Winnipeg’s Bike Auction Starts Tomorrow

Author

Jas Singh
April 23, 2025

Hey Winnipeggers!

I hope you’re feeling as good as the Jets right now, because they took Game 2 at home on Monday night and are now heading to St. Louis with a 2-0 series lead! The whiteout was alive and well, and the city was absolutely buzzing with playoff energy.

In today’s newsletter, we’ve got a little bit of everything — from the sulphur gas the city is using to deal with ground squirrels (yep, really), to the Children’s Hospital Book Market happening this weekend, and a few other local updates you won’t want to miss.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get into it.

In today’s edition:

  • City of Winnipeg to Use Sulphur Gas in 8 Parks

  • Children’s Hospital Book Market Sale

  • Community Spotlight of the Week

  • REMINDER: Winnipeg’s Big Bike Auction Starts Tomorrow

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

City of Winnipeg to Use Sulphur Gas in 8 Parks

If you’ve ever walked through a park and smiled at a little squirrel popping out of a hole, you’re not alone. But those same holes have led to sprained ankles, tripping hazards, injured pets, and have even caused people to stop using some parks altogether.

So, as reported by CBC News, the City is making a difficult call: starting May 20, they’ll be using sulphur gas to reduce ground squirrel populations in some of our busiest parks. The goal is to keep parks safe and usable for summer sports, families, and your dog’s zoomies.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The gas (sulphur-based) will be dropped into the burrows to target the ground squirrels

  • Then, the holes will be filled with sand to prevent escape and reduce tripping hazards

  • The city says this is about public safety, not just pest control

  • In the past, poison was used, but it was too risky for other animals

  • Meanwhile, animal groups are urging the city to consider more humane, non-lethal options

  • And long-term, the city says it's actively exploring better solutions

It’s not an easy choice, and no one’s cheering for it. But at the heart of it all is a simple hope: that more families, kids, and neighbours can safely enjoy the parks we all share.

Note: Read the article linked above to see which 8 parks will be affected.

Children’s Hospital Book Market Sale

Source: Children’s Hospital Foundation Manitoba

There’s something cozy about flipping through books while knowing it’s all going to a good cause.

This weekend, the Children’s Hospital Book Market is back at St. Vital Centre for its 65th anniversary sale. Whether you’re into cookbooks, mysteries, or kids’ stories, there’s a little something for everyone. The best part? Every dollar raised helps kids right here in Manitoba.

Here are the details:

  • Runs April 25 to 27 at St. Vital Centre

  • Open 10 am to 9 pm Friday, 10 am to 6 pm Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm Sunday

  • All proceeds go to the HSC Children’s Hospital

  • 100% run by volunteers who sort, price, and haul books year-round

It’s more than just a book sale, it’s 65 years of community showing up for kids who need it most. If you want to help, they’re always looking for volunteers: [email protected].

A message from Boustan!

Boustan’s Big Winnipeg Debut (With 50% OFF!)

If any city comes close to challenging Winnipeg as Canada’s food capital, it might just be Montreal. And this Friday, one of Montreal’s most loved spots is officially celebrating its grand opening right here on Regent.

Boustan has been serving Winnipeg for a few months now, and with summer around the corner, they’re marking the moment with a pretty tasty deal.

Here’s what’s happening:

  • 50% off all pitas and bowls, all day long

  • With the first 50 customers getting a free gift card for their next visit

  • Open from 11am to 11pm so you’ve got time to drop in for lunch, dinner, or both!

Boustan started in downtown Montreal back in the 80s and quickly became the go-to late night spot for anyone craving quick, comforting Middle Eastern food. And now they’re bringing that same energy to Winnipeg.

So if you’ve been craving shawarma, falafel, or a fresh bowl with bold flavours, now’s your chance to try it out and save some cash while you’re at it.

📍 1615 Regent Ave W, Unit 1005
📅 Friday, April 25

And if you know someone who loves a good food deal or lives in the Regent area, send this their way.

Community Spotlight

Celebrating Francofonds on Community Foundation Day

This Friday is Community Foundation Day in Manitoba, and it’s the perfect time to highlight one of the province’s most cherished and impactful foundations: Francofonds.

Since 1978, Francofonds has been helping build a vibrant, inclusive, and proud francophone community. From newcomers to Métis families and bilingual Manitobans, this foundation has been quietly powering change behind the scenes!

Here’s what you need to know:

Built on Community:

  • Founded by francophone Manitobans with a shared vision.

  • And supports language, culture, and grassroots initiatives across the province.

  • While managing 225 endowment funds and reinvesting $750,000 annually into French-language services, student bursaries, and community grants!

How to Support Right Now:

  • Help send Équipe Manitoba to the 2025 Francophonie Games of Canada.

  • With your donations helping cover the $750 per participant cost, making it possible for all athletes, artists, and leaders to attend. (Donate now)

  • Every dollar goes toward giving our province’s francophone youth the chance to shine!

  • And if you want to get even more involved, you can join the Francofonds team at the Notre Dame Recreative Centre this Friday for their Zamboni Fundraising Social.

So, if you're looking for ways to support a foundation that’s keeping francophone culture, community, and connection alive, click the button below to learn more.

Community Digest

REMINDER: Winnipeg’s Big Bike Auction Starts Tomorrow

If you’ve been thinking about picking up a bike this spring, here’s your friendly reminder: Winnipeg’s annual online bicycle auction kicks off tomorrow, April 24.

We mentioned it in last week’s edition, but it’s worth a second look. With around 600 bikes up for grabs, it’s a great chance to snag some new wheels without breaking the bank.

Here’s the quick scoop:

  • Bidding runs from April 24 to May 1

  • View all bikes online now

  • Pickup is May 2 to 9 at 7130 Roblin Blvd

  • And you can pay by card, e-transfer, cash, or Interac

Happy bidding, and may your spring rides be smooth and sunny.

Click Here: To see the auction!

Jets Win Game 2 to Take 2-0 Series Lead

Source: Winnipeg Jets

What a night. If you were anywhere near downtown on Monday, you probably felt it. The noise, the energy, the towels flying. When Kyle Connor scored that go-ahead goal in the third, the whole city lit up. The Jets took Game 2 with a 2-1 win and now lead the series 2-0!

Just 14 more wins till we bring it home.

Mark Scheifele had a goal and an assist, Connor Hellebuyck made 21 solid saves, and the whole team played with heart. It was tight, it was physical, and it was loud. Everything playoff hockey should be.

The Blues came out strong, but the Jets didn’t flinch. The crowd helped carry them through, and now we head into Game 3 with confidence.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Kyle Connor scored the game-winner for the second straight game

  • Rookie Jimmy Snuggerud tied it late in the first on a power play

  • Hellebuyck was steady all night and shut the door when it counted

Now it’s off to St. Louis for Game 3 on Thursday. The Blues are tough at home, but so are we, and we’ve already beat them there this season. The Jets are playing like a team that believes, and the fans are behind them every step of the way.

If this is what the first two games felt like, just wait until we’re deeper into the run.

City Updates

Manitoba Invests $2M in Local Climate Change Projects

With Earth Day just behind us, our province is putting its money where its mouth is.

The Manitoba government just announced over $2 million in funding for community-led climate projects. And every bit of it is staying right here in Manitoba.

From EV chargers to home energy upgrades, it’s about building a greener, more resilient future close to home. It’s a reminder that big change can start small, in your neighbourhood, in your home, or with a single project that inspires others to care.

Here’s where the money’s going:

  • $500,000 to install 51 electric vehicle chargers across the province

  • $675,000 for projects that cut emissions in homes, transport, and small businesses

  • $255,000 to help towns like Steinbach, Altona, and Dauphin develop local climate plans

  • $200,000 for the University of Winnipeg’s Prairie Climate Centre, to expand tools like the Climate Atlas of Canada

It’s not just a plan, it’s progress. And it starts in our own backyards!

WestJet Expands East Coast Service Out of Winnipeg

If the East Coast’s been on your bucket list, this summer just gave you the perfect excuse.

Starting July 1, WestJet will offer direct flights from Winnipeg to St. John’s, Newfoundland. No layovers, no hassle. Just a straight shot to ocean views and those colourful row houses.

They’re also adding more flights to Halifax, with up to 10 departures a week.

With more ways to explore the coast and fewer connections in between, it’s never been easier to plan that trip you’ve been meaning to take.

More options. Less hassle. And another reason to explore this beautiful part of Canada.

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!

  • Mulvey Night Market | 5-9PM, April 25 (More Info)

    • Location: 421 Mulvey Avenue East

    • Description: New, Collectibles & Antiques to Handmade & Homemade!

  • Children’s Hospital Book Market | April 25-27

    • Location: St. Vital Centre

    • Description: Shop for great books of all genres and support sick and injured kids in your community at the Children’s Hospital Book Market!

  • Grant Park Spring Market Pop Up | April 25-27 (More Info)

    • Location: Grant Park Shopping Centre

  • The Great Benjamins Circus | April 25-27 (Tickets)

    • Location: Assiniboia Downs

    • Description: You’ll see Clowns, Acrobats, Aerialists, and daredevils. From North America, South America, Europe and Asia, they’ll give you and your family 90 minutes of non-stop excitement and energy.

  • Rodarama Car Show | April 25-27 (Tickets)

    • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

    • Description: Check out all the hot rods, classics, and muscle cars!

  • Speakeasy Magic | April 25-26 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

    • Description: Step back in time to the roaring 1920s and enter a world of hidden doors, jazz music, and prohibition-era intrigue in Speakeasy Magic

  • Nitty Gritty Dirt Band | April 26-27 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: For nearly six decades, the three-time GRAMMY Award-winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has entertained audiences with their top-shelf musicianship and timeless hits Mr. Bojangle, Fishin’ In The Dark, An American Dream, and many more.

  • Winnipeg Jets Away Game 4 | 12PM, April 27 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: The Winnipeg Jets are hosting Whiteout Watch Parties at Canada Life Centre for away games.

Exciting Events: April 23rd & 24th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance.

Sports🏒

  • Winnipeg Jets Away Game 3 | 12PM, April 24 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: The Winnipeg Jets are hosting Whiteout Watch Parties at Canada Life Centre for away games.

Family Fun🎆

  • World Table Tennis Day | 5-8PM, April 23

    • Location: Forks Market South Aisle

    • Description: Exhibitions of National-level players, Challenges to the public, and other fun table tennis activities.

  • ELEVATE: Manaaji'idiwin Play | April 23 - May 17 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: What happens when the elevator gets stuck on your way to an important meeting? As Jonesie and Tallahassee attempt to escape their circumstances, the cramped space becomes a pressure cooker and a bitingly funny conversation about power emerges. Who will come out on top?

  • Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market | 10AM - 2PM, April 24 (More Info)

    • Location: Cityplace

    • Description: Find fresh and local vegetables, baking, preserves, meat, crafts, jewelry, and other food and artisan items at this year-round Farmers’ Market in the heart of downtown.

  • Chocolate Making Workshop | 7-9PM, April 24 (Tickets)

    • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom (The Leaf)

    • Description: In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore the importance of single-origin chocolate, uncovering its unique flavors and ethical significance. Learn about the fascinating journey from bean to bar.

Special Events/Concerts🎨

  • Benji Rothman Comedy | April 23 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: He was a semi-finalist at Sirius XM Canada’s Top Comic, he’s performed at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Oddblock Comedy Festival and toured all across Canada.

  • The Leaf Unplugged | 7PM, April 23 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

    • Description: Step away from the constant buzz of technology and the demands of daily life, grab your yoga mat and book and come to The Leaf Unplugged.

  • ​Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Orchestra Concert | April 24-26 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: Witness the beginning of Harry’s most important battle yet, with the full film accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.

  • Jordan Jensen Comedy | April 24-26 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Comedian who hosts the podcast “RIP Jordan Jensen” and co-hosts the "Bein' Ian with Jordan" podcast. She can be seen on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" and at the world-famous Comedy Cellar

Music 🎵

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].