Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

The day is here. Digest Cards are officially live! 🎉 There are only 250 cards available and you have until 6 p.m. this evening to grab yours before we post the link on social and the rest of Winnipeg jumps in.

These cards make for great stocking stuffers, or hey, maybe you just want to treat yourself (we won’t judge). They are the perfect way to support local businesses while giving your friends and family a chance to try some of Winnipeg’s best spots.

Here’s the deal: 10 local restaurants. 10 delicious discounts. All for just $25. You’ll get 10 one-time 10% discounts to some of the city’s best spots!

With the Canada Post strike, it looks like I will be hand delivering these myself. So thank you so much if you make a purchase or share this with family or friends who might want to grab one too. Your support keeps this local publication going strong, and we are so excited to have you along for all the exciting things we are working on next.

Let’s make this holiday season all about supporting local. ❤️

In today's edition:

• City of Winnipeg’s 2025 Budget Survey

• $10-A-Day Child Care Extended to Holidays

• Restaurant of the Week

• Winnipeg Diverts 40,000 kg of Food Waste

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Have Your Say in Winnipeg’s 2025 Budget

Following up on last week’s update about the 2025 Preliminary Budget—there’s still time to have your say. The city is asking for feedback on the proposed budget, including a nearly 6% property tax hike.

As a reminder, the budget includes big plans, like:

• Roads: $1 billion over six years, with $169.3M in 2025—a 15.8% increase from last year.

• Public Safety: Adding 36 police officers, 15 transit safety officers, and 24 firefighters, along with upgraded equipment.

• Youth Programs: $1M for recreation in high-needs areas to support kids and prevent crime.

• Transit: A $124M subsidy to gear up for a new transit network launching next summer.

You can share your thoughts by submitting written feedback or even speaking as a delegation at committee meetings starting Jan. 13.

The budget impacts us all, so if you care about where your money’s going, let the city know what matters to you. The survey is open until early next month, so be sure to fill it out!

$10-A-Day Child Care Extended to Holidays

The holidays can be magical, but let’s be real, they can also get expensive. Between gifts, outings, and family dinners, every bit of savings helps. That’s why the Manitoba government’s decision to extend $10-a-day child care to cover school holidays is a game changer for parents.

As of December 8, families with school-aged kids in licensed child-care facilities now pay just $10 a day for care on non-school days, including in-services, holidays, and even summer break. With around 73 non-school days each year, this makes a big difference. It’s a big drop from the previous $20.80 fee, saving families with two kids approximately $140 during the winter break alone.

For parents, this means more money for holiday treats or simply some breathing room in the budget. It’s some much-needed relief for families across Manitoba, especially during an already expensive season.

Sponsored by The Winnipeg Digest!

Support Local This Holiday Season!

When you think about those coupon booklets from McDonald’s and other chains, they’re designed to get more people walking through their doors. But we thought, why not create a Winnipeg version of that—one that supports local instead?

That’s how the Digest Card came to life. It’s our way of helping you explore 10 incredible local restaurants while giving these small businesses a boost.

I know the discounts aren’t as big as the ones you see on those chain booklets, but I hope you’ll understand. These are local businesses, and many of them already operate on tight margins. This is our effort to bring them more business while giving you a chance to discover amazing, hidden gems in our city.

For just $25, you’ll get 10 one-time 10% discounts to some of Winnipeg’s best spots. They’re perfect as stocking stuffers for your kids, grandkids, or even your friends—or as a little treat for yourself.

Let’s support local this holiday season, one delicious meal at a time!

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

Restaurant of the Week: Zaytoon

If you’re in the mood for authentic Middle Eastern food, Zaytoon on Osborne is the spot you’ve been looking for.

Here’s why:

• The food: Juicy shawarma, perfectly grilled lamb ribs, and desserts like Kunafa and Baklava that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’re even done.

• The drinks: Their Turkish coffee is rich, bold, and pairs beautifully with their desserts—perfect for an evening treat.

• The setting: Located at 99 Osborne St #203, Zaytoon’s space is cozy and aesthetic, making it just as perfect for a casual dinner as it is for a laid-back evening out.

So, whether you’re grabbing takeout or staying to soak up the warm, welcoming atmosphere, Zaytoon is all about savoring bold flavors and good times. It’s a little slice of the Middle East, right here in Winnipeg.

Community News

Winnipeg Diverts 40,000 kg of Food Waste

When Winnipeg launched its compost drop-off program in October, no one expected it to be this popular. But as reported by CBC news, residents have diverted 40,000 kilograms of organic waste from landfills in just two months—triple the initial projections!

Here’s why it matters:

• Diverting food waste keeps two tonnes of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere for every tonne composted.

• The program started with 15 drop-off sites, and collections have already increased to three times a week due to demand.

• More bins and new “compost caretakers” are helping keep things running smoothly.

Hopefully, this success inspires even more initiatives, like a city-wide curbside compost pickup program. Making composting easier means more people will join in, and that’s a win for the whole planet and our community!

Help Deliver Holiday Cheer This Christmas

If you’re looking for a way to help this holiday season, this might be the easiest way to do so without spending a dime.

As reported by CTV News, The Christmas Cheer Board needs drivers to deliver holiday hampers to families across Winnipeg. With less than two weeks before Christmas, about 10,000 hampers still need to be delivered.

No sign-ups or advance planning are required. Just head to their warehouse at 895 Century Street, and they’ll give you everything you need—addresses, hampers, and instructions. Deliveries are set up for neighborhoods close to your chosen area, so it’s simple and stress-free.

This is your chance to make someone’s holiday a little brighter. With just a bit of your time, you can help spread cheer and bring smiles to families across our city. Deliveries end December 23, so pop in when you can!

City Updates

$240,000 for Manitoba Museums

Manitoba is investing $240,000 to help community museums preserve and celebrate our province’s rich heritage. Museums play a big role in keeping Manitoba’s stories alive, connecting us through shared history and cultural diversity.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The funding supports non-profit museums committed to conserving and showcasing Manitoba’s history.

• Museums can apply for up to $25,000 to cover project costs in full.

• Applications are open until February 3, 2025.

This program isn’t just about artifacts—it’s about bringing communities together and celebrating the diverse stories that make Manitoba special. If you know a museum that could use a little help, share the news and support local history.

$206,000 for the U of M Reconciliation Project

Reconciliation isn’t just a word—it’s an ongoing journey, and the University of Manitoba is making strides with help from the federal government.

As reported by Global News, Over $206,000 has been committed to the Canadian Reconciliation Barometer Project, which tracks our country’s progress on reconciliation and deepens our understanding of it. With this funding, the project will:

• Create an advisory council of elders and knowledge keepers.

• And develop educational materials to support learning and awareness.

This is a meaningful step for Winnipeg and beyond, reinforcing the importance of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities walking this path together. It’s not just about reflecting on the past—it’s about building a future rooted in respect and understanding.

Events 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 MET Dinner & Movie | 5:30PM, Dec 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre

  • Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

• Candlelight: Christmas Classics | 6:30PM, Dec 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Crescent Arts Centre

  • Description: Discover the music of Christmas Classics at Crescent Arts Centre under the gentle glow of candlelight.

  • Note: Dec 20 is sold out, but please grab your tickets for Dec 27 & 28 shows before they sell out.

• JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday Show | 8PM, Dec 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Note: Presented by Winnipeg Folk Festival

• Topical Storm Comedy Show | 9PM, Dec 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement (3740 Portage Ave)

  • Description: One of Winnipeg's longest-running (and most popular) theme shows, Jon Wilson's Topical Storm features the city's best comedians dishing on current events. It's easily the funnest way to find out what's in the news.

• The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents Nutcracker | Dec 20-28 (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.

• The Basement Comedy: Best of 2024 | 9PM, Dec 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement (3740 Portage Ave)

  • Description: Your favourite comedians from this year grace the stage for one final time in 2024!

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Minnesota Wild | 6PM, Dec 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Exciting Events: Dec 16th & 17th!

Music 🎵

• Winter Classic | 8PM, Dec 17 (Tickets)

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

  • Performer: Whitehorse

Family Fun🎆

• Watt a Season | Dec 16 - Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

• Zoo Lights | Dec 16 - 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 16- Jan 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show and provides a brilliant presentation of over one million lights.

• Let It Glow 2024 | 5-10PM, Dec 16-31 (More Info)

  • Location: Grant Memorial Church (877 Wilkes Ave)

  • Description: Drive through Grant Memorial Church, where you'll be treated to a dazzling show of lights, videos, and music that tells the story of Christmas.

• Folklorama at Play | 1-2PM, Dec 17 (More Info)

  • Location: St Vital Centre

  • Description: Held in the Food Hall next to the Indigo Fireplace, attendees can enjoy the vibrant music and dance performances that spotlight the traditions of diverse cultures.

Special 🥂

• Sookrams Movie Night | 7 & 9:20PM, Dec 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Park Theatre

  • Movies: Nightmare Before Christmas & Die Hard

• Full Moon Ceremony at the Forks | 5PM, Dec 16 (More Info)

  • Location: Oodena Celebration Circle

• Birdsong & Boughs: A Holiday Migration | 2-3:30PM, Dec 16 - Jan 12 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park - The Leaf

  • Description: This display blends the vibrant beauty of holiday boughs with the soothing sounds of birds, inviting visitors to experience the season through nature’s migrations.

• Free Drop-In Group Music Lessons | 4-6PM, Dec 17 (Free)

  • Location: West End Culture Centre, 586 Ellice Ave

  • Description: Great opportunity for ages 8-18 to explore their musical talents.

• Outside Joke's A Christmas Miracle: An Improvised | Dec 17-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Centre

  • Description: Improvising a new Holiday Film every night!

• Graham Kay Comedy | Dec 17-21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Graham recently performed stand up on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Show with Steven Colbert and NBC’s Bring The Funny.

CHEERS!

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

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