Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

Over the weekend, our city quietly became a place of safety for thousands of people. Families from northern communities arrived after being forced out by wildfires. 

If you see someone new at your local grocery store, at the park, or in your neighbourhood, let’s show them what Winnipeg kindness looks like. A warm smile or a helping hand goes further than you think.

We’ve got everything you need to start your week, including how to stay safe in the smoky weather and a full list of events happening across the city.

Thanks for being here. And let’s take care of each other!

In today’s edition:

• Thousands Evacuated to Winnipeg as Wildfires Worsen

• How to Stay Safe as Air Quality Worsens Across Manitoba

• Restaurant of the Week

• Winnipeg Police Issue Warning About Daytime Scams

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Thousands Evacuated to Winnipeg as Wildfires Worsen

It’s been a heavy weekend. Thick smoke is rolling into the city, and buses packed with evacuees are arriving by the hour. Over 12,000 people have now been forced from their homes as wildfires continue to spread across northern Manitoba.

What you should know:

• Manitoba is under a province-wide state of emergency, now the worst wildfire season in 30 years

• More than 1 million hectares have burned, over 10x the 20-year average

• Evacuees are being housed at Leila Soccer Complex and soon the RBC Convention Centre

• The Canadian Armed Forces are helping airlift families from remote areas like Garden Hill

• And air quality warnings are also in effect across Winnipeg and beyond

If you’re safe and able, keep an eye out for neighbours who might need help, especially elders or folks with health issues.

Click Here: To see the latest wildfire updates.

How to Stay Safe as Air Quality Worsens Across Manitoba

With thousands now evacuated and wildfire smoke spreading across the province, the air in Winnipeg has also taken a hit. You’ve probably noticed it: itchy eyes, dry throat, that heavy feeling when you breathe. And while we’ve opened our doors to evacuees, we also need to take care of ourselves right here at home.

The smoke in the air isn’t just unpleasant. It can be harmful, especially for kids, older folks, and anyone with asthma or heart conditions.

So, here’s how to protect yourself:

• Try to stay indoors when the air smells or looks smoky

• Keep windows closed and set fans or A/C units to recirculate

• Drink plenty of water to help your body deal with the smoke

• Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, if you have one

• And lastly, avoid anything that adds to indoor air pollution like smoking or candles

Even small steps can make a difference, especially for the people around you.

Click Here: To get air quality updates and more tips from health experts.

A Message from Paragon Living!

Luxury Apartments Across Winnipeg (And Yes, They’re Pet-Friendly)

Finding a new home isn’t just about square footage or finishes. It’s about the feel of the neighbourhood.

And whether you’re after downtown energy, peaceful morning walks, or a cozy suburban vibe, Paragon Living has a spot that fits.

They’ve got upscale, pet-friendly apartments across the city. Each one comes with high-speed internet, in-suite laundry, and thoughtful design details that actually make life easier.

Here’s a peek at what’s available right now:

📍 Osborne Village – 333 Wardlaw Ave

• Right in the middle of the action, but still peaceful

• Designer kitchens, bike storage, and free WiFi

• Surrounded by cafés, patios, and live music

📍 St. Vital – 813 St. Mary’s Rd (only one unit left!)

• Private 2-bed suites with big balconies and 9-ft ceilings

• Steps from river paths and green space

• Just minutes to downtown

📍 The Maples – 1325 Jefferson Ave

• Quiet, family-friendly neighbourhood near parks and schools

• Spacious 2-bed, 2-bath layout with water & internet included

• Pet-welcoming and transit-friendly

So whether you're starting fresh, downsizing, or just want to be closer to your favourite part of the city, these homes check all the boxes.

There are also multiple other options across the city, so be sure to click the link below to check out all the apartments they currently have.

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Restaurant of the Week: Nola

If you’ve ever wandered through St. Boniface on a warm evening and caught the sound of clinking glasses and quiet laughter, there’s a good chance it was coming from Nola.

Tucked into a sunny corner on Taché, this spot keeps things simple. The space is relaxed, the food is thoughtful, and it’s the kind of place you feel comfortable in right away.

What makes Nola worth a visit:

• The menu changes often, but favourites like reuben gyoza and brown butter mochi cake keep coming back for a reason

• Chef Emily Butcher brings her Pacific Northwest roots into every dish: fresh, seasonal, and a little unexpected

• The space strikes that perfect balance between special enough for a birthday, and being casual enough for a Tuesday night

• They’re incredibly accommodating with allergies and dietary needs

• And designed for sharing, so you can try a little bit of everything without overthinking it

📍 Location: 101–300 Taché Ave, St. Boniface
🕐 Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner

Nola isn’t trying to be everything. It’s just doing its thing really, really well.

Click Here: To see what’s on the menu or make a reservation!

Community Digest

Winnipeg Police Issue Warning About Daytime Scams

You might’ve seen it happen or had it happen to you. Someone stops you in a parking lot, says they’re low on gas, and offers some jewelry or a phone in return for a few bucks.

Police say it’s part of a scam that’s been showing up around Winnipeg lately. A group has been approaching people in public spots: grocery stores, gas stations, even banks, asking for help, then handing over items that turn out to be worthless.

What to watch for:

• Strangers offering jewelry or electronics in exchange for help

• As these are distraction tactics used to remove jewelry from unsuspecting people

• Scams are happening in public spots like parking lots, often during the day

• Suspects sometimes travel in groups and are in out-of-province vehicles

• And sometimes they even bring kids with them to lower suspicion

So, if something feels off, trust your gut. Don’t engage, don’t accept gifts, and don’t feel bad for walking away.

Click Here: To learn more about these daytime scams

Jets Sign Defenceman Isaak Phillips to Two-Year Deal

Always nice to see a Moose player move up the pipeline. And this week, the Jets made it official: 23-year-old defenceman Isaak Phillips has signed a two-year, two-way contract with the club.

If you’ve followed the Manitoba Moose, his name might already sound familiar. He’s been splitting time between here and Rockford, and now he's one step closer to staying in Winnipeg full-time.

• The contract averages $812,500 per year at the NHL level

• Phillips played 3 games with the Chicago Blackhawks last season and scored once

• In the AHL, he tallied 16 points and 74 penalty minutes across 67 games

• Drafted 141st overall by Chicago back in 2020

• He’s suited up for 238 AHL games so far, with 87 total points on defence

Big frame, left shot, and already plenty of ice time under his belt. One to watch as the Jets prep for next season.

Click here: To check the full announcement!

City Updates

Winnipeg Police Testing New AI Voice Assistant

We’ve all been stuck in one of those phone trees: pressing buttons, listening to long menus, just trying to talk to someone. Starting next week, the Winnipeg Police are trying something new to make that easier.

They’re expanding the test of an AI-powered voice assistant on their non-emergency line. Instead of the usual pre-recorded options, this new system actually listens and responds in real-time.

The goal? Get people the right help faster without jamming up emergency lines.

• The AI assistant will now be live for a few hours a day as testing ramps up

• You can speak to it in full sentences, as it understands regular conversation

• It’s being tested to improve how fast non-urgent calls are handled

• The hope is to eventually run it 24/7, freeing up staff for true emergencies

• It’s part of a city-wide push to use AI to make services better for everyone

If you call the non-emergency line and hear a new voice, don’t worry. It’s just another step toward getting help quicker.

Click Here: To learn how the new voice system works and what to expect.

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!

• Exchange Summer Fitness – Bootcamp | 12-12:45PM, July 16 (FREE)

  • Location: 201 Portage Plaza

• Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival | July 16-27 (More Info)

  • Location: Winnipeg Exchange District and The Cube

  • Description: North America’s second-largest Fringe Festival showcases more than 170 local, national and international theatre companies, offering performances of comedy, drama, improv, dance and more. Festival-goers of all ages are invited to enjoy live entertainment at Old Market Square in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, where street performers and bands perform from noon to midnight daily on the outdoor stage.

• Downtown Farmers' Market | 10AM-2:30PM, July 17 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Hydro Place along Graham Avenue

  • Description: The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s popular Outdoor Farmers’ Market has been bringing local food and goods downtown for more than 12 years.

• Transcona BIZ Night Markets | 11AM-4PM, July 17 (More Info)

  • Location: Transcona Centennial Square

  • Description: The markets showcase a rotating variety of locally grown fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, specialty teas, and much more.

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Calgary Surge | 7PM, July 17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Night Ranger | 7PM, July 17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Having sold over 17 Million albums worldwide, NIGHT RANGER has performed across more than 4000 stages over the past 40 years.

• Alleyways in The Exchange | 5PM-10PM, July 18 (More Info)

  • Location: Exchange District

  • Description: Explore curated markets, live performances, and hidden gems in the alleys of the Exchange District. Takes place on the third Friday of each month, featuring a market, audio performances, an art lounge, and dance performances all against the backdrop of a National Historic Site in Winnipeg’s most walkable urban neighbourhood.

• The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival | July 18-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

  • Comedians include: Bert Kreischer, Mulaney Short, Trailer Park Boys & Theo Von!

  • Description: Enjoy live comedy in the great outdoors! Don’t miss seeing some of today’s top comedians with nature’s backdrop.

• Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition | July 18-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: 350 Main Street South, Morris

  • Description: The Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition is Manitoba's only professional rodeo. Starring some of the top names in bull riding, bronco- busting, tie down roping, bareback riding and steer wrestling circles.

• Manitoba Night Market & Festival | 3PM-11PM, July 20 (FREE)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: With over 20 food trucks offering delicious treats, 100+ local artisans and vendors showcasing their talents and products, live bands, Tattoo pop up and kid’s activities to keep the little ones engaged, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Exciting Events: July 14th & 15th

Sports🏀

• Exchange Summer Fitness – Yoga | 12-12:45PM, July 15 (FREE)

  • Location: Stephen Juba Park

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, July 14-16 (Free/Learn More)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

Music 🎵

• Sean Burns | 11:45AM-2:45PM, July 14 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Tannis Tyler/Ryan Bullock/Curt + Hank/Chris Harris
  | 11:45AM-11PM, July 15 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Downtown Sounds Concert Series: Orvis & His Higher Guns | 12PM-1PM, July 15 (FREE)

  • Location: Richardson Centre Plaza

  • Description: Hungry for good music with your lunch? Enjoy FREE live performances!

• Kobe Chesse | 1:45PM, July 15 (FREE)

  • Location: Public Domain

• YEGG, Leg Mark & Rivers of Ash | 7PM, July 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Sidestage Winnipeg

Community Fun🎆

• Sound Bath | 6:30PM-8:30PM, July 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Find deep relaxation and mindful presence with a peaceful sound bath. 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.

• Summer Line-Up: Paper Bag Kites | 11AM-3PM, July 14-20 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: From 11AM-3PM daily, enjoy special activities that include crafts, games, and so much more.

• The Market at FortWhyte Farms | July 15-18 (FREE)

  • Location: FortWhyte Farms

  • Description: Our summer market is the place to buy fresh, naturally grown, in-season produce, and delicious baked goods.

• Paddle Nights | July 15 & 17 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening paddling before sunset for the perfect summer night.

• Play at The Forks | Daily (FREE)

  • Location: CN Field and Stage

    • Basketball with Basketball Manitoba: 6PM-8PM, July 14 & 16

    • Drop-in Dance with Dance with Genie: 6PM-8PM, July 5

Special Events 🎨

• Paranormal Cirque | July 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Vital Centre

  • Description: A crazy yet fun fusion between Circus, theatre, and cabaret in perfect harmony with the evolution of a show that brings you back to when we dream... and when we had nightmares and fantasies.

• Mike Cronin | July 15-19 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Through years of road work, he has become one of the funniest, most well-respected comedians working today.

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