Merry Christmas, Winnipeggers!

I know it’s the holidays, and some of you might not get a chance to read this email right away because you’re spending time with family and friends—and that’s totally okay. We’re here in your inbox, as promised, doing our best to never miss a day.

Today’s edition is on the shorter side so you can quickly skim through it and get back to enjoying the season with your loved ones.

Oh, and we forgot to include the poll in the last email after asking for your thoughts on any new products or services we could launch—oops, that’s our bad! If something comes to mind, feel free to let us know. If not, no worries, just drop your thoughts on today’s edition at the end of the email. We always love hearing from you! ❤️

In today's edition:

• Manitoba Gas Tax Returns on Jan 1

• Charity of the Week

• Free Winnipeg Transit on New Year’s Eve

• What’s Open/Closed for Christmas and Boxing Day

• Multiple events this week & more!

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba Gas Tax Returns on Jan 1

Starting Jan. 1, Manitoba’s gas tax is coming back, but it’s not all bad news. The new rate is set at 12.5 cents per litre, down from the 14 cents we had before 2024.

Premier Wab Kinew says this permanent cut makes Manitoba one of the provinces with the lowest gas taxes in the country. For the average two-car family, last year’s tax holiday saved about $500–$600, and while the tax is returning, it’s still less than what we paid a couple of years ago.

What does this mean for you? It’s still a break compared to the old days, and the additional revenue will help fund important services like health care and education throughout the province. So, while it’s not as sweet as tax-free gas, it’s a step toward balance. Helping keep things affordable while also supporting the community around us.

A message from… The Winnipeg Digest!

We want the Winnipeg Digest to be for Winnipeggers, by Winnipeggers. That’s why we’re asking for your help!

If you know someone at a great local business—or maybe you run one yourself—we’d love to hear about it. We’re all about featuring businesses that make our city better, and who better to point us in the right direction than you?

Here’s the deal:

• We handle everything: From creating standout ads to tracking their success, we take care of the heavy lifting.

• It’s personal: We customize every partnership to fit the business perfectly, whether it’s a big promotion or long-term exposure.

• Locals love it: Our audience is full of Winnipeggers who care about supporting businesses they can trust (and that’s thanks to you!).

At the end of the day, this is your newsletter as much as it is ours. Let’s make it even better—send us an email at [email protected] and let’s chat. 😊

Charity of the Week:

Christmas Cheer Board

The Christmas Cheer Board has been hard at work delivering holiday joy, with thousands of hampers already handed out to families across Winnipeg. But here’s the thing—they’ve got 500 hampers still waiting to find a home.

Here’s how you can help:

• Spread the word: Know someone who could use a little holiday cheer? Let them know they can apply for a hamper by calling 204-989-5683 or visiting 895 Century St.

• Share the love: If you’re part of an organization, help get the word out to your community. Every share helps ensure no family goes without.

• Act now: Hampers are available until Dec. 28. After that, anything left will be donated to Harvest Manitoba and other community groups.

The Cheer Board has already made a difference for so many families this season—let’s make sure these last 500 hampers bring even more smiles. 🎄

City Updates

Free Winnipeg Transit on New Year’s Eve

With New Year’s just around the corner, many of you will be out and about celebrating with friends and family. But here’s something to think about—this year’s Winnipeg Police Checkstop Program has revealed that impaired driving is still happening far too often. It’s a serious risk, but thankfully, there’s a safer way to get home.

Once again, Winnipeg Transit and MPI are teaming up to ensure everyone has a reliable option to get home safely. Starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 and running until the last buses leave downtown at 1:30 a.m., all Regular and Transit Plus services will be completely free.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe this New Year’s Eve. Whether it’s hopping on a free bus, using Operation Red Nose, or booking a taxi or Uber, there’s no reason to take any chances. Let’s start 2025 on the right note, Winnipeg!

What’s Open/Closed for Christmas and Boxing Day

If you’re planning to head out today or tomorrow, here’s a full breakdown of what’s open, and closed for Christmas and Boxing Day:

• Government Services:

  • All civic, provincial, and federal offices are closed.

  • No mail delivery on Dec. 25 or 26.

• Transit:

  • Running on a Sunday schedule both days.

  • Check routes and alerts on the Winnipeg Transit website or app.

• Shopping:

  • Grocery stores are closed Dec. 25. Many reopen Dec. 26—call ahead to check hours.

  • Malls:

    • CF Polo Park: Closed Dec. 25, open Dec. 26 (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

    • St. Vital Centre: Closed Dec. 25, open Dec. 26 (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

    • Outlet Collection Winnipeg: Closed Dec. 25, open Dec. 26 (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

  • Liquor Marts: Closed Dec. 25, most open Dec. 26 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

• Recycling and Trash:

  • No collection on Dec. 25.

  • Brady Road Landfill: Closed Dec. 25, open Dec. 26 (5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

  • 4R Depots: Closed Dec. 25, Pacific and Panet depots closed both days.

• Recreation and Leisure:

  • Libraries, fitness centers, and swimming pools are closed Dec. 25-26.

  • Major attractions:

    • Assiniboine Zoo: Closed Dec. 25, open Dec. 26 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

    • Manitoba Children’s Museum: Closed Dec. 25, open Dec. 26 (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

    • Manitoba Museum: Closed Dec. 25, open Dec. 26 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Enjoy the holidays, Winnipeg, and stay safe out there!

Community News

Winnipeg Renovation Show is Back in 2025

If you’re in the middle of renovating your home—or planning to start next year—this is your chance to get inspired and ask the questions you’ve been holding onto. The Winnipeg Renovation Show is back at the RBC Convention Centre from Jan. 10-12!

Here’s what’s in store:

• Expert Tips: Bryan Baeumler, star of Bryan’s All In, will share renovation advice to help you make the most of your home.

• Free Consultations: Chat with local experts about home improvement, landscaping, or interior design in 15-minute sessions.

• Tiny Home Tour: Step inside a tiny home and see how small spaces can work for you.

• Ask a Renovator: Bring your questions and get answers from the city’s top renovation pros.

This is your chance to grab tickets early! We usually save events like this for the events section closer to the date, but we didn’t want you to miss out.

Winnipeg's 2025 Plan to Address Homelessness

As you know, homelessness has been a long-standing issue in our city. But as reported by Global News, the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba are introducing a new plan in 2025 to help change that—one step at a time.

Here’s how the plan will work:

• Camp-by-Camp Support: Service providers will spend 30 days working with individuals living in encampments, helping them transition into housing. These homes will come with wraparound supports, including mental health and addiction services. The goal is to ensure no one has to return to tents, as they’re no longer seen as a permanent solution.

• New Housing Units: Over the next decade, 700 to 1,000 new housing units will be built to close the gap. Currently, around 3,500 people in Winnipeg are experiencing homelessness, but only about 100 housing units are affordable for those on employment and income assistance.

• A Community Effort: This is a collaborative plan, with governments, nonprofits, and Indigenous organizations coming together to make a real difference.

This plan isn’t just about housing—it’s about creating the support people need to move forward and thrive. We’re looking forward to seeing how it unfolds and will keep you updated with the progress along the way!

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!

• Mundane Problems - Holiday Edition | 8PM, Dec 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Speakeasy Lounge (3740 Portage Ave)

  • Description: Kick back as musicians serenade you inspired by the suggestions you provide them. It's a show about having your chance to complain about the simple things in life.

• WMC's Centre Stage Series | 7:30-9:30PM, Dec 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Andrew's River Heights United Church (255 Oak St)

  • Description: Six of Manitoba’s emerging classical musicians. This concert will feature standout artists Angela Suet Kee Ng (piano), River Sawchyn (violin), Diana Rockwell (soprano), Hannah Orr (soprano), Yanzhi Zhang (piano), and Amanda Robertson (clarinet).

• A Year With Frog and Toad Musical | Multiple times, Dec 27-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Follows a couple of delightful amphibians as they sing their way through the seasons, sharing a story of enduring friendship. (Last dates)

• Damonde Tschritter Comedy | Dec 27-28 & 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: His TV comedy specials have aired on CTV, CBC, HBO, Comedy Network and Comedy Central! “Comedies new Superhero, and perhaps this countries finest comedic storyteller.” - The Globe & Mail

• TOQUE - Canada's Classic Rock Supergroup | 8PM, Dec 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Four All-Star band members from the Canadian Prairie’s perform the Canadian Classic Rock Songbook from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

• Winnipeg Jets vs Ottawa Senators | 6PM, Dec 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Dallas Smith | 8PM, Dec 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: From front man of platinum-selling rock band Default to 3x consecutive CCMA Entertainer of the Year.

• Roaring in the 20's with...Murder! | 7PM, Dec 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fairmont Hotel

  • Description: Dinner & Murder Mystery

Exciting Events: Dec 25th & 26th

Music 🎵

• The Sturgeons | Dec 26

  • Location: Park Alleys (730 Osborne St)

• DJ Pileon/Coup D'Etat/Higgynonstop | 9:30PM, Dec 26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Sidestage Winnipeg (700 Osborne St)

• Kippsmas | 9:30PM, Dec 26

  • Location: Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club (234 Main Street)

Family Fun🎆

• Watt a Season | Dec 25 - Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

• Zoo Lights | Dec 25 - Jan 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Wander through a winter wonderland and enjoy stunning light displays, tasty treats, and endless joy and cheer.

• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Dec 25 - Jan 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show.

• Let It Glow 2024 | 5-10PM, Dec 25-31

  • Location: Grant Memorial Church (877 Wilkes Ave)

  • Description: Be treated to a dazzling show of lights, videos, and music that tells the story of Christmas.

• The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents Nutcracker | Dec 25-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Nutcracker is the biggest spectacle of the season, with over 100 dancers on stage and dozens of musicians and chorists in the pit.

• Boxing Day at the Children's Museum | 11AM - 3PM, Dec 26 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: Gather ‘round, young architects, as they provide the supplies like boxes of all shapes and sizes, the very best tools, and vibrant colours — to craft the fortress of your dreams.

Special Events 🎨

• STEM-inspired holiday programming | Dec 25 - Jan 5 (More Info)

  • Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Two STEM-inspired activities to engage young minds. The first is an airplane obstacle course that will wind its way throughout the museum. Kids will be challenged to navigate through the course and safely land their plane at the end. Complete the obstacle course and enter to win prizes!

CHEERS!

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

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