Hey Winnipeggers!

Hope you’re having a great week. There are a lot of changes happening around the city—some good, some frustrating, but all worth knowing about.

From higher garbage and sewer fees hitting Winnipeg homeowners to new pedestrian signals in Downtown making crossings safer, there’s plenty to unpack.

Plus, we’ve got a new poll for you, so be sure to weigh in and have your say.

Now, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive in!

In today’s edition:

• South Winnipeg Gets New Recreation Campus

• Charity of the Week

• New Head-Start Signals for Pedestrians in Downtown

• Winnipeg Increases Garbage & Sewer Fees For Homeowners

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

South Winnipeg Is Getting a New Recreation Campus

Ask any parent, and they’ll tell you—finding a good place for kids to burn off energy in South Winnipeg hasn’t always been easy. Sure, there are parks, the YMCA, and the odd school gym that opens up, but a true, all-in-one community space? That’s been missing.

That’s why this new project is such a big deal.

The city is finally moving forward with the South Winnipeg Regional Recreation Campus, a brand-new community hub that’s been a long time coming.

• Located on Bison Drive in Waverley West, construction kicks off in 2026, and the first phase is packed with things families will actually use:

  • Three gymnasiums (perfect for basketball, volleyball, or just burning off energy)

  • A fitness area and indoor walking/running track (no more icy winter jogs)

  • Multipurpose rooms for events, programs, and community gatherings

  • A café and serving kitchen (because snacks make everything better)

  • A child care centre and outdoor spray pad for the little ones

And the best part? Funding is secured, so this is actually happening. But before they break ground, the city wants to hear from you. You can check out the plans and give your input online until April 7 or drop by the open house on March 22 from 10 a.m. to noon.

It’s great to see Winnipeg investing in places where families can come together, stay active, and make memories. This is going to make a real difference for South Winnipeg.

So if you want to have your say or just learn more about the campus, be sure to click the button below!

A message from us, Winnipeg Digest!

Helping Winnipeg Businesses Get Real Results

Winnipeg Digest isn’t just a newsletter. It’s a community of 70,000+ locals who actually care about what’s happening in this city. People who try new restaurants, support small businesses and show up for local events.

That’s why we don’t work with just anyone. If we wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, it’s not making the cut. Our audience trusts what we share, and we take that seriously.

• If you run a business that deserves to be seen—whether it’s food, fitness, home services, real estate, retail, or something else—let’s chat.

• If you know a business that belongs here, send this their way. We’d love to connect.

We’re all about putting the best local businesses in front of the people who actually care.

Let’s make something happen. 📩 Email us at [email protected]

Charity of the Week:

K9 Advocacy Manitoba

If you’ve ever met a rescue dog, you know the look. The one that says, "I finally feel safe." But getting them there takes a village, and in Manitoba’s rural communities, that need is greater than ever.

Since 2015, K9 Advocacy Manitoba has been working to help with the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats in First Nations communities. Founded by First Nations Nurse Jasmine Colucci, the organization saves over 3,000 animals a year, giving them medical care, shelter, and a second chance at life.

With Vet bills alone costing over $350,000 a year, every dollar counts.

And you can help by:

• Donating money, food, or supplies to support vet care and fosters

• Becoming a foster and giving a dog or cat a temporary home

• Or supporting their fundraiser at Rumors Comedy Club on March 15 featuring Tone Bell. Tickets are $30 (etransfer [email protected], password: Rescue)

Every little bit helps. And every rescued animal is one less left to survive on its own. Click below to support K9 Advocacy and be part of the change.

Community Digest

New Head-Start Signals for Pedestrians in Downtown

If you’ve ever tried crossing a busy Downtown street, you know the feeling. You hit the walk signal, step off the curb, and before you even make it two steps, a car is already creeping up for a right turn. It’s a little nerve-wracking.

Well, the city is making a move to help with that.

Starting today, nearly 100 Downtown intersections will now have Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs). Basically, pedestrians will get a five-second head start before cars get the green light.

• This gives people more time to get into the crosswalk and be seen, reducing the risk of crashes.

• Early numbers show a 13 percent drop in pedestrian collisions and a 35 percent drop in near-misses, which is a big deal.

• Drivers won’t see any difference except that pedestrians get their "walk" signal first before vehicles can move.

It’s a small change, but it’s one that could make walking Downtown feel a lot safer and less stressful.

So next time you’re crossing, take that extra few seconds. And if you're driving, keep an eye out because pedestrians have the right-of-way.

City Updates

Winnipeg Increases Garbage & Sewer Fees For Homeowners

We Winnipeggers already know life isn’t getting any cheaper. Groceries, gas, property taxes—everything keeps climbing.

Now, as reported by the Winnipeg Sun, on top of the biggest property tax hike since the 90s, the city’s also rolling out steep increases to garbage and sewer fees.

• The garbage fee is jumping from $93 to $254 per year. But, since it kicks in on April 1, the 2025 fee is prorated at $190.50.

• The sewer rate will go up by around $170 per household, depending on usage.

• Combined with the 5.95 percent property tax hike, we’re looking at around $400 more per year for a typical home.

Some councillors fought against it, saying residents weren’t given enough say. Others argue the increases are necessary to keep up with rising costs.

But either way, it’s happening. The final decision is now in City Council’s hands, but one thing’s for sure—our bills are going up, and soon.

311 Wait Times Are Way Down

If you’ve ever called 311, you know the struggle. Sitting on hold, waiting, wondering if anyone will ever pick up. But good news—wait times are way down compared to past years.

• Calls are now being answered 75 percent faster than in 2023.

• The average wait time used to be over 11 minutes. Now, it’s just 1 minute and 43 seconds.

• The improvement is thanks to $1.25 million in extra funding, which allowed the city to hire more staff and expand self-serve options online.

311 has been a lifeline for everything from pothole complaints to large garbage pickups, so these changes should make getting help a lot easier. And with an AI-powered chatbot coming soon, contacting the city might get even faster.

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 Michael Jackson History Tour | 8PM, Mar 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Get the full Michael Jackson concert experience with triple-threat performer Garth Field – electrifying in his role as Jackson – plus a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes, state-of-the-art sound and theatrical lighting, vision and FX.

• Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show | Mar 14-15 (Free)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Vision Quest brings together innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders to discuss and promote Indigenous business, community and economic development.

• Cottage Country’s Lake and Cabin Show | Mar 14-16

  • Location: Exhibition Place at Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: This event brings cottage and cabin owners, renters, builders, and soon-to-be buyers together with top businesses in the region who specialize in cottage projects, products, and services.

• Women's Volleyball National Championships | Mar 14-16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Investors Group Athletic Centre

  • Description: The U Sports Women's Volleyball Championship is a premier event showcasing the best university women's volleyball teams in Canada.

• Love Local Manitoba's Premier Food, Beer and Wine Event | 5-9PM, Mar 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Victoria Inn (1808 Wellington Ave)

  • Description: Step into a world of culinary discovery as we bring together Manitoba’s chefs, brewers, distillers, winemakers, and food artisans for an evening dedicated to indulging your culinary cravings.

• JA Manitoba annual Trade Fair | 10AM - 6PM, Mar 15

  • Location: St Vital Centre

  • Description: Support students in selling their products. Drop by and do some shopping. There is everything from cookbooks to puzzles to gardening kits to scented sachets and so much more!

• Manitoba Antique Association Spring Market | 10AM - 4PM, Mar 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Viscount Gort Hotel (1670 Portage Ave)

  • Description: Antiques, Vintage, Pyrex, Art Glass, Vintage Jewelry, Farmhouse Antiques, Mantiques, and more!

• Latin Sundays at The Forks | 5:30-9:30PM, Mar 16

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

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

Exciting Events: March 12th & 13th

Music 🎵

• Cheistelle Dussault & Kurt Krezanski/Justin Séguin/Tannis Tyler/Shandra Levreault | 12-11PM, March 12

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

• Oh What A Night - A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Season | 7PM, March 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

• Rob Klym/Ardie Sarao/Curtis Newton/Suzanne Mariani | 12-11PM, March 13

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

• Man In Black A Tribute to Jonny Cash | 8PM, Mar 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: The energetic show features Shawn Barker in character throughout the entire evening, walking the audience through each era of Cash’s life and music.

• Lullaby of the Snow | 1PM & 7:30PM, Mar 13 (More Info)

  • Location: Crescent Arts Centre

  • Description: Winnipegger Allen Harrington is one of Canada's finest wind players.

• Annual fundraiser: Heartwood at the WECC! | 7PM, Mar 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre

  • Description: Enjoy entertainment from local musicians and raise funds for short-term counselling, workshops, and group sessions at Heartwood. And... this year Heartwood is celebrating 40 years of making a difference!

Family Fun🎆

• Zoo Tots | 10-11:30AM, Mar 12 (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)

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Mar 12-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

• King James Play | Mar 12-22 (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. Told in four quarters over 12 years, King James is a heartfelt story of friendship and loyalty.

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | Mar 12-20 (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.

• Winnipeg $10 Shoe & Clothing Warehouse Sale | 10AM - 9PM, March 12 -17

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre (Hall A & B)

  • Description: FREE ENTRY - Enjoy a stunning selection of footwear and apparel items all for only $10 or less.

Special Events 🎨

• Leather Moccasin/Shoe Workshop | 6-9PM, Mar 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: 495 D Madison St. (rear entrance)

  • Description: This is a three day workshop. It is helpful if you already know how to sew, but even if you don't you will have fun either way , possibly learn a new skill or tap into a hidden talent , meet new friends and have a lot of laughs.

• Emmanuel Lomuro Comedy | Mar 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: His style has been described as high energy with the ability to relate to many different types of people, sometimes called a comedic chameleon.

• The Leaf Unplugged | 7-9PM, Mar 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf

  • Description: Step away from the constant buzz of technology and the demands of daily life, grab your yoga mat and book and come to The Leaf Unplugged.

• Critical Conversations | 6:30-7:45PM, Mar 13

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: This year, the series of three public events will focus on water and justice.

• Tone Bell Comedy | Mar 13-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Tone Bell is working on material for his upcoming sophomore stand up special, but can currently be seen in the Netflix series SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST.

• "Gossip" Play | Mar 13-16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

  • Description: A sly, film-noir inspired comedy that follows a journalist investigating the shocking murder of a celebrity who collapsed in an art gallery surrounded by champagne-sipping socialites.

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].