboine Park Duck Pond Is Open for Skating

Source: Assiniboine Park

Last week, the Nestaweya River Trail opened up, and we hope some of you had a chance to get out and enjoy it. We went ourselves this past weekend, and it really did feel like one of those classic Winnipeg winter moments.

Skates on, fresh air, and lots of familiar faces doing the same thing.

If you’re looking for another easy place to lace up, there is more good news. The Duck Pond at Assiniboine Park is now officially open for the season.

Here is what makes it a great family-friendly stop:

  • The Riley Family Duck Pond is open for skating, with a shelter right beside it that is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for washrooms and warming up.

  • It is meant for casual skating. Hockey sticks and pucks are not allowed.

  • Cargo Bar’s winter patio is also back. It is open on select dates from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and serves hot chocolate, cider, and other warm drinks.

  • More than just skating. The toboggan hill and cross country ski trails are also open, making it easy to turn one stop into a full winter afternoon.

It’s one of those simple Winnipeg outings that does not need much planning, just warm clothes and skates.

Click the link below to see the full hours, exact locations, and more details on each of the activities at Assiniboine Park.

Winnipeg Police Ask for Help Finding Missing Teen

Source: Winnipeg Police Service

As you know, this newsletter usually stays focused on the good things happening around the city. We do not often share crime or police updates.

But when there is a chance to help someone and support the community in a real way, it feels important to pause and share this.

The Winnipeg Police Service is asking for the public’s help in locating Hayleigh Clearsky, a 16-year-old who has been reported missing.

Hayleigh was last seen on December 19 in the Sherbrook Street area, and police are concerned for her well-being.

Here is what has been shared:

  • Hayleigh is 16 years old, about five foot four, with a medium build

  • She has long brown hair and brown eyes

  • She was last seen wearing a red sweatsuit, a black jacket, and carrying a black backpack

  • She is known to spend time in West Broadway, Spence, William Whyte, and the North End

If you have any information, please contact the Winnipeg Police missing persons unit at 204 986 6250.

Even a small tip could help bring someone home.

Community Digest

Four Winnipeg Jets Headed to the 2026 Olympics

Even with a tough stretch lately, it is a good reminder that the talent on this Jets roster is very real. And now, it is getting Olympic-level recognition.

When NHL players return to the Olympics in 2026, four Winnipeg Jets will be heading to Italy to represent their countries.

Here is who was selected:

  • Kyle Connor has been named to Team USA, earning the spot thanks to another strong season as one of the Jets’ most reliable scorers.

  • Connor Hellebuyck will also suit up for Team USA. Night after night, he continues to show why he is considered one of the best goalies in the league.

  • Josh Morrissey has also been named to Team Canada, highlighting just how important he has been on the blue line this season.

  • Nino Niederreiter will suit up for Switzerland, adding another Jets jersey to the Olympic stage.

The Olympic men’s hockey tournament runs February 11 to 22, 2026, in Milano Cortina. No matter how this season finishes, it is a proud moment for these players and for Winnipeg fans.

The Forks / Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights

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!

  • Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights! | 5-8PM, Jan 8 (More Info)

    • Location: The Forks Market Patio

    • 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

  • Phil Hanley Comedy Show | 7PM, Jan 8 (Tickets)

    • Location: West End Cultural Centre

    • Description: Originally from Oshawa, Canada, Phil is now a key figure in the NYC comedy scene, performing regularly at the Comedy Cellar. With nearly 600K followers on Instagram and 370K on TikTok, he’s appeared on major late-night shows like The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Late Late Show.

  • Winnipeg Jets Home Games | Jan 8 & 9 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Jan 8th, 7PM: Winnipeg Jets vs Edmonton Oilers

    • Jan 9th, 7PM: Winnipeg Jets vs Los Angeles Kings (Apres Ski Night)

  • We are Winter Celebration | Jan 9-11 (More Info)

    • Location: Assiniboine Park, Riley Family Duck Pond

    • Description: Embrace the winter season and enjoy a variety of FREE activities for all ages including outdoor movies (Frozen 2 and Happy Feet), live music, guided snowshoe tours, skiing and skating lessons, and much more!

  • Snowshoe Walk | 11AM - 12PM, Jan 10 (More Info)

    • Location: Living Prairie Museum

    • Description: Join us for a snowshoe, through a unique nature preserve that protects 13 hectres of endangered tall grass prairie. This hike is intended to introduce you to snowshoeing. If you have your own, please feel free to bring them. If not, there are 45 pairs available at the centre.

  • Animals in Winter drop-in activity | 11AM - 4PM, Jan 10 (More Info)

    • Location: Living Prairie Museum

    • Description: Explore tracks, hibernation, migration and how animals survive in the frozen months. Complete a scavenger hunt for winter signs of animals indoors or outdoors.

  • Game Day presented by Qualico | 10AM - 1PM, Jan 10 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Sport Manitoba, 145 Pacific Avenue

    • Description: Over 20 different sport stations for kids to find their next favourite sport. This is an inclusive event, and we encourage individuals of all levels of abilities to join in on the fun!

    • Sports Include: Artistic gymnastics, athletics, baseball, basketball, cricket, fencing, football, judo, paddling, racquetball, ringette, rowing, squash, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, wrestling and more.

  • Learn to Winter Programming | Jan 10-11 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: The Forks

    • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Yoga, Ice Basketball, Warming Hut Tours and more!

  • Golden Girls | 2PM, Jan 11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: The Golden Girls are back in an all-new show! Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends!

Exciting Events: January 5th & 6th

Sports 🏀

  • Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights | 7PM, Jan 6 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

Special Events🥂

  • Jeff McEnery Comedy | Jan 6-10 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Jeff McEnery won the prestigious "Tim Sims Encouragement Award" and followed that up by winning "Yuk Yuk's $25,000 Great Canadian Laugh Off" and “Best Stand Up Newcomer” at the Canadian Comedy Awards.

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

Keep Reading

No posts found