Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

Today’s edition is a full one. A few important city updates, some good reminders as we head into the holidays, and a look at our 2025 favourites list to spark a few ideas for the months ahead. Plenty is happening around the city, so let’s get into it.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

If you take the bus regularly, or even once in a while, this is a good week to double-check your route before heading out.

Winnipeg Transit has officially switched to its winter schedule as of last Sunday, and a few things have changed after rider feedback earlier this year.

These are just the bigger updates. There are several other smaller changes across the system, so it’s worth taking a minute to check your specific route before heading out.

Click Here: To see the full winter schedule and all route changes

The last few weeks of freezing mornings have been rough on cars. You walk out, start scraping ice, and notice it. A crack that wasn’t there before, or one that suddenly spread overnight. That’s winter in Winnipeg.

If the cold has already done its damage, DECO Windshield Repair is here to help.

DECO has two full glass shops in Winnipeg that focus on windshield replacements, done properly and efficiently. Many replacements are covered by Manitoba Public Insurance, so there’s no need to stress about the cost when the weather decides to crack your glass.

Cold temperatures make cracks spread fast, and driving with a cracked windshield can affect visibility and safety, especially with icy roads and shorter days.

If winter has already found your windshield, now’s the time to replace it and get back on the road safely. One less thing to worry about as the cold sticks around and Christmas gets closer.

It’s hard to imagine a Winnipeg winter without a warm coat, boots, or mitts. But for many kids in our city, winter gear is something their family simply cannot afford.

Koats for Kids helps fill that gap. It makes sure children can head out into the cold feeling protected and cared for, instead of worrying about staying warm.

Each year, Koats for Kids supports children, youth, and families across Winnipeg by giving out more than 6,000 coats, along with thousands of hats, mitts, scarves, and boots.

With much of winter still ahead and the holidays right around the corner, this is a meaningful moment to think about giving back.

Winter in Winnipeg is long and unforgiving. A single donation can ease that weight for a child and remind a family that their city is looking out for them. That kind of warmth lasts far beyond just the season.

Click Here: To learn how and where to donate to Koats for Kids.

If you’ve spent time at Dakota Community Centre, you know how important it is to families in south Winnipeg.

This week, the federal government announced $7.5 million to support the first phase of a major expansion and modernization at Dakota Community Centre. The funding moves the project from vision to real planning, with design work set to begin next.

Right now, the centre is running at full capacity, with ice booked from early morning to late night and long waitlists for kids’ programs. This expansion helps relieve that pressure and keeps activities close to home.

Public input will be part of the design process in the months ahead, making sure this space reflects the people who use it every day.

Click Here: To learn more about the project and what’s coming next.

As we get closer to the holidays, more parties, dinners, and get-togethers are filling up the calendar. As we shared last week, Winnipeg’s Holiday Checkstop Program is now underway and will continue through December and into New Year’s Eve.

Here’s what police saw during Week 2 of the program, between December 8 and 14:

These numbers are a good reminder that planning ahead matters, especially during a busy season when roads are already full and winter conditions can change fast.

If you’re heading out and plan to drink or use cannabis, there are safer ways to get home:

A little planning can go a long way in keeping everyone safe this holiday season.

Click Here: To learn more about Operation Red Nose and plan a safe ride home.

A small but meaningful change is coming to a well-known school in the Wolseley neighbourhood.

The Winnipeg School Division has announced that Wolseley School will be renamed Little Bluestem School, starting in the 2026 to 27 school year. The new name was chosen with strong input from the school community and students.

Little bluestem is a native prairie grass found near Omand’s Creek, right in the neighbourhood. The name reflects the land’s history and the deep roots of Indigenous and Métis communities in the area.

The division says more details about signage and celebrations will be shared in the months ahead.

If country music is your thing, you’ll want to mark this one down!

Country Thunder is returning to Winnipeg for its second year, and the 2026 lineup is a strong one. Kane Brown and Bailey Zimmerman will headline the show at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, July 3, with Koe Wetzel and Robyn Ottolini rounding out the lineup.

If you missed out last year or waited too long, this is your reminder to be ready. Big summer shows like this tend to move fast once tickets go live.

Click here: To get ready and grab the best tickets when they go on sale Friday.

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

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

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].