Winnipeg’s First Zero-Emission Bus

Author

Jas Singh
February 21, 2025

Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

Hope you had a great week despite the extreme cold outside! It’s been a tough one, but if there’s one thing we know, it’s that Winnipeg doesn’t slow down—not even when it feels like we’re living in a snow globe.

In today’s edition, we’re talking about Winnipeg’s first zero-emission bus, city programs for newcomers and a few heartwarming stories that remind us why this city is so special. Plus, we’ve got a unique poll for you today, so be sure to check it out and let us know what you think!

As always, thanks for being here. Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s get into it!

In today’s edition:

  • Winnipeg’s First Zero-Emission Bus is Here

  • A Safe Space for Recovery in Winnipeg

  • Manitoba Fashion Shines at New York Fashion Week

  • 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg’s First Zero-Emission Bus is Here

For years, Winnipeg Transit has talked about going green, but now, it’s finally happening. As reported by The Winnipeg Free Press, The city’s first zero-emission bus has arrived, and it’s not just any bus—it’s one of only three hydrogen fuel-cell buses in all of Canada.

Here’s what’s happening:

  • Winnipeg Transit just unveiled its first hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus, with 16 more arriving this spring.

  • These buses run on hydrogen, producing only water vapour instead of harmful emissions.

  • Each one eliminates up to 80 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year, making a real impact on air quality.

  • Testing starts mid-March, with limited service in April, so you might spot one soon.

  • A total of 90 zero-emission buses are coming, as part of a major funding push.

It’s taken a while to get here, but change is finally rolling in. And with more of these buses on the way, Winnipeg’s transit future is looking a whole lot greener.

How often do you take the Winnipeg Transit?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

City Updates

Helping Newcomers Stay Safe in Winnipeg’s Winters

Winter in Winnipeg isn’t just cold—it comes with real risks, especially for newcomers who may have never experienced ice-covered sidewalks or frozen rivers. That’s why, as reported by The Winnipeg Free Press, St. James-Assiniboia School Division is offering winter safety and swimming lessons for immigrant and refugee families.

  • Winter 101 classes teach students how to dress for the cold, avoid frostbite, and stay safe on icy roads.

  • Free family swimming lessons help newcomers learn how to swim and stay safe near Manitoba’s many lakes and rivers.

  • Safety workshops cover frozen lakes, recognizing warning signs, and what to do in an emergency.

With at least eight drowning tragedies involving newcomers in the past decade, these lessons are more than helpful—they’re life-saving.

So if you know a newcomer family. Let them know about these programs—because knowing how to stay safe should never be a privilege.

A Safe Space for Recovery in Winnipeg

Addiction recovery is never easy, and for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, finding a safe and supportive space can be even harder. But now, as reported by CBC News, Regenesis Centre for Recovery has officially opened in Winnipeg, offering a live-in addiction recovery program designed specifically for LGBTQ2S+ individuals.

  • One of only two LGBTQ2S+ recovery centres in Canada.

  • Six to 12-month live-in program tailored to individual needs.

  • Recognizes the role of identity in addiction recovery and provides specialized care.

  • And with plans to expand to include programs for men, youth, and families who also need support.

With addiction rates significantly higher in LGBTQ2S+ communities, this centre is filling an important gap in Manitoba’s healthcare system. For many, it will mean the difference between struggling alone and having the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Community Digest

Manitoba Fashion Shines at New York Fashion Week

A Winnipeg fashion brand just made a huge statement on one of the biggest runways in the world. Kolye TJN, led by UM professor Tijen Roshko, took their sustainable felt neckwear to New York Fashion Week, proving that bold, innovative design can come from right here at home.

Here’s what make’s it special:

  • Every piece is locally designed and crafted with sustainability in mind.

  • Instead of traditional jewelry materials, they use interlocking felt, making their designs totally unique.

  • What started as a solution for metal allergies turned into a global fashion statement.

  • They’re bringing it back home this fall with a fashion show at the University of Manitoba.

Seeing Winnipeg talent on an international stage is something worth celebrating, and with everything they have planned, this is just the beginning. So, keep an eye on Kolye TJN, as they’re putting our city on the fashion map!

Custom Sneakers Bringing Smiles to Sick Kids

For kids facing serious illnesses, the little things can make all the difference. And now, as reported by CTV News, Winnipeg artist Yashan Wu is using her talent to bring some extra joy—one pair of sneakers at a time. Through her new initiative, Happy Feet, she’s creating 50 pairs of custom, hand-painted sneakers for kids supported by The Dream Factory.

  • Each pair is designed just for the child, featuring their favorite characters, colors, or memories.

  • A GoFundMe is raising $2,000 to cover the cost of shoes and supplies.

  • The goal is to deliver all pairs by June 1 and put smiles on as many little faces as possible.

Wu has already made a name for herself, selling custom sneakers in over 30 countries. And now, she’s using her gift to give back in the most meaningful way at home.

Event: Winterpeg is For Everyone: Accessible Ski Day

Exciting Events: Feb 21st - 23rd

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

  • Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Feb 22 (FREE)

    • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

  • Winterpeg is For Everyone: Accessible Ski Day

    | 9:30AM - 3PM, Feb 22 (More Info)

    • Location: FortWhyte Alive

    • Description: An accessibility-focused cross-country ski day for persons with disabilities and their families with Accessible Sport Connection and the Winnipeg Trails Association.

Family Fun🎆

  • Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Feb 21 - March 30 (Tickets)

    • Location: A Maze in Corn

    • Description: Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!

  • Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | Feb 21 - March 20 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry (1824 Pembina Hwy)

    • Description: Saddle up for a wild ride as Destination Dinner Stage takes you on a hilarious journey through the untamed wilderness of family drama, ranching antics, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

  • Indecent Play | Feb 21 - March 8 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: Told through music, song, dance and comedy, Indecent is an arresting play about forbidden love, artistic censorship and the enduring power of theatre.

  • Free Entry to Manitoba Parks | Feb 21-28

    • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Festival du Voyageur | Feb 21-23 (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. (75,000 festival-goers per year)

  • CIAO - Dine About Winnipeg | Feb 21- 23

    • Location: Multiple Locations

    • Description: For two weeks, top restaurants heat up the season by offering signature three course, prix-fixe meals at a special price!

  • Cirque Du Soleil Crystal | Feb 21-23 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: This performance combines stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.

  • St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Feb 22

    • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

  • Woodhaven Winter Carnival & Pancake Breakfast| 9AM, Feb 22 (More Info)

    • Location: Woodhaven Community Club

    • Description: Pancake breakfast, Carnival games, Silent auction & games!

  • Winterfest | 1-3PM, Feb 22 (More Info)

    • Location: Central Park

    • Description: Enjoy live music, snow painting for kids, skating lessons, cozy bonfires, and delicious food as we embrace the magic of the season.

  • Tuxedo Winter Carnival | Feb 22-23 (More Info)

    • Location: Tuxedo Community Centre

  • Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Feb 23

    • Location: The Forks

    • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Winter Wellness Classes, Storytelling and Drumming in the Teepee and more!

  • Living Prairie Museum Snowshoe Sundays | 10AM-3PM, Feb 23 (More Info)

    • Location: Living Prairie Museum

    • Description: The Living Prairie Museum is a 13-hectare tall grass prairie preserve and nature park perfect for snowshoeing!

Comedy❗

  • The Underground Comedy Railroad | Feb 21-22 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

    • Description: A groundbreaking all-black comedy tour. As Canada's first tour of its kind, UCR has been pioneering the way for Black Canadian comedians to share their unique humor and stories with a wider audience.

  • Gilson Lubin Comedy | Feb 21-22 (Tickets)

    • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club

    • Description: Gilson is a former MTV Canada host and Canadian Comedy Award winner as a stand-up comedian.

  • HOT THESPIAN ACTION: BACK IN THE 'SAC | 2PM, Feb 23 (Tickets)

    • Location: Gas Station Arts Theatre

    • Description: 3 time Canadian Comedy Award nominated sketch troupe, Hot Thespian Action, is back for at the Gas Station Arts Centre ... and they are bringing friends!

Special Events 🥂

  • Blue Beads and Blueberries Play | Feb 21 - Mar 2 (Tickets)

    • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

    • Description: Blue Beads and Blueberries transforms an ancient fairy tale into a celebration of Métis culture.

  • The Manitoba Tattoo Expo | Feb 21-23 (Tickets)

    • Location: Assiniboia Downs

    • Description: Whether you're a tattoo Artist, fanatic, or looking to get your first tattoo. This is for everyone interesting in anything tattoos.

  • Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival | Feb 21-23 (Tickets)

    • Location: 1315 Gateway Rd

    • Description: Features cool, clean, and compelling feature films, documentaries and shorts from around the world in a multi-theatre style format.

  • IBTIDA – A Theatrical Experience | 7PM, Feb 22 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rachel Browne Theatre

    • Description: This show will feature dancers – whether from a bhangra, giddha, or classical background. Come experience a night filled with rich culture and heritage!

  • Wonderful Wedding Show | Feb 22-23 (Tickets)

    • Location: RBC Convention Centre

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

  • National Aviation Day | 10AM - 5PM, Feb 23 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

    • Description: Get up close and personal with aviation history as the following aircraft will be open for public access: Lockheed L-10A Electra CF-TCC Canadair CL-84 Dynavert Beechcraft CT-134 Musketeer Mini 500 Helicopter Vickers Viscount and more!

  • Winnipeg Philharmonic presents Strings Attached | 3PM, Feb 23 (Tickets)

    • Location: Crescent Arts Centre

    • Description: Their second concert of the season features a repertoire written for chorus and strings. The Phil will highlight composers from the classical to the contemporary.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door.

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

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