Happy Monday, Winnipeg.

The last few days have been a bit unpredictable. Strong winds, blowing snow, and weather that keeps changing by the hour. It looks like a colder week is ahead, which makes finding good reasons to get out of the house feel even more important.

That’s why today’s edition is a little special.

We’re introducing something new for the city. A Winnipeg first. A simple way to highlight two of the best parts of our city: great local food and amazing people.

If you’ve been looking to meet new people, make new friends, or just enjoy a good meal in a relaxed setting, keep scrolling. Today, we’re introducing Winnipeg’s first ever dinner club, and it’s all about bringing people together around the table.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • Manitoba Invests $235M in New McGillivray–Perimeter Interchange

  • A New Way to Make Friends in Winnipeg (Winnipeg’s First Ever Dinner Club)

  • Restaurant of the Week

  • A New Stella’s Café Is Opening Soon at Polo Park

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba Invests $235M in New McGillivray–Perimeter Interchange

Source: Manitoba Government/Google Street View

A major infrastructure upgrade is officially on the way for South Winnipeg.

The Manitoba government has announced a $235-million project to build a new interchange at McGillivray Boulevard and the Perimeter Highway, a long-planned improvement aimed at making travel safer and more reliable around the city’s south edge.

Today, the intersection handles high traffic volumes at ground level, which often leads to backups during rush hour and added delays for drivers.

Here's how the new intersection changes that:

  • A safer, free-flow interchange to replace the current at-grade intersection

  • A four-lane divided highway to handle higher traffic volumes more safely and efficiently

  • A two-lane overpass to separate local and through traffic, reducing congestion and delays

  • Better movement of goods, supporting jobs and Manitoba’s trade economy

  • And improved connections for nearby communities like Oak Bluff, Sanford, Brunkild, and Sperling

Construction is expected to begin in early spring, with completion planned for 2030. Because this is a multi-year project, drivers can expect ongoing construction activity and traffic changes along the corridor as work progresses.

So if you or someone you know lives in the south end or regularly uses McGillivray or the Perimeter, click the link below to take a closer look at what’s coming.

A New Way to Make Friends in Winnipeg (Winnipeg’s First Ever Dinner Club)

I’ve heard people call Winnipeg boring more times than I can count.
And it always makes me pause. Because what makes this city special has never been about big shows or loud moments.

It’s the food. It’s the people. And the conversations that happen when you sit down at the same table.

So, we decided to bring those things together!

Introducing Winnipeg’s first-ever Dinner Club.

A few days ago, we asked if you’d be interested in small, curated dinners around the city. Six people at one table. A local restaurant. Easy conversation. And no pressure to be anyone other than yourself.

Over 500 of you said yes!

Here’s how the Winnipeg Digest Dinner Club works:

  • You take a short quiz about your interests, age range, and preferences

  • We match you with 5 other Winnipeggers who feel like a good fit

  • You meet for dinner and spend the evening getting to know each other

A few things that make this different:

  • Small tables so conversation feels natural

  • Thoughtful matching so you’re not walking in blind

  • And a chance to support a local restaurant and try somewhere new

The first dinner is happening on Wednesday, Jan 28 at 6:30 PM, in the Exchange District.

If you’ve been wanting to meet new people and make new friends in our city who share similar interests, click the link below and take the quiz.
We’ll handle the rest!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]!

Restaurant of the Week: Buvette

Source: Buvette

A Small Neighbourhood Brunch Spot Worth Knowing About

Buvette isn’t flashy, and that’s part of the charm. Tucked just off Osborne, it’s become a favourite for relaxed mornings and thoughtful plates.

The space is cozy and relaxed, making it easy to settle in and stay awhile. It’s the kind of place that feels comfortable right away, whether you’re popping in for a weekday breakfast or taking your time on a weekend morning.

The menu keeps things familiar but adds just enough creativity to make each dish feel special.

Here’s what people love:

  • Inventive eggs benedict, including a popular benny flight on weekends

  • Comfort dishes with a twist, like brisket hash, grilled cheeses, and baked eggs

  • Seasonal drinks and cocktails, from mimosa flights to house specials

  • And a warm, welcoming vibe that makes it feel like a neighbourhood hangout

They don’t take reservations, so it’s best enjoyed when you’ve got time to settle in, sip something warm, and let the morning unfold. Ideal for slow weekend brunches, low-key catch-ups, or a quiet weekday reset.

📍 120 Scott Street, Unit 2
🕓 Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
🕓 Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

If you love discovering smaller neighbourhood spots, this is one to bookmark.

City Updates

Manitoba Brings Educators Together to Shape the Use of AI in Classrooms

Manitoba is starting a broader conversation about how artificial intelligence should be used in classrooms, with a focus on supporting learning while keeping students safe and teachers at the centre.

Last week, the province hosted its first AI in Education Summit, bringing together K–12 and post-secondary educators, school leaders, and industry partners.

The goal was to talk through how AI tools can support teaching and learning, without rushing into technology before clear guidance is in place.

Here’s what’s taking shape:

  • Guiding Principles on AI in Education, being developed with teachers, school divisions, Indigenous partners, and education stakeholders

  • Practical guidance for classrooms, showing how AI can support learning and assessment while keeping educators at the centre

  • Training and leadership support for school administrators, including webinars and coaching

  • A strong focus on responsible, transparent, and student-centred use of AI

As AI becomes part of more jobs and everyday tools, this kind of conversation helps ensure classrooms stay grounded in learning.

It’s a thoughtful step toward supporting students and educators as schools adapt, while keeping teaching, curiosity, and critical thinking at the centre.

Winnipeg Is Headed Into a Cold Week

Source: Google

The weather has felt unpredictable over the past few days, but the week ahead is showing one clear pattern: it’s going to stay very cold.

Forecasts show consistently cold days and even colder nights, with wind chill making it significantly colder at times, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Here’s what to expect over the next several days:

  • Sustained cold throughout the week, with little daytime relief

  • Overnight lows near the high -30s, with wind chills making it feel colder

  • Clearer skies on some days, but cold air is staying firmly in place

With conditions changing day to day, be sure to check the forecast before heading out, especially if you’re commuting or spending time outside.

And when cold like this sticks around, a bit of prep goes a long way. Whether you’re walking the dog, waiting for the bus, or running errands, staying mindful of the cold can make everyday routines a lot easier.

Here are a few simple ways to stay prepared:

  • Dress in layers and cover exposed skin when heading outside

  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and limit time outdoors when wind chills are lowest

  • Check that carbon monoxide detectors are working at home

  • Keep an eye on weather updates, especially if you’re commuting

This kind of cold isn’t unusual for Winnipeg, but it’s still worth taking it slow, planning ahead, and checking in on the people around you.

Community Digest

A New Stella’s Café Is Opening Soon at Polo Park

Source: Stella’s Café

A familiar Winnipeg favourite is finding a new home at Polo Park.

Stella’s is opening a new café inside EQ3’s flagship store at CF Polo Park, taking over the former EQ3 Bistro space. Doors are expected to open early next month, with construction already underway.

This will be Stella’s second café-style location, designed as a more relaxed, grab-and-go option compared to its full-service restaurants.

The menu will feature freshly baked pastries and breads, brioche breakfast sandwiches, paninis, soups, and salads, along with Stella’s coffee, teas, espresso drinks, and a small selection of wine, beer, and mocktails.

The partnership feels like a natural match. EQ3 was looking to bring fresh energy back into the space with a local Winnipeg brand, and Stella’s focus on comfort, quality, and community made it a natural fit.

It’s a welcome addition to Polo Park and a nice win for two Winnipeg brands doing something thoughtful together.

Events 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!

  • WAG Wednesday Nights | 5-9PM, Jan 21 (More Info)

    • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq

    • Description: Enjoy weekly free admission to the galleries and more from 5-9pm. WAG-Qaumajuq transforms Wednesday nights into an after-hours experience designed for people who want more from their week — more creativity, more connection, more inspiration.

  • The Leaf After Dark: Fleurs de Villes | 7PM-9PM, Jan 21 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

    • Description: Enjoy a relaxing, adults-only evening at The Leaf, surrounded by stunning works of floral art during Fleurs de Villes WONDER! Sip a glass of wine, unwind, and let nature work its magic. This special edition of Leaf After Dark will include musical entertainment from Danny Carrol and Aaron Hutton in the Tropical Biome.

  • Winnipeg New Music Festival (WNMF) | Jan 21-29 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall, Desautels Concert Hall

    • Description: The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s annual Winnipeg New Music Festival (WNMF) is one of Canada’s premiere cultural events dedicated to contemporary art, and the largest festival of its kind in Canada dedicated entirely to contemporary art music.

  • Winnipeg Jets vs Florida Panthers | 7PM, Jan 22 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights! | 5-8PM, Jan 22 (More Info)

    • Location: The Forks Market Patio

    • Description: Patio season doesn’t have to end in summer. Join us every Thursday this winter for fresh oysters and seafood paired with a drink from The Common. Whether you are skating in or stopping by, settle in by the fire and enjoy the winter ambiance

  • Blueprints | 2:30PM & 7:30PM, Jan 24 (Tickets)

    • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

    • Description: The Professional Program presents "Blueprints". SCD's annual student composition show features emerging choreographers and all student casts!

  • Secrets & Spectres: A Dalnavert Mystery Adventure | 6:30PM-8:30PM, Jan 24 (Tickets)

    • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

    • Description: Join us for Secrets & Spectres: A Dalnavert Mystery Adventure, when the candlelit halls of the Victorian mansion become the stage for a chilling puzzle adventure steeped in classic Victorian horror.

  • Polar Adventures | 1PM-3PM, Jan 24 (Tickets)

    • Location: FortWhyte Alive

    • Description: Experience the magic of a polar adventure! Get to know everything about polar bears from their skin to their lifecycle, then head outside to learn about their habitat and hunting as you snowshoe through forests and over the frozen lake..

  • Learn to Winter Activities | Jan 24-25 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: The Forks

    • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Yoga, Ice Basketball, Warming Hut Tours and more!

Exciting Events: January 19th & 20th

Sports 🏀

  • Winnipeg Jets vs St. Louis Blues | 7PM, Jan 20 ($)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

  • Sean Burns | 12PM, Jan 19 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle’s Kitchen & Music Hall

  • Tuesday Night Jazz Jam | 8PM, Jan 20 (FREE)

    • Location: Park Alleys

  • Robert Andreas/Tannis Tyler/Mandy Ducharme/Nathaniel Muir
    | 12-11PM, Jan 20 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle’s Kitchen & Music Hall

  • Open Mic Tuesdays | 8PM, Jan 20 (FREE)

    • Location: The Osborne Taphouse

Community Fun🎆

  • Mini Mondays: Winter Trees & Penguin Matching | 10AM-2PM, Jan 19 (More Info)

    • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

    • Description: Mondays at the Children’s Museum are very special days. From September – April, join us on Mondays from 10:00AM – 2:00PM for a fun-filled day of stimulating play designed for our youngest visitors, children under 4 years old!

  • 2026 Roblin Park Winter Carnival | Jan 19-25 (Tickets)

    • Location: Roblin Park Community Centre

    • Description: Every January, families from all over the city come to join in on the fun, food and community spirit of the carnival, which includes a house league hockey tournament for our U9 and U7 hockey players.

Special Events🥂

  • Those Who Made The Winter - Walking Tour At The Forks | Jan 19 - Mar 31 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Forks - Explore Indigenous Space

    • Description: Those Who Made the Winter is an Indigenous-led walking tour at The Forks that brings winter survival to life. With a cup of Labrador Tea in hand, guests learn how First Peoples used shelter, food, community, and star knowledge to master winter, including stories of Peguis and “The Falcon.”

  • Fleurs de Villes | Jan 19-25 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Leaf

    • Description: Fleurs de Villes - Wonder is a fresh floral celebration of the natural wonders of the world brought to life by Winnipeg’s talented floral designers.

  • Murder on the Orient Express Play | Jan 20 - Feb 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: Detective Hercule Poirot is aboard the Orient Express when a fellow passenger is murdered. As the famous detective investigates, he encounters a cast of intriguing passengers, including the glamorous Mrs. Hubbard and the enigmatic Princess Dragomiroff.

  • Big Stuff Play | Jan 20 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

    • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

    • Description: Keep, or toss it out? Real-life married couple and celebrated comedy duo (who met while performing with Toronto’s Second City) Baram and Snieckus take on all of the “stuff” that accumulates in our lives.

  • WINTERRUPTION 2026 | Jan 20-25 (Tickets)

    • Location: Various venues

    • Description: Winterruption is a multi-venue music and arts festival that brings warmth, energy, and community to the city every January, transforming the West End, West Broadway, and South Osborne into a hub of live music, performance, and connection.

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

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