Hey Winnipeggers!

Winter’s finally making its grand entrance with some snow on the way, so take it slow on those roads. But don’t worry, we’ve got more than just weather updates for you—today’s edition is packed with everything you need to know as the city gears up for the colder months. Let’s dive in!

In today's edition of The Winnipeg Digest:

• Winnipeg’s New $12.5M Health Care Training Facility

• Shop Local First Market

• Charity of the Week

• $800K Investment for Accessibility in Manitoba

• Multiple events this week & more!

— Jas Singh

News

Winter Weather Incoming—Stay Safe on the Roads

Alright Winnipeggers, the wait is over—winter’s finally here, just in time to make Christmas feel right again. Let’s be honest, a holiday season without snow just doesn’t feel right.

But with the snow comes slippery roads and reduced visibility, so it’s time to drive smart. The forecast calls for a mix of rain, freezing rain, and wet snow, transitioning to around 5-10 cm of snowfall. Combine that with 50-70km/h winds, and you’ve got some tricky conditions out there.

So If you’re hitting the road, take it slow, leave extra space between cars, and watch for icy patches. Let’s all stay safe and make sure we’re around to enjoy those cozy, snow-filled holiday nights.

Winnipeg’s New $12.5M Health Care Training Facility

Starting in 2025, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) will open Manitoba’s first Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre. A 16,630-square-foot facility designed to feel just like a real hospital. With simulations and realistic scenarios, it’s set to give students the hands-on experience they need.

Why’s this such a game-changer? When your loved ones need care, you want professionals who’ve seen it all. And this centre is here to do just that, training over 12,000 students a year. Here’s what you can expect:

• Hands-on training for nurses, paramedics, health-care aides, and more

• High-tech simulation equipment to mirror real-life situations

• While also having the capacity to run six different simulations at once

With a $6 million investment from the province this year, along with ongoing operating support – providing a total investment of over $12.5 million. Manitoba is ensuring our health-care system is ready for the future. Now that’s something we can all get behind.

A message from The Locals!

Looking to sponsor our next email? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Shop Local First This Holiday Season!

Every year, I tell myself this will be the year I nail holiday shopping. But by mid-December, I’m in a full-on panic—scrolling endless gift guides, speed-walking through crowded stores, and still ending up with gifts that feel…meh. Sound familiar?

That’s why this November, The Locals is here to save us from the holiday madness with their Shop Local First Market—a 3-day pop-up at Outlet Collection Winnipeg from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24.

Think of it as a one-stop shop for unique, thoughtful gifts. You’ll find local vendors scattered throughout the mall, offering everything from handmade goods to cozy holiday treats. Perfect for everyone on your list—and no two gifts will feel the same.

It’s free, fun, and 100% local. So if you’re looking to shop local this holiday season, click the button below to find out more. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Charity of the Week:

Sleep in Heavenly Peace Winnipeg

With winter settling in and the holidays just around the corner, everyone deserves a warm, cozy place to sleep. That’s where Sleep in Heavenly Peace steps in. This volunteer-run group has built and delivered over 1,250 beds in the past four years to kids who don’t have one—not replacing old ones, but providing beds to kids who’ve been sleeping on floors, couches, or sharing with siblings.

Each bed includes a hand-built twin frame, a mattress, and brand-new bedding. But right now, they’re short on supplies and need your help.

Here’s how you can support:

• Donate Bedding: They need sheet sets and pillows for 50 beds before year’s end.

• Donate Cash: If it’s easier, your donation will go toward lumber and mattresses to keep building beds.

Let’s come together this holiday season to ensure every child in Winnipeg sleeps in warmth and comfort. Every little bit helps!

P.S. Hope you’ve enjoyed the Charity of the Week section! We’ll keep looking for ways to make it easier for you to help out in our community!

Education

$3M Dollars in Arena Repairs

Staying on the topic of winters, the city just dropped $3 million on phase one of its arena renewal program. These upgrades couldn’t have come at a better time, as the rinks are where Winnipeg truly comes to life in the colder months. Whether it’s hockey games, figure skating, or learning to skate for the first time, these spaces are at the heart of our neighborhoods.

The investment means safer, more modern arenas for everyone to enjoy, ensuring our winter traditions stay strong for generations.

Here’s what’s new for the 2024-2025 season:

• Brighter rink lighting at Sam Southern & Terry Sawchuk

• New score clocks at Billy Mosienko, Century & Terry Sawchuk

• Roof upgrades at Century & Charlie Gardiner

• Ice plant improvements at multiple rinks

• Electrical and carbon monoxide sensor upgrades at 12 arenas and more!

With more upgrades coming in 2025, be sure to enjoy the winter, get out there, stay active, and maybe even try something new!

U of M Goes on High Alert

Yesterday started a little tense at the U of M. Police got reports of a guy with a knife near the Allen Building, putting everyone on high alert. They searched the area but didn’t find him.

We usually don’t report on crime, but this one’s about keeping our community safe. Police say there’s no immediate threat, and campus life is back to normal. That said, if you’re in the area, stay cautious and keep an eye out since the suspect hasn’t been found yet. Let’s continue to look out for each other. Stay safe, Winnipeg!

Community News

More Flights, More Adventures

Good news for Winnipeg travelers: WestJet’s adding more flight options next summer. The Winnipeg-Orlando route is sticking around year-round, and the Nashville route is making a comeback for six months after a solid trial run.

They’re also boosting seat capacity by 19%, with more flights to spots like Calgary, Vancouver, and Victoria. Whether it’s for work or a quick getaway, having more options means smoother travel all around.

$800K Investment for Accessibility in Manitoba

Ever taken a stroll at The Forks and thought, “Everyone should be able to enjoy this”? Well, Manitoba’s making it happen. The province is investing over $800K to help 37 organizations, including The Forks, break down barriers.

Here’s how the funds will be used:

• Accessibility audits (like the one happening at The Forks)

• Better tools and training to make spaces more inclusive

• Making info accessible online, in print, and in person

The goal? To create spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate. Because community should be for everyone!

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!

• Helix & Kick Axe | 7PM, Nov 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Sold over 2,000,000 albums, had four gold and 2 platinum albums!

• Candlelight: R&B and Soul feat. Keisha Booker | 6:30 & 8:45PM, Nov 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Siscover the music of R&B and Soul at Winnipeg Art Gallery under the gentle glow of candlelight.

• Shop Local First Market | Nov 22-24 (Free to Enter!)

  • Location: Outlet Collection Mall Winnipeg

  • Description: This is an exclusive 3-day popup to help encourage Winnipeg to SHOP LOCAL FIRST. Before the rush of retail in December and before the last-minute gift shopping.

• Third + Bird Christmas Market | Nov 22-24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: 170 vendors. From art and print to ceramics, food and drink, clothing, jewellery, housewares, candles and so much more.

• Annual Holiday Market 2024 at Lower Fort Garry | 10AM - 4PM, Nov 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Lower Fort Garry

  • Description: Browse the bespoke gift shop, get your family photo with Santa and join him for a Pancake Breakfast or lunch at Life a Little Sweeter Cafe.

• Manitoba Antique Association Fall Sale | 10AM - 4PM, Nov 24 (More Info)

  • Location: Viscount Gort Hotel (1670 Portage Ave)

  • Description: Christmas decor/ornaments, Antiques, Vintage, Pyrex, Art Glass, Vintage Jewelry, Farmhouse Antiques, Mantiques, and more!

• Merry THRIFTmas Market | 11AM - 4PM, Nov 24 (More Info)

  • Location: Transcona East End C.C. Rizzuto Hall, Main and 2nd Floor

Exciting Events: Nov 20th & 21st

Sports 🏒

• Manitoba Moose vs Chicago Wolves | 10:30AM, Nov 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

• Ramblers Choir | 7PM, Nov 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Park Theatre (698 Osborne St)

  • Description: Ramblers Choir is a kismet collaboration between Canadian songsmiths and veteran road dogs Scott Nolan, Joe Nolan, Scott Cook and Pamela Mae – four prairie voices bringing songs and stories to the mythical campfire.

• Russell! | 7PM, Nov 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Exchange Event Centre

• Good Lovelies | 8PM, Nov 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Avenue)

  • Description: The trio, comprising Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough, and Susan Passmore, are celebrated for their nostalgic sound that blends folk-roots, old-time swing, soul, and bluegrass.

• Stephanie Westdal | 10PM, Nov 20

  • Location: Shannons Irish Pub and Eatery

• Moontricks | 8PM, Nov 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Sound that blends organic folk, roots rock, old-time blues, and cutting-edge electronic production.

• Manitoba Chamber Orchestra presents SOJOURN | 7:30PM, Nov 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Crescent Arts Centre (525 Wardlaw Ave)

• Unto Others Tour | 7PM, Nov 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Park Theatre (698 Osborne St)

• Skillibeng | 9PM, Nov 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Exchange Event Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Children's Special Day | Nov 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: In celebration of World Children’s Day, kids get half-price general admission all day long. They’ll also have a special craft from 11:00AM – 3:00PM. Get ready to create your own cup and ball game!

• The Great Solar System Adventure – Planetarium Show | Nov 20-24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System

• Downtown Farmers Market Fall Season | 10AM-2PM, Nov 21 (More Info)

  • Location: Cityplace Winnipeg – 333 St Mary Avenue

• Indigenous Winter Market | 11AM-5PM, Nov 21 (More Info)

  • Location: Bistro Café, located in UMSU Centre on the third floor

  • Description: This student market showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and culture of First Nations, Métis and Inuit UM student makers, crafters and artisans.

Special Events 🎨

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Little Women | Nov 20 - Dec 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Main Stage (174 Market Ave)

  • Description: In 1860s Massachusetts, Jo March and her sisters struggle to make ends meet while their father is away serving in the Civil War.

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - The Recipe | Nov 20- 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse Theatre (140 Rupert Ave)

  • Description: Funny, poignant and subversive, The Recipe is a heartwarming Prairie Gothic.

• Tom Henry Comedy | Nov 20-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Tom Henry is a comedian, actor and writer from Toronto. His acclaimed Just for Laughs produced Stand Up Special, ‘66 Jokes’, can be found on Crave TV!

• National Gathering for Indigenous Education | Nov 20-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg

  • Description: Educators and partners can share their voices and work together to improve the educational outcomes of K-12 Indigenous students.

• The Great Scavenger Hunt | 7:30-9:30PM, Nov 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Get ready for an unforgettable night of strategy and detective work at the Gallery-wide scavenger hunt!

CHEERS!

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! I’ll see you again on Friday!

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected].