Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

As January comes to an end, we’re starting to see more and more events pop up around the city. This weekend is no exception, with over 50 events lined up for you at the end of today’s newsletter!

So while the weather is still nice, take a look and see where you want to go. Whether it’s live music, winter festivals, or just something new to try, there’s plenty to make the most of the weekend.

Also, a huge thank you for all the amazing feedback on our poll about markets in the last edition! We’re beyond excited to put on our first event and bring the whole community together.

We’ll keep you updated as we get closer to the date and, of course, make sure you’re involved in every step of the process!

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg Approves 2025 Budget

• Students Can Help Shape Manitoba’s Education

• Helping Manitoba Businesses Against U.S Tariffs

• Winnipeg’s Most Wanted List

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Approves 2025 Budget

No one likes seeing their bills go up. And when you hear property taxes are rising by 5.95%, it stings. But, this budget was shaped by what Winnipeggers said mattered most. After reviewing community feedback and survey responses, the city made some adjustments to focus on key priorities.

As reported by City News, here are the highlights of Winnipeg’s 2025 Budget:

• More safety in our city with 36 new police officers and 15 new Community Safety Officers for Winnipeg Transit.

• Better roads, with $169.3 million going into fixing potholes and improving streets.

• The Arlington Bridge being decommissioned, with $17 million set aside for the process.

• Support for kids and teens, with $1 million going into youth recreation programs in high-needs areas.

• Cleaner and safer parks, with more funding to clear dangerous debris and keep green spaces welcoming.

Some councillors pushed back, saying the process lacked transparency, but the budget still passed with an 11 to 5 vote. Mayor Gillingham says this is about funding the priorities Winnipeggers care about.

Like it or not, this budget is shaping the future of our city, and now we wait to see if it delivers.

A message from Body Measure!

Your Health, Your Data, Your Transformation

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Here’s what they offer:

• DEXA Scans to get a precise breakdown of your muscle, fat, and bone density.

• Fibro Scans to check in on your liver health.

• Nurse Practitioner & Dietitian Services for expert advice tailored to your goals.

• Weight Loss Programs based on science, not trends.

• Emsella & Emface Treatments for pelvic floor health and non-invasive facial toning

• And so many more services!

No more trial and error—just real, measurable data to help you take control of your health. Click below to learn more about their services and get started!

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

City Updates

Students Can Help Shape Manitoba’s Education

Students spend years in school, yet decisions about their education are often made without them. But, that’s changing.

The Manitoba government is inviting grades 9 to 12 students to apply for the Student Advisory Council—a group that meets with education leaders to share what actually matters in schools.

• This isn’t just about talking. Past students have helped shape policies on mental health, remote learning, and technology in classrooms.

• It’s a chance to develop leadership skills, work as a team, and make a real impact.

• The council includes students from all backgrounds across Manitoba to ensure every voice is heard.

Applications are open until March 21. So, If you’re a student with ideas on how schools can improve or a parent looking to get their kids involved. This could be the perfect opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

Helping Manitoba Businesses Against U.S Tariffs

If the new U.S. tariffs come into play, it won’t just be the big corporations feeling the strain. Our local businesses will take the biggest hit—the small manufacturers, family-run farms, and entrepreneurs who rely on exports to stay afloat.

So, to help soften the blow, the Manitoba government is investing $86,000 into an Export Support Program for 19 small and medium-sized businesses.

• This funding will help businesses attend more trade shows, build global connections, and find new markets beyond the U.S.

• Industries like agriculture, manufacturing, education, and bio-environmental are set to benefit the most.

One local company has already tripled its trade show exposure thanks to the program. And while the future of trade with the U.S. feels uncertain, programs like this give our local businesses a fighting chance. So, let’s hope this is just the start of more support to come.

Community Digest

Changes to School Fundraising

Some schools can raise thousands of dollars in a single fundraiser, while others struggle to bring in enough to cover the basics. The gap between schools is real, and it means not every student gets the same opportunities.

As reported by CTV News, the Winnipeg School Division, the largest in Manitoba, is making changes to fundraising so things are fairer for everyone.

• Schools will no longer ask students to raise money for textbooks, field trips, or technology. Those should already be covered through the funding provided to the school.

• Door-to-door fundraising will no longer be allowed for any students. While it might have worked in the past, the goal is to make sure kids aren’t put in situations that could be uncomfortable or unsafe.

• Fundraisers will no longer be competitions, so students who can’t bring in as many donations won’t feel left out.

Students can still raise money for extras like camps and special projects, but when it comes to the essentials, no child should have to rely on fundraising.

The goal is simple—every student, no matter where they live, should have the same chance to learn, explore, and take part in school life.

$1.5M Invested in Indigenous Sport Programs

For many Indigenous youth, sports are about so much more than just competition. They’re a way to connect, heal, and build community, and for some, they’re the key to new opportunities. That’s why this funding is so important.

The federal government is investing $1.5 million to expand Indigenous-led sport programs in Winnipeg, helping more young people get involved.

• The funding will support eight community-designed programs created specifically for Indigenous youth.

• These programs will reflect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis traditions, making sure young athletes have opportunities that feel meaningful and culturally connected.

The goal is to remove barriers and make sports more accessible, so more Indigenous youth can experience the confidence, teamwork, and sense of belonging that comes with it. Since 2019, initiatives like this have made a real difference across Canada. With this new investment, even more young people in Winnipeg will get the chance to thrive, grow, and find their place through sport.

Winnipeg’s Most Wanted List

As you guys know, we don’t like to focus on negative news in our city. But when it comes to keeping our community safe, sometimes it’s important to stay informed.

Winnipeg Police just released their most wanted list for January, and knowing who’s on it is one way we can all look out for each other.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about watching out for our neighbors and our city. If you recognize someone on the list, you can submit a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

At the end of the day, we all want Winnipeg to be a safe place to live, work, and raise our families. If you want to see who’s on the list and how you can help, click the button below.

Exciting Events: Jan 31st - Feb 2nd

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Ram Motorsports Spectacular | Jan 31 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• 7th Annual Skate the Oval | 2-5PM, Feb 1

  • Location: 999 Sargent Avenue

  • Description: Skate around the Oval, try actual speed skates, see how fast you can skate with the radar gun, enjoy a hot chocolate, and hang out!

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Feb 1 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• The Great Skate 2025 | 9-11AM, Feb 2

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: The Great Skate is a 6KM race along the Nestaweya River Trail.

Family Fun🎆

• We call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show | 6:30 & 9PM, Jan 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes bring this classic tale to life on stage.

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Jan 31 - March 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

  • Description: Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | Jan 31 - March 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry (1824 Pembina Hwy)

  • Description: Saddle up for a wild ride as Destination Dinner Stage takes you on a hilarious journey through the untamed wilderness of family drama, ranching antics, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• Waitress - Musical | Jan 31 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

  • Description: Jenna is a small-town waitress who puts her passion into incredible pie-baking. When she finds herself pregnant in a dead-end relationship, she realizes she must address her life, and find her true self in a world.

• Guided Snowshoe Experience | 10-11:30AM, Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park (Riley Family Duck Pond Shelter)

  • Description: Depending on the session you choose, come ready to learn more about winter creatures, winter tracking, winter trees or Park history.

• Free Entry to Manitoba Parks | Feb 1-28

  • Location: Multiple Locations

• Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Feb 2

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Winter Wellness Classes, Storytelling and Drumming in the Teepee and more!

Markets / Festivals🎪

• Greendell Community Centre Winter Carnival | Jan 31 - Feb 2 (More Info)

  • Location: Greendell Community Centre

  • Description: Bingo, face painting, live music, and so much more!

• Mid Canada RV & Boat Sale | Jan 31 - Feb 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Feb 1

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• AWRA Winter Extravaganza 2025 | Feb 1 (More Info)

  • Location: 861 Buchanan Blvd

  • Description: Free sleigh rides (2–5 PM), Beer Gardens, Music & Fireworks!

• Snoball Winter Carnival 2025 | 12-4PM, Feb 1 (More Info)

  • Location: 185 Young St

  • Description: Free meal and hot beverages from NOON - 2 pm, horse drawn carriage rides, Outdoor fun/games & fireside activities.

• Rewind Vintage Market | 10AM - 1PM, Feb 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Parlour Coffee

  • Description: A local market to buy cool vintage clothing!

• Prairie Strides Annual Market | Feb 1-2 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: A weekend shopping extravanganza with antiques, collectibles, crafts, baking, raffle, 50/50, door prizes and more!

Comedy❗

• Dan Soder Comedy | Jan 31 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: New York City based comedian and actor who’s best known as ‘Mafee’ on the hit series Billions on Showtime.

• Brett Martin Comedy | Jan 31 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Garry Hotel

Special Events 🥂

• Circus and Cocktails | 7PM, Jan 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: 195 Collegiate St

  • Description: Enjoy jaw-dropping aerials, mesmerizing acts, and community support, all while sipping on your favorite cocktail.

• Raw Almond Restaurant | Jan 31 - Feb 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: World class chefs gather to create a pop-up restaurant experience like no other.

• Mix Tapes From My Mom | Jan 31 - Feb 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Tom Hendry Warehouse

  • Description: Winnipeg theatre veteran Cory Wojcik, shares a deeply personal story of the day he travelled back and forth between two hospitals.

• Fat Joke Play | Jan 31 - Feb 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: A fusion of stand-up comedy, storytelling, and unapologetic fact-blasting, Fat Joke thrusts fatphobia into the spotlight.

• Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity | 7PM, Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Catch the screenings of the best films from the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity!

• An Improvised Groundhog Day | 7PM, Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

  • Description: An improv show inspired by the time loop of the movie Groundhog Day.

• Faux Pas Funk | 7PM, Feb 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Garry Hotel

  • Description: Helmed by veteran Winnipeg saxophonist Niall Cade, Faux Pas Funk is one of Winnipeg’s premier jazz-fusion outfits.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Monday!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].