Happy Monday, Winnipeg.

Quick heads up before you scroll.

We’ve got a short survey in today’s newsletter about a new idea we’re thinking of bringing to the city. It’s something a little different, very Winnipeg, and built around meeting people and doing something fun together.

Take a second to check it out and let us know what you think. Your feedback will decide if this actually happens.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • Winnipeg Homicide Cases Drop Nearly 50 Percent in 2025

  • Restaurant of the Week

  • Winnipeg’s Second Uniqlo Location Is Moving Forward at Polo Park

  • Jets End 11 Game Losing Streak at Home

  • Quick Survey: Unique Idea For The City

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Homicide Cases Drop Nearly 50 Percent in 2025

This is one of those updates that quietly matters for a lot of families across the city.

New police data shows that homicide cases in Winnipeg dropped sharply last year, landing at a level we haven’t seen in a long time. For many people across the city, that brings a sense of relief and a bit of optimism heading into the new year.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • Winnipeg recorded 21 homicide cases in 2025, down from 41 in 2024

  • That is a drop of nearly 50 percent in one year

  • Police continue to solve most homicide cases, with clearance rates staying high

  • Experts say there is no single reason behind the decline, as these numbers can change year to year

While there is no clear cause, police and experts point to a mix of factors, including more community-based initiatives, stronger partnerships, and ongoing prevention efforts. Taken together, the trend is moving in the right direction.

It’s not a finish line, but it’s meaningful progress. And if this momentum holds, there is real hope that Winnipeg could set an even lower number this year.

A Message From Paris Cosmetology

Self-Care Options to Start the Year Right

The new year is often when people start thinking about small changes that can make a big difference. That might mean finally looking into skin treatments, exploring hair restoration, or booking care you’ve been meaning to prioritize for a while.

And Paris Cosmetology makes all of that possible in one place.

This Winnipeg-based medical aesthetics clinic offers a wide range of medical-grade aesthetic services, guided by board-certified doctors, registered nurses, and experienced medical aestheticians.

Every visit begins with a consultation, where the focus is on listening, clearly explaining options, and helping you move forward at your own pace.

Here are a few services you can start the year with:

  • Hair restoration and hair transplant treatments

  • Medical-grade skin treatments, including peels and rejuvenation care

  • Laser treatments and microneedling

  • Facials, injectables, and targeted aesthetic services

With so many options available under one roof and pricing designed to make self-care more accessible, it’s easy to explore what works best for you.

If improving your skin, hair, or overall confidence is on your list this year, click below to see their full list of services and take the next step when you’re ready.

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]!

Restaurant of the Week: Rika Cheese Garden

If you have never tried a Japanese cheesecake before, this is the place to start.

At RIKA Cheese Garden, the star of the menu is their Japanese fluffy cheesecake. It is light, airy, and gently sweet, with a soft bounce that feels almost cloud-like. Nothing dense. Nothing heavy. Just smooth, delicate bites that melt as you eat them.

The menu also gives you options depending on your mood:

  • Classic Japanese fluffy cheesecakes in simple, clean flavours

  • Basque burnt cheesecake for something richer with a caramelized top

  • Matcha and ube cheesecakes that add flavour without overpowering the cake

  • Gluten-free options, which is a big plus for many families

You can pick one up at:

  • 1079 Autumnwood Drive in Windsor Park

  • 2188 McPhillips Street near Young’s

It’s a great stop for a treat after dinner, something to bring home for guests, or a simple way to make an ordinary day feel a little more special.

Community Spotlight

Winnipeg’s Second Uniqlo Location Is Moving Forward at Polo Park

A second Uniqlo location in Winnipeg is officially moving forward, and this time it’s headed to Polo Park.

Just weeks after the first store was announced for St. Vital Centre, new city permits show that Uniqlo is planning a full, permanent store inside Polo Park Mall.

Here’s what we know so far:

  • A City of Winnipeg permit lists Uniqlo as a tenant at Polo Park Mall

  • The permit includes interior renovations like new walls, storefront updates, and mechanical work

  • That points to a full, permanent store, not a short-term pop-up

  • An opening date has not been shared yet, but permits are usually the first big step

With locations coming to both St. Vital Centre and Polo Park, Uniqlo shopping is about to get a lot more convenient for people across the city.

No dates yet, but things are clearly moving in the right direction.

Jets End 11 Game Losing Streak at Home

After weeks of tough nights, the Winnipeg Jets finally put an end to their 11-game losing streak with a 5 to 1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. And you could feel the relief and energy all around the building.

What made this night stand out:

  • The Jets snapped their longest losing skid since the team returned to Winnipeg

  • The win came at home, in front of 14,000-plus fans at Canada Life Centre

  • The crowd stayed loud all night, broke into the wave, and gave a standing ovation at the final buzzer

  • Players spoke after about playing with joy again and remembering why they love the game

This was not just about the score. It was about momentum, support, and a reminder that Winnipeg sticks with its team, even through the hard stretches.

Would You Join a Winnipeg Dinner Club?

We’ve got a fun idea and wanted to check in with you first.

What if there were a Winnipeg Dinner Club with small, curated dinners around the city? Each dinner would be six people at one table, meeting at a local restaurant for good food and easy conversation.

You’d sign up and fill out a quick quiz about things like your interests, age range, budget, and preferences. From there, we’d match the table so it feels natural.

We’d pick a great local restaurant and handle the details. You just show up, eat well, and connect.

We’ll only move forward with this if there’s lots of interest, so your vote really matters.

Would you be interested in a Winnipeg Dinner Club?

Login or Subscribe to participate

City Updates

Manitoba Sold $6.9M in U.S. Liquor in December

Source: LGCA

This is one of those updates that shows how quickly Manitobans step up when there is a clear way to help.

In December, U.S. liquor temporarily returned to shelves with a simple goal. Turn those sales into support for holiday charities. And people across Manitoba showed up in a big way.

Here is what the latest numbers tell us:

  • Between Dec. 8 and Dec. 31, nearly $6.9 million worth of U.S. liquor was sold across Manitoba

  • Proceeds from those sales are going to holiday charities that support families and communities in need

  • The temporary sales followed months of U.S. alcohol being off shelves due to trade tensions

  • Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries says there is still about $5.3 million worth of U.S. alcohol in storage, down significantly from earlier in December

Instead of letting products sit or go to waste, this approach turned existing stock into real help for people during the holidays.

And if you are wondering, U.S. liquor is still available at select Liquor Marts and partner retailers while inventory lasts.

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!

  • WAG Wednesday Nights | 5-9PM, Jan 14 (More Info)

    • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq

    • Description: Enjoy weekly free admission to the galleries and more from 5-9pm. WAG-Qaumajuq transforms Wednesday nights into an after-hours experience designed for people who want more from their week — more creativity, more connection, more inspiration.

  • Murder on the Orient Express Play | Jan 14 - Feb 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: Detective Hercule Poirot is aboard the Orient Express when a fellow passenger is murdered. As the famous detective investigates, he encounters a cast of intriguing passengers, including the glamorous Mrs. Hubbard and the enigmatic Princess Dragomiroff.

  • Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights! | 5-8PM, Jan 15 (More Info)

    • Location: The Forks Market Patio

    • Description: Patio season doesn’t have to end in summer. Join us every Thursday this winter for fresh oysters and seafood paired with a drink from The Common. Whether you are skating in or stopping by, settle in by the fire and enjoy the winter ambiance

  • Fleurs de Villes | Jan 15-25 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Leaf

    • Description: Fleurs de Villes - Wonder is a fresh floral celebration of the natural wonders of the world brought to life by Winnipeg’s talented floral designers.

  • An Evening of Sherlock Holmes | 7PM, Jan 16 (Tickets)

    • Location: Dalnavert Museum

    • Description: Step into the parlour for an intimate evening with the world's greatest detective. Enjoy a reading of the classic Sherlock Holmes tale "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" in the immersive setting of Dalnavert's lavish surroundings

  • Winnipeg Renovation Show 2026 | Jan 16-18 (Tickets)

    • Location: RBC Convention Centre

    • Description: The Winnipeg Renovation Show is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop in-person with REAL people for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals.

  • Winnipeg Jets vs Toronto Maple Leafs | 6PM, Jan 17 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • WSO presents The Music of Studio Ghibli | 2PM, Jan 17 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: A symphonic journey through the musical world of Studio Ghibli and the acclaimed composer Joe Hisaishi.

  • Learn to Winter Activities | Jan 17-18 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: The Forks

    • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Yoga, Ice Basketball, Warming Hut Tours and more!

Exciting Events: January 12th & 13th

Sports 🏀

  • Winnipeg Jets vs New York Islanders | 7PM, Jan 13 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

  • Ryan Bullock | 12PM, Jan 12 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle’s Kitchen & Music Hall

  • Bram Avery/Chris Morin/Curtis Newton/Keith MacPherson | 12-11PM, Jan 13 (More Info)

    • Location: Belle’s Kitchen & Music Hall

  • Mike Swickies | 7:30PM, Jan 13 (Tickets)

    • Location: 340 Provencher Blvd

Special Events🥂

  • Sound Bath | 6:30PM, Jan 12 (Tickets)

    • Location: FortWhyte Alive

    • Description: This is a unique opportunity for you to relax and unwind through a combination of the music of the crystal singing bowls in the natural settings here at FortWhyte.

  • Jordan Welwood Comedy | Jan 13-14 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Jordan Welwood is a Winnipeg born comedian and writer. In 2015 he won Runner up in Sirius XM’s “Canada’s Top Comic”at JFL42. He also represented Winnipeg in the finals of “Top Comic” in 2013.

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

Keep Reading

No posts found