Happy Friday, Winnipeg!

We can’t believe the weather is still this warm for this time of year. Usually by now we’d be bundling up, but instead we’ve had sunny afternoons and crisp evenings that feel like a bonus stretch of summer.

Since the last edition on Wednesday, some big updates have come through the city, from the long-awaited Kenaston expansion to Winnipeg’s first 24/7 safe space for Indigenous women.

So let’s dive in and get you up to speed on everything happening in our city.

Now, in today’s edition:

• Kenaston Boulevard Set for $757M Expansion by 2027

• Winnipeg’s Largest Fall Market is Back Next Week

• Province Steps Up During Canada Post Strike with New Distribution Centres

• Winnipeg Extends Bus Transfer Time to 90 Minutes

• 50+ Events this weekend & Live Music!

— Jas Singh

News

Kenaston Boulevard Set for $757M Expansion by 2027

For years, Route 90 has been one of those roads people plan their day around, especially during rush hour. It’s busy, it’s aging, and for many drivers, it’s been a daily frustration with no clear end in sight. That might be about to change.

The City is moving ahead with a major plan to widen Kenaston Boulevard and rebuild the aging St. James bridges, backed by a $757 million investment. It’s one of the largest infrastructure projects Winnipeg has ever taken on, and after years of consultations and planning, it’s finally picking up steam.

Here’s what’s in the works:

• Total cost: $757 million, including road expansion, bridge replacements, sewer upgrades, and financing

• Timeline: Property acquisitions could start in 2026, with construction beginning no later than 2027

• Scope: Adding one new lane in each direction, expanding from 4 to 6 lanes

• Bridge rebuild: Both spans of the St. James Bridge (built in 1962) would be fully replaced

Mayor Gillingham, who made this a key campaign promise, called the project essential for trade, commuter flow, and future growth. Some councillors have voiced concerns about the cost, but with aging infrastructure and increasing traffic, the city says action can’t wait much longer.

It’s a long timeline and a big investment, but for many Winnipeggers, it’s a sign that long-standing frustrations are finally being heard. The hope is simple: safer roads, smoother commutes, and a city that keeps moving forward.

Click Here: To see the full report, changes and what's coming for Route 90.

Together with Scattered Seeds Craft Market

Winnipeg’s Largest Fall Market is Back

The city’s biggest fall tradition is here again. Scattered Seeds Craft Market returns this October, filling Red River Exhibition Place with more than 300 vendors over two weekends. It’s the largest fall market in Winnipeg, and every year it feels like the official kickoff to cozy season.

Here’s what you’ll see inside:

• Hand-poured candles, fresh florals, and cozy home décor

• Local art, jewelry, clothing, and skincare

• With multiple unique gifts and treats you’ll only find there

What makes it special isn’t just the shopping, it’s the feeling. Walking the aisles with a coffee in hand, finding that perfect handmade piece, and spending time with the people you love.

It’s one of those fall days that just feels right, whether it’s with friends, as a date, or taking your mom out for a treat.

And right now, you can grab the cheapest tickets with code WINNIPEGDIGEST at checkout. Tickets start at under $10 per person, and kids under 12 get in FREE!

📍 Red River Exhibition Place
📅 Oct 17–19 & Oct 24–26
🎟 Use code Winnipeg Digest for 20% off your tickets!

Be sure to share this with all of your friends and family you want to go with, and anyone who loves supporting local.

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

City Updates

Province Steps Up During Canada Post Strike with New Distribution Centres

With mail services on pause, the province is stepping in to make sure important items still reach the people who need them.

Starting today, October 3rd, Manitoba is opening temporary distribution centres to keep essentials moving, especially for those who rely on the mail for health, income, or legal support.

Here’s what will be available for pickup:

• Cheques and income support payments

• Court orders and legal documents

• Medical supplies and health-related resources

• Educational materials

• And other urgent, government-issued mail

Exact pickup locations, hours, and mail types will be posted online to help everyone stay informed and prepared.

In a moment where things feel uncertain, efforts like this help keep life steady for families, workers, and anyone depending on something important to arrive.

Click Here: To see what mail you can pick up and where to pick it up.

First 24/7 Safe Space for Indigenous Women Coming to Winnipeg

Ahead of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People on October 4, the province is taking a meaningful step toward safety and healing.

A new $3.5 million investment will fund Winnipeg’s first 24/7 safe space for Indigenous women at risk of violence, homelessness, or exploitation. The facility will be run by Ikwe Widdjiitiwin, a trusted Indigenous-led organization that’s supported women for over 40 years.

Here’s what the new space will offer:

• Eight private bedrooms plus a shared kitchen and dining space

• On-site counselling and cultural wellness services

• A 24-hour crisis line operated by trained Indigenous staff

• And safe transportation support to get women to the lodge quickly

All of this will provide low-barrier access to women in urgent need of safety, care, and connection, without red tape or delay.

The new space is called the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag Lodge, and it was created with one goal: to protect and care for the women who’ve been left vulnerable for far too long. It’s a place to rest, to be heard, and to begin again, with care rooted in culture and community.

Click Here: To learn more about the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag Strategy.

Community Digest

Winnipeg Extends Bus Transfer Time to 90 Minutes

When you're juggling groceries, a long day, or Winnipeg weather that just won’t let up, 15 extra minutes can mean a lot. That’s why the city is giving transit riders a bit more breathing room.

Starting Monday, the transfer window will be extended from 75 to 90 minutes, making it easier to switch buses without rushing or worrying.

• Transfers will be valid for 90 minutes from the time you board

• Still works on any route, as long as you ask when paying your fare

The change comes directly from rider feedback gathered after the summer transit overhaul. It’s part of a broader effort to improve the system, including a review of late-night service, and reflects the city’s renewed focus on listening to everyday riders.

For many, this means fewer missed rides and a bit more peace of mind, whether it’s getting to class, picking up kids, or making it home after a long shift. It’s one thoughtful step toward making daily transit feel more reliable and daily routines more steady.

Click Here: To learn more about Winnipeg Transit’s new plans and improvements.

Exciting Events: October 3rd - 5th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Sports🏀

• Manitoba Harness Racing | Oct 4 (FREE)

  • Location: The LOOP

  • Description: Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone.

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Oct 4 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• DND Run Club  | 8:30AM, Oct 5 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• Winnipeg Valour FC vs Atlético Ottawa | 2PM, Oct 5 ($)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

Community Fun🎆

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5PM-9PM, Oct 3 (FREE)

  • Location: The Exchange

  • Description: FIRST FRIDAYS offers a perfect opportunity to explore all the Exchange neighbourhood has to offer. Come and take part in one of the most engaging and inspiring arts events in our city.

• Wackydoodle Dance Party | 4PM-9PM, Oct 3 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: This October First Friday, get ready to groove with Wackydoodle Dance Party, a high-energy, family-friendly DJ experience brought to you by Winnipeg’s dynamic duo, K Chedda and DJ Co-op.

• Corn Maze | October 3 - November 2 (More Info)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn

  • Description: Enjoy the country views while wandering through the corn maze, climb the giant bale pyramid, and visit the petting zoo.

• Sunset Goose Flights | 5:30PM-8PM, Oct 3-5 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Take in the sounds of the season and watch the sky come to life as thousands of geese land after sunset in this breathtaking autumn ritual.

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM-2PM, Oct 4 (FREE)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

• Tyndall Community Market ft The Great Fall Feast | 2PM-8PM, Oct 4-5 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre

  • Description: THE GREAT FALL FEAST will feature food trucks, local food and non-food vendors, a vibrant pop-up market, a fall photoshoot, family-friendly activities, plus more!

Performances🎭

• Geordie Kieffer | 8:30PM, Oct 3 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Geordie Kieffer, the sultry trailblazer of Agro Pop, has set the music scene ablaze with his intoxicating mix of hip hop, pop, and electronic vibes.

• Ultimate Escape - The Music of Journey | 8PM, Oct 3 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Entertainment Centre

  • Description: Ultimate Escape: The Music of Journey is a stellar evening of all the best music from one of the world's top bands performed by some of Canada's leading musicians.

• Gather Play | 7PM, Oct 3-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: When their town goes into a deep freeze and everyone is stuck inside, people start to lose their connection to the world and to each other.

• MAMMA MIA: An Abba Love Story | Oct 3 - Oct 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry

  • Description: Get ready for a summer of love, laughter and ABBA hits, in this light-hearted musical comedy that centers around a mother and daughter opening a boutique hotel on a tiny tropical island. The show explores the complications of love, friendship and second chances, as old passions are awakened and new love is born.

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert | 7:30PM, Oct 3-4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: After seven films, it all comes down to this: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 will grace the screen once more—this time in concert!

• Halestorm & Lindsey Stirling | 6:30PM, Oct 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Halestorm, the GRAMMY-winning band initially formed by siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale with guitarist Joe Hottinger and bassist Josh Smith

Comedy❗

• Steve McGowan | Oct 3-5 ($)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk’s Winnipeg

  • Description: Steve McGowan is best described as a fan favorite with audiences across Canada.

• Pete Zedlacher | Oct 3-4 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Versatile comedian, actor and writer Pete Zedlacher is a 20+ year veteran of the comedy scene and one of the premiere headliners in the country.

• ​Mike Rita | 8:30PM, Oct 3-4 ($)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Mike Rita has firmly established himself as a standout in the comedy world, captivating audiences all over North America with his one-of-a-kind brand of 420 Ethnic comedy.

• Brent Butt | 8PM, Oct 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Award-winning Canadian comedian, author and creator/star of the hit TV show, Corner Gas, will bring laughs to the Burton Cummings Theatre!

• Kristin Key | 8PM, Oct 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre

  • Description: Kristin Key is a nationally headlining, queer, musical comedian with sold-out shows nationwide.

• Sam Morril The Errors Tour | 7PM, Oct 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Morril is one of the fastest-rising stand-up comics in New York City and one of the best joke writers in the scene today.

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• Heaven at Last | 5PM-9PM, Oct 3 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Join us for an unforgettable evening as Heaven at Last, a visionary luxury-urban fashion brand, makes its debut at WAG-Qaumajuq.

• 2025 Haunted Forest | October 3 - November 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn

  • Description: It's time, The Haunted Forest is waiting for you! Join us for an interactive, outdoor experience that you won't soon forget. Enter at your own risk as our resident creatures of the forest come alive and lure you in with their haunting humour.

• HEEBIE JEEBIES | Oct 3-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Heebie Jeebies, 53071 La Salle Road

  • Description: One of the most terrifying Halloween experiences and haunted houses near Winnipeg, Heebie Jeebies is back for its annual scare-fest.

• Six Pines Haunted Attractions | Oct 3-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Six Pines

  • Description: Six Pines Haunted Attractions has continuously strived to offer Manitoba’s haunt enthusiasts an ever-changing range of haunted houses since inception.

• Boo at the Zoo | Oct 3-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: All aboard, the train’s ready to go to a town where Halloween spirits roam! Welcome to a mysterious land where fall festivities are in full swing.

• Culture Days Manitoba | 7PM, Oct 3-12 (FREE)

  • Location: Various location

  • Description: Culture Days Manitoba is a collaborative pan-Canadian volunteer movement that raises awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

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