Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

Today’s edition is packed with all the city updates and events, but before we dive in, just a little reminder to look out for the people around you.

With so much going on lately, measles cases rising, super dry weather causing wildfires, and even a possible Canada Post strike. It’s a good time to check in on your parents, your friends, or anyone you know with little ones.

A quick call or message can go a long way, and hey, maybe even send them a few updates from today’s newsletter while you’re at it.

Let’s try to keep an eye on each other, support one another, and help everyone have a summer worth remembering!

Now, in today’s edition:

• Whiteshell Provincial Park Closed due to Wildfires

• New Measles Vaccine Guidelines for Babies

• Free Tours: Explore 40+ Historic Sites in Winnipeg

• Another Canada Post Strike Might Be Coming

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Fire Update: Whiteshell Provincial Park Closed for Safety

This one stung for a lot of us who grew up spending long weekends in Whiteshell.

Because of how dry it’s been and how fast the wildfires are spreading, the province closed Whiteshell Provincial Park as of 9 a.m. Thursday, May 15. It was a tough call, but it was all about keeping people safe.

Here’s what you needed to know:

• All areas in the park were closed, including trails, beaches, backcountry routes, campsites, cottages, and commercial zones

• Everyone was required to leave by 1 p.m. on Thursday, even full-time residents

• Full-time residents were asked to check in with Manitoba Parks at a nearby reception centre (or call 204-340-6769 if they couldn’t make it in person)

• Campgrounds will remain closed until at least May 21

• Other parks still under evacuation: Nopiming, Wallace Lake, South Atikaki, and Manigotagan River

If you had plans for the long weekend or in the coming days, make sure to check the latest updates before heading out. It’s a good time to stay informed, stay safe, and look out for one another.

Please report any wildfires by calling 911 or the TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.

Click Here: For the latest provincial fire update!

Together with The EX 2025!

The EX: Lock In Your Summer Fun Early

Every Winnipegger knows it, summer doesn’t officially start until The EX is here.

And if it’s already part of your summer routine (mini donuts, roller coasters, and all), then don’t wait till you're at the gates to grab tickets. The pre-sale is live now, and this is the LOWEST price you’ll get. So if you're going anyway, save yourself a few dollars instead of paying more at the gate.

Here’s what’s happening this year:

• 50+ rides for all ages: some calm, some chaotic, but all of them fun.

• 45+ food trucks with everything from sweet treats to deep-fried everything!

• 40+ local vendors with handmade goods, art, and unique finds.

• 10 themed days, including Caribbean Day, Family Day, Filipino Day and more!

• Live music every day, with highlights like:

  • Classic Rock Night

  • Tribute Bands

  • Country Night

  • 70s/80s Rock Revival and more!

• Juried competitions showcasing incredible local talent in quilting, photography, and more

📍 June 13–22 at Red River Exhibition Park
🎟️ Presale tickets are live, get them now before prices go up!

Whether it’s a family tradition or just a fun day out, The EX is the kind of summer memory that sticks with you!

Click the button below to see all the rides, vendors, schedule, and ticket pricing!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Digest

New Measles Vaccine Guidelines for Babies

If you’ve got a little one in your life, this is something you’ll want to know.

With measles cases rising in Manitoba, the province has just expanded MMR vaccine eligibility. It’s an extra step to help protect our most vulnerable and it’s especially important if you're in or around areas outside of Winnipeg.

Here’s what changed:

• Infants from 6 months to under 12 months are now eligible for the MMR vaccine if they live in or regularly visit surrounding areas like Steinbach, Morden, Winkler, Selkirk, Beausejour, and nearby communities.

• The same goes for kids who have close contact with family or friends in those areas.

• This early dose doesn’t include chickenpox protection (MMRV), so infants will still need 2 full doses after their first birthday for long-term immunity!

If this affects your family or someone you know, it’s worth checking in with your healthcare provider. Please, click the link below to learn more about symptoms, exposure, and next steps.

Click Here: For the latest update on Measles

Free Tours: Explore 40+ Historic Sites in Winnipeg

There’s something special about walking into an old building and feeling the history in the walls. Maybe it’s a spot your grandparents once visited, or just a place you’ve always passed by and wondered what it looked like inside. Doors Open Winnipeg lets you do exactly that.

It’s back next weekend (May 24–25), giving you free access to over 40 of Winnipeg’s most iconic and hidden historic sites. Whether it’s your first time going or it’s a yearly tradition, it’s one of the best ways to connect with the stories that built this city.

The Details:

• It’s free and open to everyone

• Most places don’t need registration, just show up and explore

• A few locations do require booking, and that opens tomorrow (Saturday) at noon

• There’s a mix of indoor buildings and outdoor walking tours to check out

It’s one of the best ways to experience the stories behind the buildings that make Winnipeg, well… Winnipeg! So if you want to go, click the link below to see all the locations and register for your favourites!

Click Here: For more info on Doors Open Winnipeg

City Updates

Heads Up: Another Canada Post Strike Might Be Coming

I know we just dealt with a Canada Post strike not that long ago. And now, it looks like it might be happening again.

The City of Winnipeg is already preparing, so if you’ve got something important in the mail, like a bill or a pet licence renewal, it’s a good time to get ahead of it.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Property taxes are due June 30, and business taxes are due May 30. To avoid any late fees, the city is encouraging everyone to pay online or in person.

• Got a parking ticket? You can pay those online too.

• Transit users won’t be able to order Peggo cards or get replacements by mail, so if you need one, best to pick it up in person.

• And if you’re waiting on something specific in the mail, like a pet tag, bill, or document, just call 311 to arrange pickup or get help.

It’s all about staying ahead of the delay, so if you’ve got something on the go, best to check now!

Click the link below for the full list of affected services and how to make alternate arrangements.

Click Here: For more info on the Canada Post work stoppage

New After-Hours Clinic Opens in South Winnipeg

If you’ve ever had a sick kid late at night or needed a quick checkup after work, you know how hard it can be to find care outside regular hours.

But good news, starting yesterday, May 15, 2025. A new Extended Hours Primary Care Clinic is opening at Victoria General Hospital, giving families in south Winnipeg better access to evening and weekend healthcare. Whether it’s a prescription refill, a checkup, or something more urgent, this clinic is meant to fill the gap when your regular doctor isn’t available.

The clinic will be open:

• Weeknights from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. 

• And weekends and holidays from 1:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. 

It’s staffed by a team of doctors, nurses, and care assistants, and has access to lab work and diagnostic imaging, all in one spot. You can book same-day appointments online at medinav.ca, with limited walk-ins available too.

It’s one more way care is getting a little more convenient in our corner of the city!

Click Here: To learn more about the new after-hours clinic

Exciting Events: May 16th - 18th

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Edmonton Stingers | 7:30PM, May 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Home opener and Chad Posthumus’ jersey retirement.

• Winnipeg Valour FC vs York United FC | 7PM, May 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8:30AM, May 17th (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• DND Run Club | 8:15AM, May 18th

  • Location: The Forks

  • Note: Dash N’ Dine Run Club!

Family Fun🎆

• Manito Ahbee Festival | May 16-18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Performers: A celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and music. Includes the signature Powwow, Ball Hockey Tournament, Ignite Our Spirit Performance Stage and Indigenous Marketplace.

• ELEVATE: Manaaji'idiwin Play | May 16-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: What happens when the elevator gets stuck on your way to an important meeting?

• Grease Lightning Musical | May 17 & 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

  • Description: Greetings, Winnipeg High class of 1959, you are all invited to the biggest Rock and Roll reunion this town has ever seen!

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• Family Fun Spring Fair | May 16-18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Multiple rides, games and food trucks for you and your friends to enjoy!

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM - 2PM, May 17th

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

  • Description: Summer hours have officially started at Manitoba’s Largest Farmers’ Market!

• Foodtrip Market SpringFest | 12-9PM, May 17 (More Info)

  • Location: IKEA, 500 Sterling Lyon Parkway

  • Description: Join us for Foodtrip Market SpringFest, a day full of blooming joy, delicious food, and local treasures. Pet fashion show, local vendors, handmade crafts, food stalls, live music and more!

• Tyndall Community Market Kick Off | May 17-18 (Free/Learn More)

  • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre

  • Description: Enjoy food trucks, local vendors, free Zumba, games, music, and more. Free admission and great vibes, so be sure to come!

• HVCC May Long Market | May 17-18 (Free)

  • Location: Heritage Victoria Community Club

  • Description: Small market with 20+ amazing vendors, handmade goods, tasty treats, and more!

• Artifact Alley presents Craft & Collect | May 18 (More Info)

  • Location: Weston Community Centre (1625 Logan Ave)

  • Description: A full day market experience packed with tons of amazing vendors, multiple giveaways happening all day, and best of all… FREE ENTRY!

Comedy❗

• Ernie Vicente Comedy | May 16-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Ernie Vicente is a stand-up comedian from Toronto, Ontario. With his surreal observations and quick one-liners, Ernie has been entertaining audiences since 2008!

• Kyle Lucey Comedy | May 16-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club

  • Description: He stars in TV shows such as AHC’s Blood and Fury, Discovery Channel’s Fear Thy Neighbour, Discovery Channel’s Motive and Murders, and MTV’s Losing It. He has 43k followers on Instagram and millions of views online.

• Brian Kiley Comedy | May 16-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Brian Kiley was a staff writer for Conan O’Brien for 27 years and wrote on the final season of “Ellen.” He has been nominated for 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and 2 Daytime Emmy Awards!

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• HerbFest 2025 | 10AM - 3PM, May 17 (More Info)

  • Location: The Leaf

  • Description: Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, this event has something for everyone. Get your herbs ready for summer with plants available for sale. With multiple workshops!

• Sound Lounge at the Garden of Contemplation | 7:50PM, May 17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canadian Museum for Human Rights

  • Description: Enjoy a live electronic music set accompanied by saxophone, vocals, and other live instruments by local artist Alex Maher.

• Andres Cepeda Concert | 8PM, May 18 ($)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Andrés Cepeda is one of the most renowned singers and songwriters in the Latin American music scene.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

It’s been a while, so let’s do a quick poll! How did you like today’s edition and the past few you’ve read?

Feel free to leave any extra thoughts or suggestions after the poll. We’d love to hear them!

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