Hey Winnipeggers!

Before we get into everything happening around the city, we just want to take a moment to say thank you for all your support on the Summer of Local Markets!

We’ve gained 300+ new followers on our new account, and so many of you have already signed up to volunteer—which just goes to show how much this community cares. These markets are truly for the people, by the people, and we couldn’t do it without you!

And as promised, we’re keeping it free for you to attend. All we ask is that if you can, come out and support the markets in any way possible! The more people who show up, the more we can keep putting on events like this—making them even bigger, better, and more special for everyone.

Now, we’d love to hear from you—will you be coming to the markets? Let us know in the poll below!

In today’s edition:

• New Survey to Help Shape Winnipeg’s Greenspaces

• Charity of the Week

• Jelly Roll Pays Off Winnipeg Students Loans

• Winnipeg’s New Police Chief Officially Sworn In

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

New Survey to Help Shape Winnipeg’s Greenspaces

Growing up in Winnipeg, there’s something about our parks and trails that just sticks with you. Maybe it’s the summer bike rides through our forest trails, fall walks through Assiniboine Park, or those quiet moments by the river that make you forget you’re in the middle of a city. Greenspaces are more than just patches of grass and trees—they’re where life happens.

Right now, the City wants to hear from you about what you love most about Winnipeg’s greenspaces. They’re working on a Greenspace Plan and Biodiversity Policy to manage, protect, and restore our natural areas, and your feedback will help shape it.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The survey is open until April 15

• They’re looking at everything from riverbanks and parks to trails and community gardens

• Indigenous governments and organizations are co-developing the plan to make sure it reflects the voices of those who’ve cared for this land the longest

So, If you love Winnipeg’s greenspaces, now’s the time to have your say. Click the link, share your thoughts, and help shape the future of the city we all call home.

A message from Lazer Grant!

Find Relief from Tax Debt

Dealing with CRA debt is stressful. The letters, the calls, the feeling of being stuck. But here’s something most people don’t realize: tax debt doesn’t have to be paid back in full.

At Lazer Grant Inc. we’ve helped countless individuals and businesses find real solutions by negotiating payment arrangements called Consumer Proposals. This means you can settle what you owe without losing everything you’ve worked for.

Our team works with you to create a plan that fits your situation. We help protect your assets and find a way forward without bankruptcy.

We know how overwhelming it can feel, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with tax debt, be sure to click the button below to learn more.

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Charity of the Week:

Stone Soup 2025 – Because No Child Should Go Hungry

If you ever packed a lunch for school, you probably didn’t think twice about it. But for thousands of kids in Manitoba, a school meal isn’t just food—it’s the difference between starting the day ready to learn or struggling to focus on an empty stomach.

That’s where Stone Soup 2025 comes in. Every March, the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba brings the community together over a simple bowl of soup to raise funds for school meal programs across the province. And you can be part of it.

Here’s how:

• Dine out until March 23 at a participating restaurant—$1 from every bowl of soup sold goes directly to feeding kids in Manitoba schools.

• Enter the 60/40 Raffle and help raise even more funds for school meal programs.

Last year, this initiative raised $27,000, and this year, they’re aiming even higher. Because no child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

Community Digest

Jelly Roll Pays Off Winnipeg Students Loans

Jelly Roll has a reputation for taking care of his fans. Last year, he went viral after helping pay for a student’s tuition at his Nashville concert—a moment that had people cheering, crying, and feeling the impact of real kindness.

And on Monday, March 17 in Winnipeg, he did it again.

• Two students held up signs that read, "Jelly Roll, we need a favour… we're honor roll students, can you help with our student loans?"

• Without hesitation, he said yes. Right there on stage, he promised to cover their student loans, leaving the entire crowd in shock.

Winnipeg has had some unforgettable concert moments, but this? This one is up there with the best. Props to Jelly Roll for looking out for his fans in a way that’ll actually change their lives.

Vincent Massey Wins High School Hockey Provincials

There’s something special about high school sports. The packed stands, the pure passion, the pride that carries long after the final buzzer. And for Vincent Massey’s men’s hockey team, Monday night was one of those moments.

• They pulled off a hard-fought 3-2 win against the River East Kodiaks, taking home the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s provincial championship.

• It was the kind of game that keeps you on the edge of your seat—fast, intense, and full of heart.

• If you’re a Vincent Massey alum or a parent of a student there, this is one of those moments to feel extra proud—your school just brought home a championship.

Winnipeg’s got some serious hockey talent, and these young players just proved it in the best way possible. Huge congrats to the whole team!

City Updates

Winnipeg’s New Police Chief Was Officially Sworn In

Public safety has been on a lot of people’s minds lately, and now Winnipeg has a new Chief of Police stepping in to help tackle the challenges ahead. On Monday, Chief Gene Bowers was officially sworn in, becoming the 19th Chief of Police in Winnipeg’s history.

Here’s what to know:

• Chief Bowers has been with the Winnipeg Police Service since 1989, spending decades on the front lines and in leadership roles.

• He’s been recognized for his service with the Police Exemplary Service Medal and the Attorney General of Manitoba’s Excellence in Law Enforcement Award.

• His focus is on public safety, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and strengthening relationships between police and the people they serve.

It’s a big moment for Winnipeg, and all eyes are on what comes next. For now, we’ve got a new Chief leading the way—let’s hope for positive steps forward.

Warren Zeiders is Bringing His Tour to Winnipeg

If you love country music, you’re probably already familiar with Warren Zeiders—and if not, now’s the time to start paying attention.

This rising country star has been making waves with his gritty voice, heartfelt lyrics, and viral success, and now he’s bringing all of that energy to Winnipeg.

• Zeiders has over 3 billion streams, a CMT Award, and a No. 1 country hit with "Pretty Little Poison".

• His new album "Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal" just dropped, and it’s packed with the kind of songs that hit you right in the feels.

• Tickets go on sale Friday, March 21 at 10 a.m.

Winnipeg, this is one concert you won’t want to miss. If you’re a country fan, set that reminder and grab your tickets while you can!

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!

• Folklorama night and human rights | 6PM, Mar 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Human Rights Museum (85 Israel Asper Way)

  • Description: Travel to three parts of the world in one night and explore human rights! Join Folklorama and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as they host an evening of cultural performances and storytelling.

• Indigenous Handmade Spring Market | Mar 21-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: VIA Rail Station

  • Description: Beautiful handmade crafts, delicious food, and live music as we celebrate the arrival of spring. This is a great opportunity to support local Indigenous artists and artisans while enjoying a fun and festive atmosphere.

• 48th Annual Piston Ring World of Wheels | Mar 21-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Car show for those who own competition cars, specialty and concept vehicles and those who dream about owning them.

• Manitoba Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale | Mar 21-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club (7620 Roblin Blvd)

  • Description: Artistic displays of blooming orchids, crafts and artwork. Seven vendors on site with rare species and hybrids.

• Fully vegan Herbivore Haven Market | 10AM - 3PM, Mar 22

  • Location: Windsor Park United Church (1062 Autumnwood Dr)

  • Description: 50+ vendors showcasing everything from jewelry and vintage finds to home decor, fresh baking, clothing, records, knit and crochet pieces, and more.

• Ice Fishing Festival | 10AM - 4:30PM, Mar 22

  • Location: Fort Whyte Alive

  • Description: Hit the ice with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation for an annual celebration of all things ice fishing!

• The Arrogant Worms | 8PM, Mar 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre

  • Description: The Arrogant Worms have spent over three decades making fun of a big dumb world.

• Latin Sundays at The Forks | 5:30-9:30PM, Mar 23

  • Location: Room 201, second floor of The Forks Market

  • Description: Experience Latin culture through music, dance, food and performances.

• Clothing & Goods Market! | 12-4PM, Mar 23

  • Location: Bord Aire Community Centre

  • Description: Join us for another Clothing & Goods Market! New clothing vendors plus a collection of curated small businesses.

Exciting Events: March 19th & 20th

Music 🎵

• The KW Band/Jeff Sahulka/Alanna & Mitchell Stewart/Sol James

  | 12-11PM, March 19

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall (1212 Nairn Avenue)

• Justin Stadnyk | 7PM, March 19 (The Leaf After Dark)

  • Location: The Leaf

• JC Campbell/Justin Séguin/Mikayla Zacharias/The Coveralls

  | 12-11PM, March 20

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall (1212 Nairn Avenue)

• Ravi Balchan/Gutty/Linzle | 7PM, Mar 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Sidestage Winnipeg

• Cara Luft | 7PM, Mar 20

  • Location: L'Arche Tova Café (119 Regent Ave W)

• Sam Singer | 8:30PM, Mar 20

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

Family Fun🎆

• Zoo Tots | 10-11:30AM, Mar 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: We'll explore nature, art, plants and animals with wildly interactive classes to help encourage your child's curiosity about the natural world. (Geared for children 3-5)

• Casey and Diana Play | Mar 19 - April 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: Inspired by Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991, Casey and Diana is a tremendously moving and surprisingly funny portrait of the men at the heart of the AIDS crisis, their devoted caregivers, and the ‘People’s Princess’.

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Mar 19-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

• Prophecy Play | Mar 19-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rachel Browne Theatre

  • Description: Cassandra has been blessed with the ability to see the future, but her curse is that no one will ever believe her.

• King James Play | Mar 19-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse (140 Rupert Avenue)

  • Description: Forced to sell his beloved Cavaliers season tickets, Matt unexpectedly finds a new friend in Shawn, bonding over basketball and the rise of LeBron ‘King’ James.

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | Mar 19-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry

  • Description: This takes you on a hilarious journey through the untamed wilderness of family drama, ranching antics, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• The Ode'imin Collective Spring Market | Mar 20-23

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: The Ode'imin Collective Spring Market will celebrate the season with an Indigenous market featuring handmade products by Indigenous artisans.

Special Events 🎨

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7PM, Mar 19 (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.

• David Cross Comedy | 8PM, Mar 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Emmy Award winner and two-time Grammy Award nominee David Cross is an inventive performer, writer, and producer on stage and screen.

• Stone Soup 2025 | Mar 19-23 (More Info)

  • Location: Across the Province

  • Description: Restaurants across the province are stepping up for the 13th annual Stone Soup fundraiser, donating $1 from every bowl of soup sold to support school meal programs.

• Shane Torres Comedy | Mar 19-21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Shane Torres is a stand up comedian, writer, actor, and podcaster.

• New Plants for 2025 | 7-9PM, Mar 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Indoor Classroom, 145 The Leaf Way

  • Description: Join plant collector Dave Hanson for a look at some of his favourite new plants for the 2025 growing season. He will explore selections from a variety of categories, including herbs, veggies, flowers and even for indoors.

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].