Hey Winnipeggers,

Winter is here, and today’s edition is all about winter activities for you and the kids!

But first, a quick safety reminder: the ice on Winnipeg’s waterways isn’t fully formed yet. As tempting as it might be to venture out, it’s best to keep off for now—thin ice and freezing water are no joke.

This edition’s a little longer than usual, but I hope you’ll stick with me till the end. There’s plenty of winter fun ahead, so grab a warm drink and let’s dive in!

• Manitoba’s 2025 Budget Survey

• Winter Activities for You and Your Kids!

• Winter 2025 Leisure Guide

• Honoring Chad Posthumus

• 40+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba’s 2025 Budget Survey

Manitoba’s asking for your opinion on the 2025 budget, and it’s a great chance to speak up for what matters to you. Whether it’s better health care, lower costs, or more services for families, your voice helps guide where the money goes. Plus, the survey’s super quick to fill out—no need to overthink it!

Here’s how you can join in:

• Take the survey online at engagemb

• or if you have more ideas. Email them to [email protected].

It’s a small effort with a big impact for Winnipeg and the rest of Manitoba. Jump in and make sure your priorities are part of the conversation!

New Mental Health Support for Manitoba’s Kids

This one hits close to home for so many families. The provincial government is introducing a new virtual crisis consultation service to support professionals working with kids and teens who are struggling with mental health challenges or addictions. School counselors, social workers, and other frontline workers will now have direct access to expert clinical advice, helping them provide better, faster care to children in need.

Here’s the funding breakdown:

• $2.4 million to add psychiatric nurse support at the Health Sciences Centre Children’s Emergency Department in Winnipeg.

• And an additional $1.5 million to hire more mental health clinicians across the province.

For parents and caregivers, this means quicker access to help for kids in crisis. Whether you’re in the city or a remote community, this service ensures professionals can connect with experts when it matters most.

A message from Canlan Sports!

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

Winter Activities for You and Your Kids!

With Winnipeg winter in full swing and school break around the corner, we’re all wondering: what’s something fun to do that doesn’t involve sitting inside glued to screens?

That’s where Canlan Sports comes in!

If you’re in Winnipeg, learning how to skate or play hockey is almost a rite of passage. And for over 25 years, they’ve been helping families like yours make that happen with their winter camps and programs.

Whether you’re looking to:

• Learn how to skate for the first time

• Improve your hockey skills

• Or just give your kids an outlet away from those iPads

Canlan Sports has something for everyone.

Through their play-based teaching methods, Canlan Sports makes learning fun, so you and your kids can enjoy every step—whether you’re lacing up skates for the first time or honing your slap shot.

So, be sure to click the button below to check out all the winter programs they offer! Or, share this with someone who could use a fun winter activity for their kids—or even themselves!

City Updates

Winter 2025 Leisure Guide

I know we just talked about winter activities, but here’s another one you’ll want to add to your list. The City just released it’s Winter 2025 Leisure Guide for swimming and skating lessons! Registration starts December 10 for residents, and it’s a great way to get the kids outside, learning something new, and staying active this winter.

Registration details:

• December 10 at 8 a.m. for Winnipeg residents.

• December 12 at 8 a.m. for non-residents.

How to sign up:

• Online: Use leisureONLINE (double-check your account ahead of time!).

• By Phone: Call 311.

• In Person:

  • December 10, 8 a.m.–noon at Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex (999 Sargent Ave.).

  • At 395 Main St. or 170 Goulet St. (French service available).

  • At any city indoor pool during regular hours (French service at Margaret Grant Pool).

It’s a simple way to make the most of winter while giving your kids a chance to learn new skills and have fun!

Testing Shatterproof Glass for Bus Shelters

Winnipeg is tackling the problem of broken bus shelters in a new way. As reported by CTV News, over 200 shelters are missing glass this year, and repairs are costing the city up to $300,000 annually. To address this, the city is testing shatterproof glass, called polycarbonate, in five to eight shelters.

This material is much tougher than regular glass and could mean fewer repairs and shorter wait times to fix damaged shelters. While it costs 2.5 to 4 times more than regular glass, the hope is that it’ll save money in the long run.

For bus riders standing in the -40°C winters, these shelters aren’t just about convenience, they’re a necessity. If the pilot project works, it could bring safer, sturdier shelters that last through the challenges our city faces. Let’s hope this idea holds up!

Community News

Santa Letters Delivered Despite Postal Strike

Despite the ongoing strike, Winnipeg’s postal workers are making sure one beloved tradition stays alive: delivering kids’ letters to Santa. As reported by CBC News, For over 40 years, Canada Post has been delivering kids’ letters to Santa and sending replies back, and this year is no exception.

Workers have set up special Santa drop-off boxes at three picket lines:

• 1199 Nairn Ave. (7 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• 208 Provencher Blvd. (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

• 1870 Wellington Ave. (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

This tradition means so much for kids—and their parents too! It’s about magic, belief, and that special connection during the holidays. Thank you to the postal workers for making this happen!

Honoring Chad Posthumus

It’s with heavy hearts that Winnipeg continues to mourn the loss of Chad Posthumus, the Sea Bears’ captain and a beloved member of our community. Chad passed away on November 20th at just 33 years old, following complications from surgery after a brain aneurysm.

To honor his life and legacy, a public celebration will take place on December 6 at 3:30 p.m. at Springs Church on Lagimodiere Boulevard. His family has asked for donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or future initiatives in his memory instead of flowers.

Chad was more than an athlete—he was a leader and a role model who gave everything to his team and city. This is a time for us to come together as a community to reflect on his impact and remember the man who meant so much to so many.

Northern Bus Service Is Back!

As reported by Winnipeg Sun, starting December 1, Kasper Bus Line is bringing back the Winnipeg-Dauphin-The Pas route! It’s been tough for northern communities since bus service stopped in September, but this re-launch is here to reconnect people across the province.

Here’s the scoop:

• Buses leave Winnipeg Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, returning Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

• The new buses come with free Wi-Fi and a focus on comfort and safety.

Daily service might roll out soon if enough people hop on board!

Exciting Events: Nov 29 - Dec 1

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Manitoba Moose vs Calgary Wranglers | 7PM, Nov 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Nov 30 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg 150 Hockey Game | 11AM - 12:30PM, Nov 30 (FREE)

  • Location: 1717 Gateway Rd, Winnipeg

  • Description: City vs Province! With Free hotdogs for the first 250 attendees.

• Manitoba Moose vs Calgary Wranglers | 2PM, Dec 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Watt a Season | Nov 29- Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

• Zoo Lights | Nov 29 - Jan 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Nov 29 - Jan 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show and provides a brilliant presentation of over one million lights.

• The Great Solar System Adventure – Planetarium Show | Nov 29 - Dec 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

• Junior Chefs Academy - Gingerbread Cookie Decorating | 10-11:30AM, Nov 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom at The Leaf

  • Description: Get your sweet treats ready for the holiday season with this fun and slightly messy class, geared for children ages 9-11.

• Manitoba Skies | Nov 30 - Dec 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum Planetarium

  • Description: Take a live guided tour of Manitoba’s sky!

• Let It Glow 2024 | 5-10PM, Dec 1-31 (More Info)

  • Location: Grant Memorial Church (877 Wilkes Ave)

  • Description: Drive through Grant Memorial Church, where you'll be treated to a dazzling show of lights, videos, and music that tells the story of Christmas.

Markets 🛍️

• 39th Christkindlmarkt | Nov 29 - Dec 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Fort Garry Place

  • Description: Join Canada's longest running Christkindlmarkt. Enjoy hourly entertainment, Wintrak model train display, local crafters, German imports and pastries!

• Winnipeg Christmas Market | Nov 29 - Dec 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: 125 Artisans under 1 roof.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, Nov 30 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Oakville Annual Christmas Market | 10AM-3PM, Nov 30 (More Info)

  • Location: 625, 3rd Ave, Oakville, MB

• Kid Boss Market | 10AM-2PM, Nov 30 (More Info)

  • Location: Dakota Community Centre

  • Description: Where young entrepreneurs showcase and sell their unique, handmade products!

• A Special Holiday Market | Nov 30 - Dec 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Tyndall Park Community Hall (2221 King Edward St)

• The 12th Annual Indigenous Arts & Crafts Sale | Nov 30 - Dec 1

  • Location: Neeginan Centre (181 Higgins Ave)

  • Description: Buy handmade Indigenous arts and crafts directly from the Artists.

• Craig Street Cats Winter Craft Show | 11AM - 4PM, Dec 1

  • Location: Hilton Suites, Winnipeg

  • Description: A wide variety of handmade goods, including embroidery, pet treats, jewelry, home decor, and more!

Comedy❗

• Rob Bebenek Comedy | Nov 29-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

• Diversity Hires Canadian Comedy Tour | Nov 29-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement, 3740 Portage Ave (Speakeasy)

  • Description: As seen on Just For Laughs, Canada’s Got Talent, Sirius XM, CBC, and Funny or Die.

• Eman El-Husseini Comedy | Nov 29-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: YUK YUK'S Comedy Club (222 Broadway)

  • Description: Travelling across Canada, the U.S and the Middle East she covers a wide range of topics, from how lesbians are the new gentlemen to her parents’ wedding anniversary landing on and more!

• Russell Peters RELAX* World Tour | 8PM, Nov 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Special Events 🥂

• Birdsong & Boughs: A Holiday Migration | 2-3:30PM, Nov 29 - Jan 12 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park - The Leaf

  • Description: This display blends the vibrant beauty of holiday boughs with the soothing sounds of birds, inviting visitors to experience the season through nature’s migrations.

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Little Women | Nov 29 - 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.

• 7 Ages Presents - A Christmas Carole | Nov 29 - Dec 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

  • Description: Inspired by the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens, this adaptation by Patrick Barlow injects energy and humour into the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door or may be free.

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

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].