Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

The forecast says rain pretty much all week, so you might want to keep that umbrella by the door. But don't let the grey skies fool you.

The city is packed with events over the next few days, so there's still plenty to get out for.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

A kid from St. Vital, finishing his NHL career in Jets blue.

Most of us never thought we'd see it. But that's exactly how Jonathan Toews wrapped up 16 seasons in the league.

Last Friday, he made it official at the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex in St. Vital, the same neighbourhood where he first laced up his skates.

His career started in Chicago, being named captain at just 20, the third youngest in NHL history at the time, and from there, the trophies didn't stop

What made his final season even more meaningful is he played it right here at home.

After two years away from the league recovering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Long COVID, Jonathan returned to suit up for all 82 games with the Winnipeg Jets.

From the local rinks of St. Vital to three Stanley Cup wins, Jonathan never stopped representing Winnipeg. He gave this city plenty to be proud of, and we'll be cheering him on through whatever comes next.

Click here: To read Jonathan's full message on his retirement!

Every parent remembers the big firsts. The first word. The first wobbly steps. The first time their kid made a friend at the park.

For some families, those moments take a little longer to reach, and a lot more help to get there. A child living with a disability often needs therapy, special equipment, or a spot in a program built for them. But that help can be slow to come.

That's where Variety comes in.

Across Manitoba, families reach out to them when the help just can't wait.

A small monthly gift keeps that help coming, and right now it comes with a little something back. Start a gift of $20 or more, and Variety will send you a $100 Keg gift card to say thanks.

Every month, families reach out because their child needs help now, not months down the road. Your gift is what makes sure they don't have to wait.

And there's something pretty special about that. Knowing that a few dollars from you each month could be the reason a kid in our city takes their first steps, finds their voice, or makes a friend at camp this summer!

If you've been craving Sri Lankan food the way it's actually meant to be eaten, spice and all, we’ve got just the spot for you.

Taste of Sri Lanka has been doing it right in Winnipeg for over 30 years.

The family behind it has stayed true to the cooking they grew up with, and one bite makes that obvious.

The curries are slow-simmered until the spices go deep. The roti is made fresh on a flat top. The chicken is marinated in a house blend that's been perfected over decades. Even the simplest sides have a depth that store-bought spice can't touch.

The good news? They've got three locations across the city, so you're never too far from the real thing.

📍 The Forks Market, Unit 128
📍 360 Main Street, FF3 (downtown)
📍 635 Sterling Lyon Parkway, Unit 2

Click Here: To check out their full menu and plan your visit!

What started as a hepatitis A outbreak in a few northern communities has now reached much of Manitoba, Winnipeg included. In response, the province has expanded who can get the free vaccine.

Since the outbreak was declared in April 2025, there have been 784 cases and 165 hospitalizations across the province.

The expansion means more people can now get protected without paying out of pocket.

As for where to go, you can get the vaccine through your primary care provider, local public health office, nursing station, or community health centre.

A quick check now beats worrying about it later. If you or someone close to you might qualify, it's worth a quick follow-up.

Click here: To check the full vaccine eligibility list and learn more about hepatitis A!

If you've ever waited months for surgery, you know how long that stretch can feel. In Manitoba, that wait just got a lot shorter.

Over the past year, the time for a hip or knee replacement has dropped from 39 weeks to 22 weeks.

And the province is adding even more.

This year, Manitoba is adding 200 more hip and knee surgeries, backed by a $1.7 million investment from the 2026 budget.

And it builds on real momentum. Across the whole province, 2025 was a record year, with 7,056 hip and knee replacements done in total, the most Manitoba has ever seen.

It's not just about more surgeries either.

The province has brought on seven new joint replacement surgeons over the past two years, with more being hired soon. That means more hands on deck and shorter waits for the people who need care.

So if you or someone you love has been sitting on the waitlist, help is coming sooner than expected.

Click here: To read the full announcement on these added surgeries!

After more than a year closed, the Mantario Trail in the Whiteshell is officially open again. And for a while there, it wasn't clear that would happen this year at all.

The trail had been shut since May 2025, when a wildfire that crossed over from Ontario burned through almost half of the 64-kilometre route.

Bringing it back came down to a crew of 23 volunteers, who covered 1,885 kilometres on foot and by paddle to get it ready for hikers again.

And if that isn’t enough, Manitoba Parks also launched a new free online backcountry registration form, which helps emergency responders find you if anything happens.

So if a long Whiteshell hike has been on your list, now's the time. The trail is open again, all thanks to the people who refused to let it go.

Click here: To plan your trip and see everything the Mantario Trail has to offer this summer!

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

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