Hey Winnipeggers,

We’re back with our regular Restaurant of the Week in this Monday edition! This time, it’s one of my favorite taco spots in the city, and I can’t wait for you to check it out. Let us know if you’ve been there or if it’s new to you! (reply to this email)

If you like the recommendation, feel free to refer your friends to our newsletter—it’s free, and let’s you get the restaurant guide at no cost, too!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Portage & Main Construction Starts

• Manitoba Invests $42 Million in Infrastructure

• Restaurant of the Week

• Winnipeg Humane Society Needs Our Help

• Multiple events this week & more!

— Jas Singh

News

Portage & Main Construction Starts October 15

As mentioned a few editions ago, the City of Winnipeg is moving ahead with plans to open up Portage & Main, and now it’s time to get started on construction. Starting October 15, you’ll notice intermittent lane closures as crews prep the area for some major changes. If you take that route to work, be sure to leave some extra time since delays are expected.

Over the next few months, the project will focus on things like new traffic signals, wider sidewalks, and safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. The work is expected to wrap up by June 2025, with the long-awaited at-grade pedestrian crossing opening by July 1, 2025.

Sure, there might be a few headaches along the way, but it’s all about making one of Winnipeg’s busiest intersections safer and easier to get around. So, hang tight and keep an eye out for updates—good things are coming!

Manitoba Invests $42 Million in Rural Infrastructure

We usually focus on inner-city news, but this one’s too big to ignore! The Manitoba government just announced a $42 million investment to help rural communities tackle some critical infrastructure projects. This funding will go toward things like flood prevention, fixing up roads and bridges, building better playgrounds, and even upgrading fire stations.

With 136 municipalities getting a boost, it’s a huge step forward for rural Manitoba. The goal? To help these communities grow, become more sustainable, and better protect themselves from disasters. It’s all part of the new Manitoba GRO program, where rural towns can apply for funding to cover up to 50% of project costs.

It’s great to see the province stepping up for rural areas after years of a funding freeze. This move is all about building stronger, more resilient communities across Manitoba!

A message from Manitoba’s Biggest Fall Market!

Looking to sponsor our next email? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Winnipeg’s Biggest Fall Market is this Weekend!

The Scattered Seeds Craft Market is back! With over 150 new local vendors each weekend, it’s the perfect chance to get your holiday shopping done early and find some amazing deals.

Use code WINNIPEGDIGEST for 20% off your one-day tickets, priced at just $5 to $10. It’s a great way to save while supporting local businesses.

This year, they’re also offering fun workshops like stamp carving and terrarium making, so you can pick up a new skill while you shop. The market is happening at Red River Exhibition Park from October 18-20 and October 25-27. It’s your go-to spot for unique, handmade gifts.

Don’t wait—grab your tickets now and use the discount! Two weekends, two completely different markets. Time’s running out!

Restaurant of the Week: BMC Market

Looking for a taco spot that won’t break the bank? Head over to BMC Market at 722 Osborne St! This family-run Mexican restaurant serves up some of the best and most affordable tacos in Winnipeg. It's the perfect place to grab a quick bite or enjoy a casual lunch break.

• 3 tacos for just $6-$9—an incredible deal in today’s economy!

• Everything is made in-house, from the tacos to their delicious sauces

Next time you're on Osborne, be sure to check out BMC Market and support this authentic, family-run gem!

Community News

Winnipeg Humane Society Needs Help After Rat Drop-Off

As reported by CTV News, Over 20 rats were recently dropped off outside the Winnipeg Humane Society, and now they’re asking for the community’s help! The rodents were left in two boxes outside the shelter with no information, and the WHS is currently taking care of them. While they’re working to assess the rats’ health and get them into foster homes or up for adoption, they’re in desperate need of supplies.

If you’ve got spare cages, food, water bottles, or chew toys, the Humane Society would love to take them off your hands. The colder weather is setting in, so it’s important to keep animals safe and warm. Let’s come together and help out the WHS during this busy time!

New Cricket Pitches in Winnipeg

Cricket is gaining more interest in our city every day, and we’re getting ready to meet that demand with two new cricket pitches! Construction is almost finished on a youth pitch at Chancellor Park and an adult pitch at Bridgwater Lakes Park. These new spaces will give local cricket fans even more opportunities to play and enjoy the sport.

• Both pitches will feature premium artificial turf, ensuring a high-quality playing surface.

• They’ll be open to the public in spring 2025, just in time for cricket season.

These new pitches are a win for the community, offering more recreational options and helping grow the sport in Winnipeg. Get ready to see even more cricket action around the city!

Winnipeg Sports

Winnipeg Jets Off to a Hot Start!

The Jets are off to a strong start this season, winning both their season and home openers! On Friday night, Mark Scheifele took the game into his own hands, tying the score with just over a minute left and winning it in overtime.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Jets are sitting at 2-0, and they’re hoping to make it three in a row. By the time you’re reading this, the result from Sunday night’s game will be in, so check if they kept the streak alive!

Either way, it's exciting to see our Jets firing on all cylinders so early in the season. Go Jets Go!

Bombers’ Streak Snapped

It’s tough that the Bombers’ eight-game win streak came to an end with a 14-11 loss to the Argos on Friday. But even though the loss stings, there’s no need to panic. The Bombers are still in a solid position heading into the playoffs and aiming for the top spot in the West.

Sure, it’s a bump in the road, but we’re still in the playoff race, and that’s what matters most. They’ll bounce back soon, so keep your spirits up and keep cheering them on, Winnipeg!

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!

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7-9PM, Oct 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Enjoy a relaxing adults-only atmosphere complete with live musical entertainment. Wine and beer, as well as charcuterie plates.

• Sebastian Maniscalco It Ain't Right Tour | 7:30PM, Oct 17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: He has also starred in 6 comedy specials for networks such as Netflix, Showtime and Comedy Central.

• Scattered Seeds Craft Market | Oct 18 - 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Support our community’s local artists and makers and get all your holiday shopping done early over this two-weekend event.

  • Note: Use code: WINNIPEGDIGEST for 20% off.

• Mark Normand - Ya Don't Say Tour | 7PM, Oct 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up and coming comic,” Mark Normand is quickly becoming one of the most talked about touring comedians on the scene.

• Winnipeg Jets vs. San Jose Sharks | 7PM, Oct 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Saturday Swing Out | 6:30PM, Oct 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Join River City Swing for live music and swing dancing at The Forks!

Exciting Events: Oct 14th & 15th

This section only includes events starting on Oct 14th & 15th.

Music 🎵

• The Caves World Tour | 7:30PM, Oct 14 (Tickets)

  • Performers: NEEDTOBREATHE & Tall Heights

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

• The Fretless/Madeleine Roger | 8PM, Oct 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Avenue)

  • Description: Four ferocious players, masterful composition, and a genre-bending sound — Juno award-winning.

• The Once | 8PM, Oct 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Avenue)

  • Description: Folk, Roots, Vocal Harmonies. A modern indie folk trio from Newfoundland, The Once have collected a trio of Canadian Folk Music Awards, numerous ECMA awards, and was named Artist of the Year by the Newfoundland & Labrador Arts Council.

Family Fun🎆

• Corn Maze @ A Maze In Corn | Oct 14-31 (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 14-31 (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 14-31 (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 14-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

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

• Witchy Wonderland – A (not-so) Fright Fest | Oct 14 - 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.

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, Oct 14-16 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

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

• Wild Wonder Tots - Early Autumn Tuesdays | 10-11:30AM, Oct 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond (Assiniboine Park)

  • Description: Songs, games, and structured learning, with on-the-spot hands-on nature encounters and time to enjoy and play outside.

• Toddler Tuesdays at The Leaf | 9:30-10AM, Oct 15 (More Info)

  • Location: Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf

  • Description: Your little one will enjoy music and games, listen to fascinating stories, and discover the joy of movement in the beautiful Mediterranean Biome.

Special

• Art Exhibition and Sale 50 to 500 | Oct 14-19 (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.

• The Play That Goes Wrong | Oct 14 - 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!

• Ben Bankas Comedy | 7PM, Oct 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Garry Hotel

  • Description: With over 208,000 Followers on Instagram and growing rapidly Ben Bankas is one of the hottest comedians performing across the U.S. right now. 

• Free Drop-In Group Music Lessons | 4-6PM, Oct 15 (Free)

  • Location: West End Culture Centre, 586 Ellice Ave

  • Description: Great opportunity for ages 8-18 to explore their musical talents.

• Mike Green Comedy | 7:45PM, Oct 15-16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: He's been to Just for Laughs Montreal as part of the New Faces of Comedy Showcase, and you can watch him on season 3 of the CBC's New Wave of Standup.

School🏫

• U of M Jazz Ensemble Night | 7:30PM, Oct 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Patio 340 intérieur (salle Antoine-Gaborieau)

  • Description: Looking for a memorable evening of jazz, groove and creativity? Then mark Tuesday, October 15 in your diary, because UofM Jazz Ensemble Night is about to set the Mardi Jazz stage alight!

CHEERS!

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

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected].