Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

The smoke’s cleared up quite a bit since last week, and with sunny skies and 26-degree weather, it’s the perfect weekend to step outside.

There are tons of events happening all over the city, including our very own Summer of Locals market at the Outlet Mall all weekend long (more on that below).

So grab your coffee and catch up on everything going on in our city.

Now, in today’s edition:

• Winnipeg Launches $164M Plan to Fix Our Roads This Summer

• Reminder: Winnipeg Transit Changes Start June 29

• Wab Kinew Tops Premier Polls With 68% Approval

• Winnipeg Proposes $3M for Youth Programs

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Launches $164M Plan to Fix Our Roads This Summer

If you’ve noticed more cones and detours popping up, it’s because Winnipeg’s 2025 construction season has begun.

The City’s putting $164.61 million into making roads, bridges, and bike routes safer and smoother this year. It’s one of the biggest investments yet.

And here’s what’s on the schedule:

• Crews will work on nearly 150 lane kilometres of improvements across the city

• Big projects include the Pembina Hwy bridges, Louise Bridge (early summer), and Midtown Bridge (fall)

• Major street work includes Inkster, McGregor, Dugald, and westbound Abinojii Mikanah

• Many upgrades also include better cycling and pedestrian infrastructure

Most projects are already underway or about to begin, so expect delays, especially in high-traffic spots. If you’re driving around, the Waze app can help you dodge the slowdowns with real-time tips from the city and other drivers.

It’s a bit of a short-term hassle, but it’s all for safer, smoother trips down the road.

To stay ahead of delays, check the City’s live road construction maps for lane closures and project timelines.

Together with the Canadian Condominium Institute – Manitoba Chapter!

Support that every Winnipeg condo owner deserves

Living in a condo can be wonderful. You build a little community, share a building, and hope everyone does their part. But when things go wrong, like a surprise repair or a confusing bylaw, it can feel overwhelming fast.

That’s why CCI Manitoba exists.

They’re a local non-profit that supports condo owners and boards all across Manitoba. Their goal is simple: to make condo living easier, fairer, and more connected.

When your condo joins as a member, every unit owner becomes a member too, and you get access to:

• Helpful webinars and Lunch & Learns so you know your rights and responsibilities

• Easy-to-use tools, templates, and updates to stay ahead of any changes

• Connections with experts, other owners, and board members

• And a stronger voice together, helping shape the future of condo living in Manitoba

Right now, new condo corporations get 50% off their first year. But this offer ends June 30, 2025.

So, if you or someone you care about owns a condo, this is something worth sharing.
And if you’re a condo owner, be sure to share this with your board and see how you can be a part of the CCI Community!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Digest

Reminder: Winnipeg Transit Changes Start June 29

Staying on the topic of transportation… here’s a quick reminder: every single bus route in Winnipeg is changing starting June 29.

It’s part of a full network reset aimed at making transit simpler, faster, and more reliable for everyone.

• New network, new routes

  • Just about every route is changing. The new system uses “spine and feeder” lines: main routes run more often, while connector routes link neighbourhoods to them.

• Fewer stops, better flow

  • Expect fewer stops overall (about 1,700 removed), but 460 new ones are being added, and some moved for better accessibility.

• Plan ahead

  • Trip schedules are live now on Navigo, the Transit app, or by calling 311. The Transit app even has a preview mode so you can see how your new commute will look.

  • Transit staff will be out at busy spots June 23-July 4 to help riders adjust.

The city’s hoping this redesign makes getting around smoother, especially if you’re not heading downtown. And if you rely on curb-to-curb or On-Request service, there are upgrades there too.

The last day of the current network is June 28. After that, it's a whole new ride. Change is coming - but it’s meant to make your route better.

Click here: To check the new bus routes and plan your trips ahead.

Wab Kinew Tops Premier Polls With 68% Approval

In a time when most premiers are seeing support drop, Wab Kinew is holding strong with the highest approval rating in the country.

68% of Manitobans approve of Kinew’s performance, making him the top-rated premier in Canada. He’s held above 60% for six straight quarters.

• Over 21,000 people here have been evacuated because of wildfires this season, and Kinew’s calm, hands-on approach during it all has built even more trust across our province.

• And now with U.S. trade tension fading, Manitobans are turning back to day-to-day issues like housing, health care, and affordability. But we’re doing what we can to help across the board.

• While our premier’s approval is going up, leaders in B.C., Ontario, and Quebec all saw drops.

It’s not every day our province leads the country in something this visible. So, no matter where you land politically, it’s clear our Premier is getting noticed, and for now, many seem to like what they see!

Click here: To see the latest Premier Approval Poll results.

City Updates

Winnipeg Proposes $3M for Youth Programs

A bit of support can go a long way, especially for kids growing up in tough circumstances. The City is proposing a $3 million investment (spread over three years) to expand youth programs in neighbourhoods that need it most.

Here’s where the funding would go:

• Focused Support:

  Funding would prioritize six Winnipeg wards with the highest poverty rates, including Daniel McIntyre, Mynarski, and Elmwood-East Kildonan.

• 17 Local Organizations:

  Groups like Rossbrook House, Art City, and the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg would receive $50K-$100K per year to run programs focused on recreation, education, mental health, and cultural connection.

• Culturally Grounded Programming:

  Some funding would go toward Indigenous land-based learning, trauma-informed supports for youth in the justice system, and services for newcomer and refugee families.

• And lastly a Community-Led Approach:

  These partnerships were shaped by consultations with 118 local organizations, poverty data from the 2021 Census, and direct input from city councillors.

If approved on June 17, this plan will help create safer, more inclusive spaces for thousands of Winnipeg youth.

At the heart of this proposal is something simple: giving every child the chance to feel like they matter.

If you want to learn more, click here: To see all 17 organizations and the rest of the details!

Province Puts $18.5M into Local Research and Innovation

It’s not every day we see this kind of backing for Manitoba’s own thinkers and builders. But this week, the province is putting serious weight behind the future, with $18.5 million going into research, innovation, and tech development across the province.

Why It Matters:

• Supporting Local Talent: The funding includes new investments in research chairs and researcher recruitment so more scientists and innovators can build careers without leaving the province.

• Boosting AI and Tech Research: The extra $5 million will expand Manitoba’s work in data, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other emerging fields.

• Protecting Made-in-Manitoba Ideas: Part of the plan includes an intellectual property collective to help local researchers protect and benefit from their own discoveries.

• Stronger Foundations: Oversight of Research Manitoba will now fall under the Department of Innovation and New Technology to better align with digital progress.

It’s a long-term play, but one that could give our own researchers the backing to do their best work, right here at home. While keeping Manitoba on the map when it comes to health, tech, and homegrown breakthroughs.

Click here: To learn more about the full funding and where it’s going.

Exciting Events: June 13th - 15th

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

Sports🏀

• DND Run Club | 7PM, June 13 (FREE)

  • Location: Low Life Barrel House

  • Note: Dash N’ Dine Run Club!

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8:30AM, June 14 (FREE)

  • Location: Lululemon Polo Park

• Zumba in the Park | 10-11AM, June 14 (FREE)

  • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Saskatchewan Rattlers | 2PM, June 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Locked Zoo - LIVING LARGE | 5PM-9PM, June 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: New escape event being held after-hours at the Zoo. Find clues, answer questions and have a bunch of fun working as a team to solve the puzzle before time runs out. This is an adults-only experience (18+).

• Manitoba Reptile Breeders Expo | June 14-15 (More Info)

  • Location: Sunova Centre

  • Description: With over 1,000 reptiles under one roof, this is Manitoba’s go-to expo for all things scaly and fascinating. Browse reptiles, meet breeders, learn from interactive exhibits, and more!

• Baby Bison Walk | June 14-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Celebrate Father’s Day with FortWhyte’s newest parents. Come see the 9th largest land animal at its smallest and cutest!

• Grease Lightning | June 14-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

  • Description: This immersive dinner theatre performance reimagines the world of Grease twenty years later, with classic rock and roll vibes, fun twists, and a hearty dose of nostalgia.

• Bison Bus Tour | June 15 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: See North America’s largest land mammal from just metres away, interacting in their natural habitat.

• Wings and Wheels | 10AM-5PM, June 15 (More Info)

  • Location: The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Fast cars. Fast planes. Vintage rides on wheels and wings. It's the perfect Father's Day weekend event!

• Father’s Day Waterbug Derby | 10AM-4:30PM, June 15 (More Info)

  • Location: The Ducks Unlimited Canada Wetland Discovery Centre

  • Description: Dip your net in the murky waters of Oak Hammock Marsh and try to capture as many different species of aquatic invertebrates to get a chance of winning some prizes.

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• The Ex 2025 | June 13-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Discover the most thrilling rides, delicious food, incredible performers and attractions, and the best local music all in one place!

• Bronx Park Farmers Market | 9AM-2PM, June 14

  • Location: Bronx Park

  • Description: Opening day of the summer market! Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, and enjoy our splash pad and used tool sale at the woodshop.

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM-2PM, June 14

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

• Happy Days on Henderson | 11AM-3PM, June 14 (FREE)

  • Location: 180 Poplar Avenue

  • Description: A free and family-friendly community festival that takes place in the Chalmers neighbourhood of Winnipeg, featuring many fun activities, free hotdogs and drinks, and a plethora of outreach tables.

• Pollock’s (almost) Summer Market | 11AM-5PM, June 14 (More Info)

  • Location: 1407 Main St

  • Description: Plant swap, kids activities, local vendors and an amazing line up of musicians all day long! (20 vendors)

• Beautifully Disturbed Summer Market | 12M-8PM, June 14 (FREE)

  • Location: Notre-Dame Recreational Centre

  • Description: Over 30 vendors with a curated blend of unique items, baked goods, and handmade creations eager to kick-off those long summer nights!

• Summer of Locals Market | June 14-15 (FREE)

  • Location: 555 Sterling Lyon Parkway

  • Description: Explore 70+ vendors at a buzzing weekend market featuring local artisans, handmade goods, food trucks, live music, and kid-friendly activities!

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• Three Days Grace and Volbeat | 7PM, June 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Rock legends Three Days Grace and Volbeat are set to bring their signature sounds. The tour comes following the recent announcement of Adam Gontier’s official return to Three Days Grace.

• Paranormal Investigation | 8PM-11:30PM, June 13 (More Info)

  • Location: Historical Museum of St. James-Assiniboia

  • Description: Try to capture the sounds of children laughing or the glimpse of a former prisoner in the holding cell. A single location brimming with history awaits your exploration. 16+ event.

• Mrs. Roper Romp Spring Fling Bar Crawl | 7PM, June 13 (More Info)

  • Location: Downtown Winnipeg

  • Description: This is a Mrs. Roper themed pub crawl where all attendees, regardless of gender or identity, dress as their favourite wise-cracking landlady, Helen Roper!

• Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare in the Ruins | June 13 - July 6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: Samuel Beckett’s absolute masterpiece, and one of the most important texts of the last century: Waiting for Godot has surely become one of the most canonical and enigmatic plays since Shakespeare.

• Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | June 13 - July 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: This popular ‘Shakespearean noir’ is exciting as a murder mystery, but it is its palpable and sensual atmosphere that really grabs us. For gloomy intensity, there’s nothing like it in all of Shakespeare.

• A Streetcar Named Desire | June 13-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

  • Description: Tennessee Williams’ iconic drama comes to life with a bold new Winnipeg production. Follow Blanche DuBois as she navigates heartbreak, desire, and tension in the steamy New Orleans setting.

• Sunee Dhaliwal at Rumor’s Comedy Club | June 13–14 ($)

  • Location: Rumor’s Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: From Just for Laughs to XM Radio, Sunee Dhaliwal is one of Canada’s fastest-rising comedy stars. His sharp wit, magnetic presence, and fresh take on everyday absurdities make him a crowd favorite.

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!