Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

Hope you got a chance to soak up the sun this weekend. After all that chilly weather, it finally felt like summer had arrived. Between the spray pads opening and a full lineup of events around the city, like MB Food Truck Battles and Taste of Asia. It was one of those weekends that just felt good to be outside again.

This week’s a little quieter on the event front, but don’t worry. June is just around the corner, and things will be picking up again real soon. Festivals, night markets, and street parties are all about to roll in.

So enjoy the slower pace while it lasts, sip something cold, and scroll through to stay caught up with what’s happening around the city.

In today’s edition:

• City of Winnipeg Opens Spray Pads for the Summer

• Restaurant of the Week (Hand Pulled Noodles)

• New Library Approved for Garden City Mall

• Manitoba Raises Wages for Child-Care Workers

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

City of Winnipeg Opens Spray Pads for the Summer

You don’t need a big budget to make summer memories. Sometimes, all it takes is a towel, a pair of sandals, and a working spray pad.

After a cold, stubborn spring, the sun was finally out this past weekend, parks were busy, and the City’s spray pads officially opened on Saturday. Just in time to enjoy the warmer days ahead.

If you’ve got little ones (or grandkids) who love to splash around…

Here’s what you need to know:

• Most spray pads will now be running every day from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Outdoor pools start opening June 20, with more coming June 27

• Wading pools open in waves starting July 1

• They’ll all stay open until September 1, as long as the weather holds

If you want to see the full schedule of when each location will open (and where they all are), you can click the link below to see all the details.

Click Here: To learn more about locations and opening dates

Together with The EX 2025!

Start Summer Break the Right Way

Summer break is almost here. The kids are counting down the days. And you can feel the excitement in the air with everyone itching to get outside and do something fun!

And if you're looking for the perfect way to kick things off, The EX is one of the best ways to do it.

There’s something special about piling into the car, heading to Red River Exhibition Park, and spending the day riding roller coasters, eating too many mini donuts, and dancing to live music as the sun sets.

This year’s lineup is packed with:

• 50+ rides for all ages, whether you like it chill or thrilling.

• 45+ food trucks serving everything from sweet treats to deep-fried everything.

• 40+ local vendors with handmade goods, art, and unique finds.

• 10 themed days, including Caribbean Day, Filipino Day, Family Day & more.

• Live music every night, from tribute bands to Classic Rock and Country Nights.

• Juried competitions for quilting, photography, and more!

📍 June 13–22 at Red River Exhibition Park
🎟️ Pre-sale tickets are live now, and this is the lowest price you’ll get!

So if the EX is already part of your summer tradition (or you’re ready to start a new one), now’s the time to grab your tickets and save a few dollars before prices go up.

Click the button below to see the full schedule, rides + food list, and ticket info!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Restaurant of the Week: Gol's Lanzhou Noodle

Hand-Pulled Noodles and a Front-Row Seat

There’s dinner… and then there’s dinner with a show.

At Gol’s Lanzhou Noodle on Pembina, you get both. The chefs here make your noodles fresh, right in front of you. Hand-pulled with care, precision, and a whole lot of flair! It’s part performance, part tradition, and 100% satisfying.

They’ve got eight different noodle types to choose from (yes, you get to pick!), and there’s even a no-spice option if you’re keeping things mild.

Here’s what we keep going back for:

• The Dan Dan Noodles always hit the spot

• The Beef Tendon Noodle Soup is rich and flavourful

• And please don’t skip the cucumber salad as it’s refreshing, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned

Whether you’re there for the noodles, the show, or both, this spot is worth the drive.

📍Address: 2795 Pembina Hwy #1, Winnipeg

Click Here: To see what they offer and what they look like!

Community Digest

More Measles Exposure Sites Identified in Manitoba

Nobody likes hearing about another health warning, but with measles cases continuing to climb, this is one of those times when a little caution can go a long way.

Public health officials have now flagged two more schools as possible exposure sites from earlier this month. While many families have already been contacted directly, this is a good reminder to stay alert, especially if you live or work nearby.

Here’s the latest:

• Prairie Dale School in Schanzenfeld on May 12 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

• Collège Lorette Collegiate in Lorette on May 12 between 8:20 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• Watch for symptoms like fever, red eyes, fatigue, and rash until June 3

This brings the total to over 60 confirmed cases in Manitoba, with more still possible. Even if you weren’t directly impacted, it’s a good chance to check in on others around you. Parents, grandparents, neighbours. Especially those with little ones.

And if you’re unsure about your vaccination status, now’s a good time to check with your doctor or local health provider just to be safe.

Click Here: To learn more about the latest update and all the exposure sites.

New Library Approved for Garden City Mall

As we mentioned a few weeks ago, a new library was in the works for the northwest, and now it’s officially happening!

City council gave the final approval last week for a brand-new public library inside Garden City Shopping Centre, and honestly, it feels like the perfect combo. You’ll be able to grab a book, pick up some groceries, and maybe even sneak in a mall walk, all in one stop.

As reported by CTV News, here’s what’s coming:

• The library will take up 14,450 square feet inside the mall

• Rent starts at just over $210,000 a year, with gradual increases

• It’s funded with $2.4M from the city and $2.5M from the province

• Set to open by fall 2026

It’s part of a bigger plan to bring more services to the city’s growing northwest. And honestly, a library that’s this easy to get to? That’s a win.

Click Here: To read the full article and learn more about the library

Zach Collaros Staying with the Bombers Through 2026

With the Bombers' preseason kicking off this past weekend, fans finally got that first real taste of football season returning. And now there's even more reason to get excited.

Zach Collaros just signed a one-year extension, which means he’s staying in Blue and Gold through the 2026 season.

Whether you’ve watched every game since 2019 or just tune in for the Grey Cup parties, you probably know just how big of a deal Collaros has been for this team.

Here’s a quick reminder of what he’s done so far:

• Led the Bombers to five straight Grey Cup appearances

• Won championships in 2019 and 2021

• Named CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in both 2021 and 2022

He will miss the season opener because of a one-game suspension for not responding to an offseason drug test request in time, but he’ll be back right after that.

Zach’s not done chasing another ring, and with this team, we’ve got every reason to believe another one’s within reach.

Click Here: To see the full season schedule!

City Updates

Manitoba Raises Wages for Child-Care Workers

If you’ve ever dropped off your little one and left feeling grateful for the person who greets them with a warm smile, you’re not alone.

Early childhood educators (ECEs) are often the first people shaping our kids’ learning and routines. And now, after years of being underpaid and overworked, they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Thanks to funding from the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the biggest wage increase in Manitoba history for ECEs is now in effect.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Wages are increasing by up to $5 an hour, depending on training and centre size

• The new wage grid is retroactive to April 1

• An additional $60.4 million in funding is being rolled out to support the changes

• With all licensed child-care centres in Manitoba seeing increased support

It’s a big win for child-care workers and for every family who depends on them!

Click Here: For more information on the wage increase!

Winnipeg to Save $730K with New AI Invoice System

With AI making headlines everywhere lately, it’s easy to feel like it’s all hype. But here in Winnipeg, we’re starting to see the practical side of it. A few months ago, the City hired its first Chief Technology Officer, and now they’re already putting smart tools to work in ways that actually help us residents.

The latest win? A new AI-powered invoice system that’s expected to save the city over $730,000.

Here’s what it means for all of us:

• The system uses optical character recognition (OCR) to read and sort invoices

• It cuts down on manual work, speeds up payments, and reduces errors

• Phase II launches in June, connecting directly to the City’s financial system

• Long-term savings without needing any new investment

It’s not the kind of thing that makes front-page news, but it’s a good reminder that small behind-the-scenes changes can make a big difference.

Click Here: To learn more about the AI Invoice System

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 Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7-9PM, May 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf

  • Description: Enjoy an adults-only atmosphere with live musical entertainment, plus wine and beer.

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Vancouver Bandits | 7PM, May 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Future Now Expo | May 28-29 (More Info)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest interactive career and education Expo brings together over 100 organizations to help you explore various career paths and educational opportunities. All for FREE!

• Winnipeg Rib Fest | May 30 - June 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: What to Expect: Award-winning ribs, additional food and drink vendors, Beer Gardens, Live bands, Fun kids’ activities & more!

• Canada Women’s National Team Soccer vs Haiti | 2PM, May 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

  • Performers: A celebration of one of Winnipeg’s greatest, Desiree Scott. First Canada Women’s National Team match in Winnipeg in 8 years!

• Pride Winnipeg Festival | May 31 - June 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Description: Bringing the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies together to celebrate during a series of Pride events. Including shows from musicians, dancers, comedians, and more!

• Paul Reiser Comedy | 7PM, June 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: ​Reiser is widely celebrated for his roles in two hit shows for Netflix: Stranger Things and Chuck Lorre’s The Kominsky Method, for which he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor. While also being voted by Comedy Central as one of the Top 100 Comedians of All Time!

Exciting Events: May 26th & 27th

Sports🏀

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, May 27-28 (free/learn more)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

Music 🎵

• Ryan Bullock | 12-2:45PM, May 26 (More Info)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Oh! Jazz | 8PM, May 26 ($)

  • Location: The Rec Room

  • Description: Jazz lovers in Winnipeg are in for an extraordinary musical experience as Oh! Jazz: Global Stage brings world-class jazz performances from around the world to the big screen at Winnipeg’s Rec Room

• Sean Taylor/Shauna Bell/Mitchell Stewart Klyne/Jessie Christian | 12-11PM, May 27 (More Info)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Honky-Tonk Hose-Down (Chosen Family Band/Claire Therese and The Lockdown/Amby) | 8PM, May 27 ($)

  • Location: Blue Note Park

• Stephanie Westdal | 8:30PM, May 27

  • Location: The Osborne Taphouse

• Tuesday night Jazz Jam | 8PM, May 27

  • Location: Park Alleys

Family Fun🎆

• The Forks Workshop Series | 7-9PM, May 26 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Cookie Decorating Workshop | May 26

    • Description: In this class, you will walk through the steps in order to learn to decorate four cookies using a few different techniques, perfect for all levels of cookie decorating experience! You will be provided with eight cookies (two of each design) and five colours of icing.

• Toddler Tuesdays at The Leaf | 9:30-10AM, May 27 ($)

  • Location: Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf

  • Description: Your little one will enjoy music and games while discovering the joy of movement!

• Learn to Fish | 6:30PM, May 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Learn the ins and outs of getting into the great sport of fishing. Then hit the shores to try and catch one of our beautiful species of Northern Pike or Yellow Perch

Special Events 🎨

• 2025 Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival | May 26 - June 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.

• Tyler Kotowski Comedy | May 27-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: He has been featured on The Winnipeg Comedy Festival, The Oddblock Comedy Festival, and captained a team of comics on the pilot episode of Comedy Battle Royale.

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