Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

It’s that time of year when the snow is melting, the sidewalks are a mess, and everyone’s cautiously optimistic that spring might actually be sticking around. We’re not packing away the winter coats just yet, but it’s nice to step outside without bracing for the worst.

And with the nice weather rolling in, events around our city are picking up too. From vintage markets to St. Patrick’s Day parades, there’s plenty happening this weekend. Be sure to check out the events section to help plan your weekend.

Lots to catch up on, so let’s get into it. Hope you enjoy today’s edition, and as always, we’ll keep you in the loop on everything happening around our city!

In today’s edition:

• Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rate

• $27.3M Dollars to Help Reduce Homelessness

• U of M Strike: What This Means for Students

• Martin Short Joins Winnipeg’s Outdoor Comedy Festival

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rate

We usually don’t cover federal news, but when it affects your wallet and daily life, we want to keep you in the loop.

If you have a mortgage, a loan, or are thinking about a big purchase, this might be helpful. The Bank of Canada just cut interest rates again, bringing them down to 2.75 percent. That makes it the seventh rate cut in a row, which could mean a little relief for anyone borrowing money.

But there’s another side to this. The United States just introduced a 25 percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, which could put pressure on businesses here at home. Our government is doing everything they can to offset the impact and keep our economy stable.

Here’s what this means for you:

• Borrowing could be a little cheaper if you have a mortgage or loan.

• But, some products that rely on steel and aluminum could see price increases.

• And lastly, manufacturing jobs in Canada might feel the strain if these tariffs stay in place.

The Bank of Canada is watching things closely and will make another interest rate announcement on April 16. Until then, if you have a mortgage renewal coming up, it might be a good time to check in with your lender.

$27.3M Dollars to Help Reduce Homelessness in Winnipeg

If you’ve lived in Winnipeg for a while, you know that homelessness has been a huge issue over the years. It’s not just about not having a roof over your head. It’s about safety, dignity, and having a place to belong. Too many people in our city are living without that security, and while the problem won’t be solved overnight, there are real efforts being made to create lasting change.

The federal government just announced $27.3 million in new funding for End Homelessness Winnipeg, an organization working to provide stable housing and support to those in need.

Here’s what this means:

• Winnipeg has now received $174.7 million in federal support for homelessness programs from 2019 to 2028.

• The funding will help expand housing-first programs, keep shelters open longer, and support people leaving the child welfare and justice systems so they aren’t left without options.

• Indigenous-led solutions are a key focus, as over 75 percent of unhoused people in Winnipeg are Indigenous.

Homelessness isn’t just a statistic—it affects real people in our community. The more we invest in housing and support, the more we create a city where everyone has a chance to rebuild. If you want to help, consider supporting local shelters, donating winter clothing, or spreading awareness about the work being done. Every bit of effort makes a difference.

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City Updates

U of M Strike: What This Means for Students

If you’re a student at the U of M, the last thing you need is more uncertainty. Balancing assignments, exams, and everything in between is already stressful enough. Now, as reported by The Manitoban, with a possible faculty strike on the horizon, the university is putting plans in place to make sure students don’t get left behind.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Students can defer exams or request an incomplete grade status if the strike disrupts their coursework.

• The voluntary withdrawal (VW) deadline might be extended, so students don’t have to rush big decisions.

• If a strike happens, students who choose not to cross the picket line will not be penalized for missing classes or assignments.

• Scholarships and bursaries won’t be revoked if students drop below the required credit hours due to a withdrawal.

This is a tough situation, and while we don’t know yet if the strike will happen, these steps should help ease some of the pressure on students.

$8M Expansion for Winnipeg Non-Profit Supporting People with Disabilities

For over 50 years, DASCH (Direct Action in Support of Community Homes) has been helping Winnipeggers with intellectual and physical disabilities build independent lives. Now, as reported by CBC News, with $8 million in federal funding, they’re getting ready to expand their southwest Winnipeg facility, making even more resources available.

Here’s what’s coming:

• A community hub to bring people together and provide new support programs.

• A new daycare and medical clinic in the same building to create a more inclusive space for families.

• More job opportunities for people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to meaningful employment.

This expansion isn’t just about adding space—it’s about creating a future where inclusion is the norm, not the exception. It means more people in our city will have access to jobs, resources, and support systems that help them thrive. And when we build spaces that include everyone, our entire community benefits.

Community Digest

Martin Short Joins Winnipeg’s Outdoor Comedy Festival

Nothing brings people together like a good laugh, and this summer, Winnipeg is getting a comedy lineup worth getting excited about. Martin Short is stepping in as a co-headliner at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival, replacing Jim Gaffigan, who had to pull out.

Here’s what you need to know:

• John Mulaney and Martin Short will take the stage on July 19 at Assiniboine Park.

• The festival kicks off July 18 with Bert Kreischer, Whitney Cummings, and Ms. Pat.

• The Trailer Park Boys and Theo Von will close out the weekend on July 20.

Martin Short is a Canadian comedy legend, so having him on the lineup is a big win for the festival. If you’re looking for a fun summer night out, this one’s worth marking on the calendar.

U of W Men’s Volleyball Team Wins First-Ever Conference Championship

If you’ve ever been part of a team, you know that winning isn’t just about talent—it’s about grit, trust, and showing up for each other when it matters most. That’s exactly what the U of W Wesmen men’s volleyball team did, and now they’re Canada West champions for the first time ever.

Here’s how it happened:

• The Wesmen defeated the Alberta Golden Bears in straight sets—25-20, 25-20, 25-21.

• Next up, the team heads to Brandon for the U Sports National Championships, where they’ll enter as the top-ranked team.

This is a huge moment for the program and for Winnipeg sports. Nationals kick off on March 21, and if you have family in Brandon or can make the trip, be sure to head out and cheer them on!

Exciting Events: March 14th - 16th

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars | 7PM, Mar 14th (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Women's Volleyball National Championships | Mar 14-16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Investors Group Athletic Centre

  • Description: The U Sports Women's Volleyball Championship is a premier event showcasing the best university women's volleyball teams in Canada.

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Mar 15th (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

Family Fun🎆

• March Zoo In-Service Camp | March 14 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Campers explore nature, learn about animals, play games, and make new friends. Open to children in grades 1-6.

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | March 14-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

• King James Play | Mar 14-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse (140 Rupert Avenue)

  • Description: Forced to sell his beloved Cavaliers season tickets, Matt unexpectedly finds a new friend in Shawn, bonding over basketball and the rise of LeBron ‘King’ James. Told in four quarters over 12 years, King James is a heartfelt story of friendship and loyalty.

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | March 14-20 (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 wilderness of family drama, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• Winnipeg $10 Shoe & Clothing Warehouse Sale | 10AM - 9PM, March 14 -17

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre (Hall A & B)

  • Description: FREE ENTRY - Enjoy a stunning selection of footwear and apparel items all for only $10 or less.

• Gossip" Play | Mar 14-16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

  • Description: A sly, film-noir inspired comedy that follows a journalist investigating the shocking murder of a celebrity who collapsed in an art gallery surrounded by champagne-sipping socialites.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 1PM, Mar 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

  • Note: This weekend’s market also includes, the 3rd Annual Charity Chili Cook-Off. Highlighting local ingredients, local businesses & community organizations. Show up, Come hungry, & Vote!

• JA Manitoba annual Trade Fair | 10AM - 6PM, Mar 15

  • Location: St Vital Centre

  • Description: Support students in selling their products. Drop by and do some shopping. There is everything from cookbooks to puzzles to gardening kits to scented sachets and so much more!

• Photography at The Leaf | 7:30-9:30AM, Mar 15 (More Info)

  • Location: Tannis M, Richardson Classroom and Leaf Biomes

  • Description: Join us for a photography workshop at The Leaf, led by a professional nature and wildlife photographer.

• Manitoba Antique Association Spring Market | 10AM - 4PM, Mar 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Viscount Gort Hotel (1670 Portage Ave)

  • Description: Antiques, Vintage, Pyrex, Art Glass, Vintage Jewelry, Farmhouse Antiques, Mantiques, and more!

Comedy❗

• James Roque - The Legal Alien Tour | March 14-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Since moving to Canada two years ago, James has been reflecting on what it means to be an immigrant in 2025. And how sometimes it all feels a bit like you're treated like a...Legal Alien.

• Michael Moses Comedy | Mar 14-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club

  • Description: Michael Moses is a standout star in Canada, with a win at the 2014 Go Yuk Yourself Competition, winner of the 2015 Brantford Rising Stars Competition, and a headliner at the 2017 Border City Comedy Festival!

• Tone Bell Comedy | Mar 14-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Tone Bell is working on material for his upcoming sophomore stand up special, but can currently be seen in the Netflix series SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST.

• Jeremy Hotz Standup Tour | 7PM, Mar 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

Special Events 🥂

• The Michael Jackson History Tour | 8PM, Mar 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Get the full Michael Jackson concert experience with triple-threat performer Garth Field – electrifying in his role as Jackson – plus a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes, state-of-the-art sound and theatrical lighting, vision and FX.

• Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show | Mar 14-15 (Free)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Vision Quest brings together innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders to discuss and promote Indigenous business, community and economic development.

• Cottage Country’s Lake and Cabin Show | Mar 14-16

  • Location: Exhibition Place at Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: This event brings cottage and cabin owners, renters, builders, and soon-to-be buyers together with top businesses in the region who specialize in cottage projects, products, and services.

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Breakfast | 10AM-2:30PM, Mar 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Irish Association of Manitoba, 654 Erin Street

  • Description: Enjoy a delicious Irish breakfast with sausages, bacon, black and white pudding, soda farl, potato bread, eggs, mushrooms, beans, tea or coffee.

• Love Local Manitoba's Premier Food, Beer and Wine Event | 5-9PM, Mar 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Victoria Inn (1808 Wellington Ave)

  • Description: Step into a world of culinary discovery as we bring together Manitoba’s chefs, brewers, distillers, winemakers, and food artisans for an evening dedicated to indulging your culinary cravings.

• Latin Sundays at The Forks | 5:30-9:30PM, Mar 16

  • Location: Room 201, second floor of The Forks Market

  • Description: Experience Latin culture through music, dance, food and performances.

• Manitoba’s Largest Record Sale | 10AM-4PM, Mar 16 (More Info)

  • Location: Centro Caboto Centre

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].