Temporary Pet Shelter Opens in Winnipeg

Author

Jas Singh
June 04, 2025

Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

After that early heat wave, things have cooled off a bit, with temperatures sitting comfortably in the mid-20s for the rest of the week!

And just in time, too. There are markets, festivals, and events happening in just about every corner of the city right now. Whether you’re in Downtown, Transcona, or out in the West End, there’s something close by to check out.

Today’s edition is packed with local updates, weekend previews, and a few gems you might not have heard of yet. So, let’s get into it!

In today’s edition:

  • Downtown Winnipeg Tests New Crosswalk

  • Temporary Pet Shelter Opens in Winnipeg

  • Manitoba Passes New Bill to Help Local Businesses

  • Blue Bombers Home Opener Almost Sold Out

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Downtown Winnipeg Tests New Crosswalk

Source: Exchange District Biz

If you’ve ever tried crossing King and Bannatyne during a busy lunch hour, you know it can feel like playing Frogger.

Well, good news for your legs and your nerves. Winnipeg just launched its first-ever pedestrian scramble at that exact corner, right in the heart of the Exchange.

It’s a pilot project, but it could be a real win for downtown foot traffic.

Here’s what’s it means:

  • All vehicle traffic stops during the scramble signal

  • Pedestrians can cross both ways during that time

  • Audible signals will say “Walk sign is on for all crossings”

  • No diagonal crosswalks yet, but that may come later

  • Vehicles also can’t turn on red during this phase

The idea is simple: make it safer and easier for people to walk where foot traffic is already high. And if it goes well, more scrambles could pop up in other parts of the city.

So next time you're in the area, take a minute. Enjoy that extra bit of space, and cross the street with a little less stress.

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Community Spotlight

Source: Winnipeg Humane Society

Temporary Pet Shelter Opens in Winnipeg for Evacuated Pets

When wildfires force families from their homes, it’s not just people who are affected. It’s their pets too.

That’s why the Winnipeg Humane Society has stepped up in a big way, opening a temporary shelter inside the St. Norbert Community Centre to care for animals displaced by Manitoba’s wildfires. It’s moments like these that remind you how strong our community really is.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The shelter can house up to 60 animals and offers food, care, and exercise.

  • Pets are being looked after inside the community centre’s indoor hockey rink.

  • Families can visit their pets daily between 11 am and 6 pm.

  • The shelter is focused on supporting evacuees arriving in Winnipeg.

  • With pet owners being asked to register with the Red Cross so the team can better meet their needs. (Register now)

And here’s how you can help:

  • Drop off dry or wet cat and dog food

  • XL to XXL kennels, slip leads, leashes, collars

  • Litter boxes, bowls, and treats

  • Towels, blankets, sheets, training pads, and pet-safe cleaning supplies

  • Cardboard scratchers, Kongs, lick mats, and more

Donations can be dropped off at the Winnipeg Humane Society at 45 Hurst Way. Whether it’s a bag of food, a small blanket, or a few spare leashes, every bit of kindness adds up. It all goes toward giving these pets a little comfort while their families find their way through an incredibly hard time.

In moments like these, it’s clear. Winnipeg isn’t just a city. It’s a community that shows up with open hands and open hearts. And no one, not even our four-legged friends, gets left behind.

City Updates

1,000 Hotel Rooms Opened in Winnipeg for Evacuees

When your hometown’s under threat, it’s the little things that matter most. A warm meal. A safe place to sleep. And just knowing that someone cares for you.

That’s exactly what Winnipeg is doing right now, opening doors, clearing rooms, and making sure wildfire evacuees have somewhere to land.

Here’s what’s happening:

  • Over 1,000 hotel rooms in Winnipeg are now being made available to evacuees

  • Families from Flin Flon, Pimicikamak, and other northern communities are arriving daily

  • Some residents have even been relocated as far as Niagara Falls to find a safe place to stay

  • Emergency centres and additional supports are being set up as rooms fill quickly

  • Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the goal: get folks out of cots and into proper beds, especially those needing extra care

Multiple events across the city have been cancelled to free up more space. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes moves that doesn’t make headlines, but makes a world of difference.

This is what compassion looks like in our city. Quiet, steady, and full of heart.

And if you’re looking for a way to support that compassion…

Manitoba Passes New Bill to Help Local Businesses

In a rare moment where everyone at the Legislature actually agreed on something, Manitoba just passed a bill that could be a big win for local businesses.

It’s called Bill 47, and it’s all about cutting down the red tape that’s made it harder for Manitoba businesses to sell their products and services in other provinces.

Here’s what it means:

  • Bill 47 removes trade barriers between Manitoba and other provinces

  • Local businesses will have an easier time selling across Canada

  • It had full support from all parties, which almost never happens

  • With business groups like the Winnipeg and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce fully behind it

It aligns with a federal push for free internal trade by Canada Day.

In short, it means more opportunities for Manitoba makers, service providers, and workers, with fewer hoops to jump through to grow.

It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of progress that quietly makes life better for local businesses and workers.

And the fact that everyone came together on this? That’s a win all on its own.

Community Digest

Blue Bombers Home Opener Almost Sold Out

Source: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

There’s something about the first home game that just feels right. The crowd rolling in early. The smell of BBQ outside the gates. That moment when the anthem ends and the whole stadium feels electric.

It’s the kind of night that makes you realize summer in Winnipeg is officially here.

The Blue Bombers are taking on the BC Lions next week, June 12 at 7:30 PM, at Princess Auto Stadium. And it’s already shaping up to be a packed house.

Tickets are almost gone, so we just wanted to give you an early heads-up in case you’ve been thinking about going. Whether it’s your first game or your hundredth, there’s nothing like a summer evening cheering on our home team.

Bring a friend. Bring your dad. Bring someone who’s never been to a game before.

And if you or anyone you know might want to go, be sure to share the link below. Tickets aren’t going to last.

Event: Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition

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!

  • First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, June 6 (More Info)

    • Location: Multiple Locations

    • Description: Opportunity to explore all the Exchange neighbourhood has to offer. Whether it is pleasing to the eye or the palate, explore many gallery and studio openings, artist talks, food & drink opportunities, unique shops and pop up events and more!

  • Biking to the Exchange | 6PM, June 6 (FREE)

    • Location: Isaac Brock Site, 715 Telfer Street North

    • Description: Join Bike Winnipeg for a safe, guided ride into the Exchange District. Learn the best routes from all corners of the city and gain confidence tackling Winnipeg’s bike lanes.

  • Hi Neighbour Festival | June 6-8 (Free, more info)

    • Location: Multiple locations

    • Description: Block parties, food trucks, live performances, carnival rides, and a lively parade to celebrate community spirit across the city.

  • Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition | June 6-8 (More Info)

    • Location: Exchange District

    • Performers: MEME features various concerts, events, workshops and a series of free outdoor concerts located at The Cube in Winnipeg's Old Market Square in the Exchange District as well as all over Winnipeg.

  • Flatlanders Beer Festival | June 6-7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: Sample over 500 beers, including more than 150 products exclusive to the festival.

  • ABRA Cadabra (ABBA Tribute) | 7:30PM, June 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: Dance to “Dancing Queen,” belt out “Mamma Mia,” and bask in ABBA’s glory with Vancouver’s top tribute band.

  • Tyndall Community Market | 3-9PM, June 7-8 (More Info)

    • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre

    • Description: Browse food trucks and local youth vendors, shop handmade goods, join team relay games, enjoy free Zumba, live music, and win prizes. Fun for the whole family while supporting neighbourhood businesses.

  • ZZ Top | 8PM, June 8 ($)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” has been at it for well over a half century, delivering rock, blues and boogie on the road and in the studio to millions of devoted fans.

  • Manitoba Night Market | 3-11PM, June 8 (More Info)

    • Location: Assiniboia Downs

    • Description: Discover over 100 Manitoba artisans and vendors, indulge in delicious eats from 20+ food trucks, and enjoy a wide variety of live music, a tattoo pop-up, and kids’ entertainment.

Exciting Events: June 4th & 5th

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

Sports🏒

  • Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, June 4 (Free, more info)

    • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Kane County Cougars | June 4-5 ($)

    • Location: Blue Cross Park

Family Fun🎆

  • Community & Crafting | 6-8PM, June 4 (More Info)

    • Location: The Forks Market Patio

    • Description: Join a vibrant community of crafters every Wednesday evening in June for Community & Crafting. A cozy, casual night of crafts + craft beer on the patio at The Forks.

      Bring your current craft project, whether it’s needlepoint, loom weaving, felting, air-dry clay, cross-stitch, jewellery making, or something else fun and portable

  • Paddle Nights | June 5 (Tickets)

    • Location: Fort Whyte Alive

    • Description: Spend an evening paddling before sunset for the perfect summer night. Paddle Nights are a 45-minute session with a canoe or kayak, with help available to get you started. No experience is required.

  • Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | June 5 - July 5 (Tickets)

    • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

    • Description: This popular ‘Shakespearean noir’ is exciting as a murder mystery, but it is its palpable and sensual atmosphere that really grabs us. For gloomy intensity, there’s nothing like it in all of Shakespeare.

  • Grease Lightning Musical | June 5, 7 & 8 (Tickets)

    • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

    • Description: Greetings, Winnipeg High class of 1959, you are all invited to the biggest Rock and Roll reunion this town has ever seen!

  • Bison Bus Tour | 10:30-11:30AM, June 5 & 8 (Tickets)

    • Location: Fort Whyte Alive

    • Description: ​See North America’s largest land mammal from just metres away, interacting in their natural habitat.

  • After Hours Pop-Up Market | 4-9:30PM, June 5-7 (Free, more info)

    • Location: The Forks

    • Description: Fundraiser for an autism drop-in centre. Over 25 vendors, face painting, games, and 50/50 draws. Saturday’s edition runs 5-9:30PM.

Special Events/Comedy🥂

  • Tyler Penner Comedy | June 4 ($)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Tyler Penner is a comedian born and raised in Manitoba, who has been making waves in the comedy scene since winning Rumor's Funniest Person With a Day Job in 2014.

  • 2025 Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival | June 4-7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Berney Theatre, Rady JCC

    • Description: The films we have chosen encompass the joy, pain, humour, richness, and creativity of the Jewish experience.

  • On the Edge | June 4-6 (Tickets)

    • Location: RWB Founders’ Studio

    • Description: These captivating ballet performances thrillingly weave together classical compositions and cutting-edge contemporary pieces, including some world premieres by guest choreographers and up-and-coming creators within the Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant program.

  • Mark Forward Comedy | June 5-7 ($)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Appearances on John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show (Comedy Central) The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (CBS) Funny As Hell (HBO) and Just For Laughs: All Access (The Comedy Network).

Music 🎵

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].