Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

With snow on the ground and December settling in, the city is starting to feel more and more like the holidays. There’s a little extra energy everywhere you go, and this week especially, it feels like things are shifting into winter mode.

And with our 25 Days of Giveaways now officially live, it’s been a fun start to the season. Every day at noon brings a new surprise, and the excitement around it has made the city feel a little warmer, even with the cold creeping in.

In today’s edition, we’ve gathered a mix of community updates and helpful winter news to carry you through the week.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

If you’ve ever walked past the Legislative Building and wondered what it looks like inside, this is a rare chance to wander through at your own pace and take in a little holiday spirit while you’re there.

The province is hosting its Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, and everyone’s welcome to stop in, enjoy the music, and see the building in a way most of us never get to.

It’s a simple way to feel connected this season, whether you’re curious about the building itself or just want a cozy place to enjoy a bit of community warmth.

Click Here: To learn more about the Holiday Open House and plan your visit!

Every winter, the Nestaweya River Trail becomes one of the things we look forward to most in Winnipeg.

It’s where families skate at sunset, friends meet for a walk on the river, and visitors get their first real taste of a prairie winter. The trail now draws more than 200,000 visitors each season, and it’s become a true winter tradition for the whole city.

This year, The Forks is inviting all of us to help keep that tradition going by “adopting” a metre of the trail.

Businesses can join in too, with options to adopt multiple metres or explore corporate giving and sponsorship for added perks like certificates, donor events, and even custom trail signage.

It’s a simple way to support a place many of us love. Whether you skate a little, walk a lot, or just enjoy watching people glide by, your metre helps make winter feel a bit more magical for the whole city.

Click Here: To see how you can adopt a metre of the Nestaweya River Trail!

Last week at Darwin School, an intruder managed to get inside, hide in a washroom and grab a student who thankfully fought back and got away.

The incident left many families wondering how school entrances are monitored and what protections are in place. In response, the Manitoba government has announced new steps to strengthen safety in every division.

The province is investing $500,000 to upgrade safety planning and has ordered all 37 school divisions to review their controlled-access and emergency response plans. Updated reports must be submitted by Dec. 25.

These steps are only the beginning. The province says more measures will follow as divisions identify gaps and areas that need stronger protections.

Families across Winnipeg are watching closely, and many say they want to see stronger, clearer safeguards to ensure kids are protected during the school day. This plan is meant to start closing those gaps and reinforce safety in every school across Manitoba.

Click Here: To read the full update from the province and what they’re doing.

A quick heads up for anyone who uses the St. James Bridge. The northbound side will be closed on Sunday, December 7 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for maintenance. Southbound traffic will stay open, but things may still feel slow in the area.

If you’re out that day, it’s a good idea to plan a different route. Two easy alternatives are:

It’s a short closure, but one that could add time to your weekend plans. You can check the city’s lane closure map anytime for updates, or use Waze for real-time traffic info.

Click Here: To see the interactive lane closure map and all the streets closed across the city.

Winnipeg’s new 72-hour detox centre quietly opened yesterday, and it’s already stirring a lot of conversation across the city.

It’s one of the most debated changes the province has made this year, and whether you feel hopeful about it or worried about its impact, it marks a major shift in how we support people who are heavily intoxicated and struggling with longer-lasting substances like meth.

The centre at 190 Disraeli Freeway has 20 monitored rooms, with plans to add more. It replaces the old 24-hour hold at Main Street Project, offering a longer window for rest and medical care.

For many frontline workers and families who see the impact of addiction up close, having a place focused on safety, medical care and stability is a meaningful step forward.

No matter where you stand, it’s a major change to how we respond when someone in our city needs immediate help.

Click Here: To learn more about the 72-hour Detox Centre and the province’s plan for protective care.

After a difficult wildfire season for many northern communities, the province is stepping in to help families, evacuees and small businesses get back on their feet.

The Manitoba Government is matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross’s 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal, bringing total support to $6.5 million.

Registered evacuees who previously received emergency aid will now be eligible for $120 per adult and $65 per child to help with recovery costs.

These programs are meant to offer more than immediate relief. They aim to help communities steady themselves after weeks of uncertainty, especially in areas where homes, incomes and routines were disrupted.

Click Here: To learn more about the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal and how much money they’ll receive.

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

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

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

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].