Hey Winnipeggers,

Happy Monday! We’re here to kick off the week with all the community news you need and a heads-up on the holiday markets popping up around our beautiful city.

We love hearing from you, and your input means everything. Like we mentioned last Monday, this is now a weekly thing! Last week’s polls were packed with amazing responses, and we’re excited to highlight a few of the best.

Thanks for sticking with us—your support is what keeps us going!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Manitoba Invests $846,000 in New Jobs

• Winnipeg’s Push to Build Homes Faster

• Restaurant of the Week

• Watch Out for Jewellery Theft in Winnipeg

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

P.S. Be sure to reply to the poll at the end of this email!

News

Manitoba Invests $846,000 in New Jobs for Skilled Workers

The province is putting $846K into training programs that’ll open doors for locals in growing industries. Whether it’s learning the latest in film tech or gearing up for careers in agri-food and waste management, this funding means more opportunities for people across the province.

The sectors and projects receiving funding are:

• Film & Virtual Production: New Media Manitoba and On Screen Manitoba are offering training at StudioLab xR for those looking to break into the film industry.

• Construction Meets Tech: Manitoba Construction Sector Council & New Media Manitoba are teaching folks how to operate LiDAR-equipped drones and use Unreal Engine platforms.

• Boosting Waste Management: Multiple sector councils are working together to train workers for waste management facilities in Manitoba communities.

• Careers in the North: Creative Manitoba & Food and Beverage Manitoba are connecting locals to jobs in the creative arts and agri-food sectors.

More skills, more jobs, and stronger communities—that’s a win for everyone!

Winnipeg’s Push to Build Homes Faster

The city is on a mission to deliver 14,000+ new housing units in three years, chasing $122 million in federal funding.

As reported by CBC News, the city’s approved 12,000 units, but only 3,000 have building permits—the last step before shovels hit the ground.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Streamlining City Permits: The city’s bringing in consultants to review the entire development process. From applications to final inspections, they’ll find the bottlenecks and speed things up.

• Faster Hydro Hookups: The province is also teaming up with Manitoba Hydro to get new homes connected to the grid quicker, which means less waiting and more savings for builders.

To secure the $122M from the federal housing accelerator fund, Winnipeg needs to build 14,000+ units in three years. Now progress is underway, but there’s still a long way to go. If the city can pull this off, it’ll mean more homes, faster. But with such tight timelines, it’s a delicate balance between seizing a massive funding opportunity and maintaining quality.

A message from… The Winnipeg Digest!

You know how you’re reading this right now? So are thousands of other Winnipeggers.

Now imagine getting your business or event in front of all those eyes. Pretty awesome, right? So, if you’re looking to connect with locals and make a real impact with one of your favourite publications (or so I hope), let’s chat!

To get started, all you need to do is either reply to this email or drop us an email at [email protected].

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Restaurant of the Week: Friend Bakery & Pizza

This 2-in-1 spot on Osborne is the best of both worlds—sourdough and baked goods by morning, unique pizzas by night. They only make 40 pizzas a night, and you guessed it, they sell out every single time.

Their 16" "New York-ish" style pizzas hit the perfect balance of crisp and chewy, thanks to a 48-hour dough process. We tried the Pepperoo and Mush Music pizzas, and wow—these are combos we didn’t know existed. (Our video)

If you’re craving something different, swing by before they sell out again!

Community News

Watch Out for Jewellery Theft

Winnipeg, let’s look out for each other. Police are warning about jewellery theft happening in Windsor Park. Here’s how it works: someone offers to “gift” you jewellery and swaps your real gold with fake pieces.

Two cases have already been reported—one near Autumnwood Drive and another at Speers Road. The suspects? A woman in her 40s-50s and a male driver in a dark red SUV or van.

If you spot anything suspicious, report it to Major Crimes or Crime Stoppers. Let’s keep our community safe!

Rural Manitoba’s Labour Needs

Manitoba’s rolling out a three-year plan to help rural communities fill crucial job gaps through immigration. The West-Central Immigration Initiative is set to bring skilled workers to areas like Roblin, Russell-Binscarth, and Gambler First Nation. Here’s why this matters:

• Labour Shortages: Employers in the region need up to 300 workers over the next three years due to retirements, new jobs, and general growth.

• The Solution: By attracting newcomers, the province aims to meet labour demands and support local businesses.

• Stronger Communities: Immigration doesn’t just fill jobs—it brings new perspectives, revitalizes towns, and helps communities thrive.

This initiative shows how welcoming more people to Manitoba can be a win-win for everyone!

Affordable Housing Project Opens in Manitoba

Raising the Roof has officially opened its first affordable housing project in Manitoba, right here on Mountain Avenue. This marks a big moment for our province as the national charity steps in to address housing challenges.

As reported by CTV News, The project includes three units: two multi-bedroom apartments for Indigenous families and a basement suite for a young adult aging out of foster care. But it’s not just about housing—residents will get wrap-around supports to help them thrive.

And they’re just getting started. Another 24-unit building on Young Street is in the works, promising even more affordable housing and job training opportunities. For Manitoba, this means new solutions to help vulnerable communities and a step toward building a stronger, more supportive province.

Winnipeg Sports

Canada Life Centre’s 20th Anniversary

Canada Life Centre recently welcomed its 20 millionth guest at the October 18 Jets game and now, it’s gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary! Since opening in 2004, the arena has been the heart of downtown, hosting over 2,500 events, from legendary concerts to unforgettable Jets games.

The celebrations continue on November 19, when the Jets take on the Panthers in a special anniversary game. The first 5,000 fans will even snag a commemorative coin.

Canada Life Centre has been more than just a venue—it’s a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s downtown, drawing millions and sparking growth. Here’s to the next 20 years of making memories!

Blue Bombers Fall Short in Grey Cup Final 💔

Tough break for the Blue Bombers in yesterday’s Grey Cup, falling to the Argonauts 41-24. It was a tight match until the 4th, but Toronto pulled away late.

Still, what a season it’s been! The team gave us plenty to cheer about and made Winnipeg proud. Now it’s time to rest, regroup, and come back even stronger next year. Go Bombers!

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!

• 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!

• 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.

• 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 18th & 19th!

Music 🎵

• Chase Matthew | 7PM, Nov 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Park Theatre

  • Description: American country music singer and songwriter

• Songwriter Evening Series | 7-10PM, Nov 19

  • Location: Royal George (123 Regent Ave)

  • Performers: Ridley Bent / Diana & Colette Desjardins (Hosts)

• Danny Michel/Steve Poltz | 7PM, Nov 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre

  • Description: Steve Poltz and Danny Michel are together again, weaving songs and stories into a one-of-a-kind experience.

Sports 🏒

• Winnipeg Jets vs Florida Panthers | 7PM, Nov 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Canada Life Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebration!

Special 🥂

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - The Recipe | Nov 18- 23 (Tickets)

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

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

• Free Drop-In Group Music Lessons | 4-6PM, Nov 19 (Free)

  • Location: West End Culture Centre, 586 Ellice Ave

  • Description: Great opportunity for ages 8-18 to explore their musical talents.

• Sing-Along Cinema: Mamma Mia! | 8-10PM, Nov 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Park Theatre

• Tom Henry Comedy | Nov 19-23 (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!

CHEERS!

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

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