Happy Monday, Winnipeg.

We had some really nice weather over the weekend, and we hope you had a chance to step out a bit. Maybe you went for a walk, met up with friends, or even squeezed in a date with someone you love.

If you’re enjoying the long weekend, even better. With Louis Riel Day here, it’s a nice pause in the middle of winter. A little extra time to reset, catch up, and maybe make a small plan or two.

As always, we’re here to help you figure out what’s happening around the city and keep you up to date on the things that matter.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • What’s Open and Closed in Winnipeg on Louis Riel Day

  • Restaurant of the Week

  • St. Vital Centre Has Been Sold in a $160.5M Deal

  • City of Winnipeg Now Hiring Hundreds for Summer Jobs

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

What’s Open and Closed in Winnipeg on Louis Riel Day

Louis Riel Day always feels like a little pause in the middle of winter. A day to remember our history, maybe get outside, and spend time with family. If you’re planning errands or an outing today, here’s a simple breakdown of what’s open and closed around the city.

City services

  • City Hall and all civic offices are closed. Federal offices remain open.

  • Winnipeg Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule.

  • Garbage and recycling will be collected as usual.

  • The Brady Road Landfill is open, but 4R depots at Brady, Pacific, and Panet are closed.

  • Cemetery grounds, including Brookside, St. Vital, and Transcona, are open.

Shopping centres / Liquor Marts

  • Most major malls, including CF Polo Park, St. Vital Centre, Outlet Collection Winnipeg, Kildonan Place, and Garden City, are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Grant Park Shopping Centre is open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Portage Place is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Most Liquor Marts are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., except the True North Square location, which is closed.

Attractions

  • Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf are open.

  • The Manitoba Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Winnipeg Art Gallery Qaumajuq is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • FortWhyte Alive is open.

  • Canadian Museum for Human Rights is closed.

  • The Forks is hosting Louis Riel Day events throughout the day.

Libraries and recreation

  • All Winnipeg Public Library branches are closed.

  • Leisure centres and arenas are closed.

  • Pan Am Pool is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex Pool is open 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Louis Riel Day is a reminder of the history that shaped Manitoba and the community we continue to build. However you choose to spend the day, we hope this helps make your planning a little easier.

A message from Canlan Sports!

Build Your Child’s Hockey Skills Beyond the Winter Season

As the seasons change, many families start looking for ways to keep kids active on the ice and building their skills through the warmer months.

That’s why Canlan Sports is offering Spring and Summer Hockey programs designed around skills and drills, giving young players the chance to build confidence, improve technique, and get quality ice time in a structured, supportive setting.

These programs are ideal for players who want to sharpen specific parts of their game, whether they’re newer to hockey or looking to strengthen their foundation.

Here’s what their programs focus on:

  • Skill-based training with an emphasis on skating, puck control, and positioning

  • Repetition through drills that help skills stick

  • Confidence-building sessions in a low-pressure environment

  • Programs designed for different ages and experience levels

Spring and summer hockey is often where the biggest growth happens. With fewer distractions and more intentional coaching, kids can focus on learning, improving, and enjoying the process.

If you’re looking to help your child build skills and stay active on the ice in the months ahead, be sure to click the link below to learn more about what Canlan Sports has planned.

Restaurant of the Week: BMC Market

Source: BMC Market

A South Osborne Favourite For Authentic Tacos

Some places don’t need a big menu or flashy decor to stay busy. They just need to do one thing really well. For more than 15 years, BMC Market has been doing exactly that on Osborne.

This small, family-run taqueria keeps it simple and authentic. Fresh corn tortillas, slow-cooked meats like carnitas and barbacoa, flavourful chorizo, chicken tinga, and house-made salsas that bring it all together.

It feels closer to a neighbourhood taco stop you’d find on a side street in Mexico than a typical Winnipeg restaurant.

With a 4.7-star rating and over 1,200 Google reviews, it’s earned a loyal following across the city.

Here’s why people keep coming back:

  • Authentic street-style tacos made from scratch

  • Tender, well-seasoned meats and fresh toppings

  • Affordable plates that make it easy to mix and match

  • Mexican sodas and grocery items that add to the experience

It’s casual, affordable, and consistently good. Perfect for a quick lunch, a low-key dinner, or when the taco craving hits and nothing else will do.

📍 722 Osborne Street
🕓 Monday–Saturday: 11:30 AM–7:00 PM
🕓 Sunday: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM

After more than a decade and a half, BMC Market has become part of Osborne’s everyday rhythm. Simple, welcoming, and always worth the stop.

Community Digest

St. Vital Centre Has Been Sold in a $160.5M Deal

Source: Expedia

One of Winnipeg’s busiest shopping centres has a new owner.

St. Vital Centre has been purchased for $160.5 million by Montreal based real estate firm Leyad.

Here’s what we know:

  • The mall welcomes about 8 million visitors each year

  • It has close to 1 million square feet of retail space

  • Around 160 stores and services operate inside

  • A new Uniqlo location is expected to open in the coming months

More than 10 groups reportedly made offers during the sale process, showing strong interest in the property.

For many Winnipeggers, St. Vital isn’t just a mall. It’s part of everyday life, from movie nights to weekend errands. With new ownership in place, it’ll be interesting to see what comes next.

City of Winnipeg Now Hiring Hundreds for Summer Jobs

Summer hiring has officially started at the City of Winnipeg, and there are hundreds of seasonal positions available across multiple departments.

For students and anyone looking to gain hands on experience, this is a great opportunity to work in the community and build real skills.

Here’s a quick look at what’s available:

  • Labourer and student labourer roles with Public Works, including grounds maintenance, weeding, and street repairs. Interviews will be held on the spot at a hiring hall on March 11 at the Viscount Gort Hotel.

  • Recreation technician positions, with around 200 roles available, including wading pool attendants, youth leaders, preschool leaders, and more.

  • Seasonal meter readers and bilingual meter readers.

  • Bylaw support workers assisting with neighbourhood compliance and so much more!

Some roles start as early as April 15, and applications are open until February 20 for many positions.

This is a great way for students to earn money, spend time outdoors, and be part of city programs while earning a paycheque.

So if you or someone you know is a student looking for summer work, be sure to click the link below and share this with them!

City Updates

Province Announces New Funding for Trail Repairs and Upgrades

If you’ve ever taken a winter walk at Birds Hill or biked your local path in the summer, you know how important good trails are.

This week, the Manitoba government announced new funding to help improve and repair trails across the province, encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy nature all year long.

Over the past year, $600,000 has been invested in trail upgrades. An additional $218,045 is now being distributed through the Off Road Vehicle Land and Trail Rehabilitation Grant.

Here are the latest recipients:

  • Brokenhead Trail Blazers for snowmobile trail work in the Mars Hill area

  • Interlake Snowtrackers for Cheyenne Trail repairs

  • Rural Municipality of West St. Paul for community trail upgrades

  • Thompson Trailbreakers for Mid Lake trail work

  • Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association for local trail rehabilitation

The funding helps repair damage, improve safety, and keep trails accessible for everyone, from families out for a winter walk to cyclists and snowmobilers.

The province is also inviting organizations and municipalities to apply for 2026 funding, helping even more communities repair and improve their trail systems.

Dinner Club Closes Tonight

If you’ve been thinking about joining Dinner Club, this is your last chance!

After 125+ people joined our first one, we’re back for round two on Wednesday, February 18. And with 90+ already signed up, we’re almost at capacity.

We’ll be closing sign-ups tonight at 6:30 PM so we can finalize everything with the restaurants.

The concept stays simple. Support local spots, sit at small tables, and have easy, natural conversations with other Winnipeggers who are also looking to meet new people.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time,” this is it. Once 6:30 PM hits, registration closes, and we lock the tables in.

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 | 5PM-9PM, Feb 18 (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.

  • Twilight Snowshoe Walk | 7PM-8:30PM, Feb 18 (Tickets)

    • Location: Oak Hammock Marsh

    • Description: Explore the Marsh on snowshoes with our guide and experience the wetland by moonlight followed by a bonfire. Expect to be snowshoeing for approximately 60 minutes.

  • Little Sprouts Stroller Club | 9AM-10AM, Feb 19 (Tickets)

    • Location: Assiniboine Park at The Leaf

    • Description: Relax, reflect, and connect with your little one and the beauty of nature. Little Sprouts is a gentle, stroller-friendly biome tour designed for new parents and pre-mobile babies.

  • Astronomy Night | 7PM-9PM, Feb 19 (Tickets)

    • Location: Oak Hammock Marsh

    • Description: Learn about what is in the current night sky with an informative theatre presentation followed by an observation session from the rooftop of the Wetland Discovery Centre with our large telescopes, weather permitting.

  • Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights! | 5PM-8PM, Feb 19 (FREE)

    • Location: The Forks Market

    • 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.

  • Astronomy Night | 7PM-9PM, Feb 19 (Tickets)

    • Location: Oak Hammock Marsh

    • Description: Learn about what is in the current night sky with an informative theatre presentation followed by an observation session from the rooftop of the Wetland Discovery Centre with our large telescopes, weather permitting.

  • Candlelight Concerts (Tickets)

    • 6:30PM, Feb 20: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles 

    • 8:45PM, Feb 20: The Best of Hans Zimmer

      • Location: Crescent Arts Centre

      • Description: Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Winnipeg.

  • The Manitoba Tattoo Expo | Feb 20-22 (Tickets)

    • Location: Assiniboia Downs

    • Description: The annual Manitoba Tattoo Expo is hosted by MK Entertainment – a collaboration between the founders along with Odin’s Eye Tattoo – one of Winnipeg’s foremost tattoo studios.

  • Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in Concert
    | 7:30PM, Feb 20-21 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: Originally released in 1981 as a collaboration between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Raiders redefined the possibilities of adventure cinema and launched actor Harrison Ford to legendary status.

  • The Trews Concert | 8PM, Feb 21 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: The Trews are a Canadian rock band from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, consisting of vocalist Colin MacDonald, guitarist John-Angus MacDonald, bassist Jack Syperek, and drummer Theo Mckibbon.

  • Wonderful Wedding Show | 10AM-5PM, Feb 21-22 (Tickets)

    • Location: RBC Convention Centre

    • Description: The Wonderful Wedding Show is the largest single source of information available about local wedding services, featuring all of the city’s leading wedding professionals.

Exciting Events: February 16th & 17th

Sports 🏀

  • Manitoba Moose vs Calgary Wranglers | 2PM, Feb 16 ($)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

  • Chandler Pretty/Daggerss/Anika Price/Doug McArthur | 7PM, Feb 17 ($)

    • Location: The Handsome Daughter

  • Music ‘N’ Mavens | 2PM-3PM, Feb 17 ($)

    • Location: Rady JCC

Community Fun🎆

  • Park Explorer's Club | 5PM, Feb 16 (Tickets)

    • Location: Assiniboine Park

    • Description: Take a walk in Assiniboine Park while learning about Canadian history and iconic Canadian wildlife on Louis Riel Day! Geared towards outdoor enthusiasts and learners of all ages.

  • The Snow Maze | Feb 16 - End of Winter (Tickets)

    • Location: A Maze in Corn

    • Description: Home of the Guinness Book of World Record's Largest Snow Maze! Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!

  • Lights on the Exchange | Feb 16 - March 21 (More Info)

    • Location: Various Venues in the Exchange District

    • Description: From brick and terracotta building facades, to storefronts and alleyways, Lights On the Exchange – Allumez le quartier invites you to explore our iconic neighbourhood and engage with a collection of artwork by over 30 contemporary Canadian and Manitoban artists.

  • Toddler Tuesdays at The Leaf | 9:30AM, Feb 17 (More Info)

    • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

    • Description: Your little one will enjoy music and games while discovering the joy of movement in the beautiful Mediterranean Biome. There will be a mix of different activities throughout the weeks, including music, dance, yoga, and drama.

Performances🎭

  • Holland Play | Feb 17-21 (Tickets)

    • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse

    • Description: This world premiere is a hilarious madcap adventure, an unflinching look at disability rights and a love letter to everyday heroes who will do anything for their people.

Special Events🥂

  • Four Seasons – RV Show & Sale | Feb 16 ($)

    • Location: Exhibition Place at Red River Exhibition Park

    • Description: Manitoba’s largest RV show and sale, presented by Four Seasons, is back and coming to you from February 6 to 16, 2026! Come and shop North America’s top selling brands of fifth wheels, travel trailers, parts, accessories and more – indoors!

  • Festival du Voyageur | Feb 16-22 (Tickets)

    • Location: Whittier Park

    • Description: This festival showcases the arts of several disciplines, including music, dance, sculpture and visual arts, while prioritizing francophone and indigenous artists. Outdoor family activities, more than five performance stages for all ages, historical interpretation, snow sculptures, artisanal souvenirs, and traditional food enrich the festival-goers' experience.

  • Jared Story | Feb 17-19 ($)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Jared Story is the host and producer of the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase. A staple of the city’s comedy scene, the Showcase has brought big-time laughs to the Park Theatre since 2014, making it the longest-running independent comedy show in town.

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

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