Winnipeg School Zones Start Today

Author

Jas Singh
September 01, 2025

Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

I hope you’re enjoying the long weekend and spending it with your loved ones, especially with school starting up again soon. These little breaks always feel like the calm before the busier routines kick back in.

There’s still plenty happening across the city, and it’s a great time to soak up the last bits of summer before the cooler days roll in.

So let’s get you caught up on the news and stories you might’ve missed, and help you head into the week feeling in the loop.

In today’s edition:

  • Winnipeg Labour Day: What’s Open/Closed

  • IMPORTANT REMINDER: Winnipeg School Zones Start Today

  • Restaurant of the Week

  • Manitoba Sets 2026 Rent Increase Cap

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Labour Day: What’s Open/Closed

Long weekends feel a little more special when you know they’re the last of the season. Whether you’re heading out with the kids, planning a quiet morning with your partner, or just soaking up the last bit of summer, here’s a quick look at what’s open and closed across Winnipeg today, Sept. 1.

City Services

  • City Hall and admin offices: closed

  • Garbage, & recycling: collected as usual if Monday’s your pickup day

  • Winnipeg Transit: Sunday schedule

Shopping Centres

  • Open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: CF Polo Park, Outlet Collection, Garden City, Kildonan Place, St. Vital Centre

  • Closed: Grant Park Shopping Centre

Grocery & Retail

  • Costco: closed

  • Liquor Marts: open 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (except True North Square: closed)

  • IKEA: open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

  • Most grocery stores: open with reduced hours-check your local store

Recreation

  • Outdoor pools, spray pads, and select wading pools: open (weather permitting)

  • Indoor pools, leisure and fitness centres: closed

  • City golf courses: open – Canoe Club, Crescent Drive, Kildonan Park, Windsor Park

Museums & Galleries

  • WAG–Qaumajuq: open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Manitoba Museum: open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

  • Canadian Museum for Human Rights: closed

Libraries

  • All public library branches: closed

Make sure to double-check hours before heading out. However you’re spending it, take the day slow, make time for your loved ones, and enjoy the sunshine before life picks up again.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Winnipeg School Zones Start Today

Source: City of Winnipeg

It’s that time again: lunches packed, backpacks ready, and kids heading back to class. As families ease into the new school year, it’s also time for drivers to slow down and stay alert.

Starting today, September 1, school zone speed limits are officially back in effect across Winnipeg. It’s one of the simplest ways we can help keep kids safe on their way to and from school.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • School zones are active weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  • Speed is reduced to 30 km/h in designated school zones

  • Applies to areas near public and private schools, and licensed daycares

  • Watch for increased foot traffic and crossing guards

Whether you’re running errands or heading to work, slowing down in school zones can make a big difference. It’s a small shift that protects the youngest members of our community and sets the tone for a safe and thoughtful start to the school year.

Together with Digest Lights!

Winnipeg Homeowners Can Save $150 on Holiday Lights

With fall around the corner, it’s hard not to ignore how quickly the seasons shift. One week you’re cutting the grass, and the next you’re pulling out the rake. That’s why so many Winnipeg families are already planning their holiday lights.

We’re already fully booked until September 8 for design consults, as anyone who books their Christmas lights before September 15 will get a $150 Winnipeg Digest Credit toward their install.

Here’s what you get:

  • A free in-home design consult with photo mockups of your home

  • Commercial-grade, custom-cut lights installed, maintained, taken down, and stored

  • Stay-Lit Guarantee: any outage fixed in 48 hours or you get your money back

  • Free timer, plus dusk photos of your glowing home

Why now?

  • We only take a handful of installs each week, and early spots go fast

  • The $150 Winnipeg Digest Credit is gone after Sept 15

  • And early birds get their lights up before the first snow

If you want a glowing home and no ladders this year, book your design consult today before the schedule fills up.

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Restaurant of the Week: ⁠Café Carlo

Source: Café Carlo

Tucked just off Corydon on Lilac Street, Café Carlo has been a neighbourhood staple since 1989. It started as a small family-run café, and 35 years later, it’s still local, still independent, and still one of the coziest spots in the city for a great meal.

Their menu mixes comforting pastas, fresh seafood, and flavourful sharing plates with both Italian and Asian influences, and somehow it all just works. With nearly 800 Google reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it’s clear this place holds a special spot in a lot of people’s hearts.

Why it’s worth a visit:

  • A true neighbourhood gem, proudly local for over three decades

  • Creative and comforting dishes like crispy duck confit, Korean short ribs, and seafood fettuccine

  • Rotating local art, soft lighting, and an open kitchen that makes the space feel alive

  • Just steps from the Corydon strip, but quieter and more tucked away

It’s not flashy, and that’s the point. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Café Carlo makes it easy to settle in, share something good, and feel right at home.

📍 243 Lilac Street, Winnipeg
📞 204-477-5544
🕑 Hours: Tues–Sat 5–8:30PM (closed Sun & Mon)

Community Digest

Culture Days Returns This Fall with Art and Free Events Across Manitoba

Source: Culture Days

When the weather cools and the days get shorter, there’s something about seeing your community light up with art and music that just feels right. Culture Days is back this fall, and it’s one of those things that reminds you how creative and connected our province really is.

From September 19 to October 12, you’ll find free events happening in almost every corner of Manitoba, from big city venues to small-town streets.

Here’s what to look forward to:

  • ⁠Nuit Blanche Winnipeg is back on September 27, with art installations and late-night performances at The Forks, Exchange District, St. Boniface, and CMHR

  • ⁠⁠A glass installation by artist Warren Carther and a national CBC Radio 2 broadcast with Odario Williams are part of this year’s highlights

  • 75+ local events in places like Gimli, Dauphin, and Flin Flon

It’s a celebration of creativity, but more than that, it’s a reminder that we’re all part of something vibrant, local, and worth showing up for.

City Updates

Manitoba Sets 2026 Rent Increase Cap at 1.8%

If you or someone you love rents their home, this is one of those quiet updates that’s good to have on your radar. Starting January 1, 2026, the province has set the rent increase guideline at 1.8%, and while that might not sound like much, it can still mean a big difference for families budgeting month to month.

Here’s what to know:

  • ⁠The new guideline takes effect January 1, 2026

  • It applies to most apartments, houses, and duplexes

  • Written notice is required 3 months in advance, by Sept. 30, 2025 for a Jan 1 increase

  • Rent can usually only go up once per year

So, if you’re a renter or helping a family member keep track, this is a good moment to check your lease and stay informed. A little heads-up now can save a lot of stress down the line.

Event: Teddy Bear Picnic

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!

  • Downtown Farmers' Market | 10AM-2PM, Sept 4 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Manitoba Hydro Place along Graham Avenue

    • Description: The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s popular Outdoor Farmers’ Market has been bringing local food and goods downtown for more than 12 years.

  • Damian Jr. Gong & Stephen Marley | 8PM, Sept 4 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: Damian Jr Gong & Stephen Marley will be at the Burt on September 4 for the Traffic Jam 2025 Tour!

  • Winnipeg Psychic & Crystal Fair | Sept 4-7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canad Inns Garden City

    • Description: 30 Vendors, including some of Canada's Top Mediums, Psychics, Aura Photography, Tealeaf Reading, Astrology, Clairvoyants, Healers, Rune and Palmistry. Lots of beautiful crystals and handmade jewelry.

  • First Fridays in The Exchange | 5PM-9PM, Sept 5 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: The Exchange District

    • Description: ​On these evenings, the Galleries, Artist-Run Centres, Studios, Shops + Museums stay open from 5-9pm (and later!) to welcome the public.

  • STRANGLE 4 | 6PM, Sept 6 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Prairie Theater Exchange

    • Description: At Strangle Submission Series, the vision is to elevate submission grappling in Manitoba while creating meaningful impact beyond the mats. Committed to growing the local jiu-jitsu scene by hosting high-level live events that showcase Canadian talent and build a strong community around the sport.

  • Back Alley Beers Bands and BBQ! | 3PM, Sept 6 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Pyramid Cabaret

    • Description: Welcome to Winnipeg's all day show that consists of live bands, great drink, and awesome food! Located at 176 Fort Street, The Pyramid Cabaret will have two stages, inside AND outside!

  • Prairie Comics Festival | 10AM-5PM, Sept 6-7 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Manitoba Museum

    • Description: Prairie Comics Festival is Winnipeg's premier indie comics event! Discover new amazing comics and art, meet creators from all over Canada, talk to publishers, and check out some in-depth panels and workshops in an intimate setting.

  • Winnipeg Lantern Festival | 12PM-9PM, Sept 6-7 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: James St. between Princess and King St. and King St. between James and Rupert St.

    • Description: Lanterns will light the night, music will fill the air — and magic awaits downtown! Join us for Winnipeg’s first-ever Lantern Festival, a celebration of light, culture, and community in the heart of downtown.

  • Tyndall Community Market ft The Food Park & Movie at The Park
    | 3PM-9PM, Sept 6-7 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre

    • Description: Enjoy food trucks, local vendors, free Zumba, games, music, and more—featuring The Food Park and Movie at The Park. Free admission and great vibes—don’t miss it!

  • Teddy Bears’ Picnic | 9AM, Sept 7 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Assiniboine Park

    • Description: The event will feature more than 20 activity tents, including the Dr. Goodbear Clinic put on by frontline staff from HSC Children’s Hospital, where kids’ teddy bears are triaged and go through a variety of medical tests and treatments including MRIs, X-rays, casting and more!

Exciting Events: September 1st - 2nd

Sports🏀

  • Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Sioux City Explores | Sept 1 (Tickets)

    • Location: Blue Cross Park

  • Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, Sept 2-3 (Free/Learn More)

    • Location: Assiniboia Downs

Music 🎵

  • Paul Lucyk | 12PM-2:45PM, Sept 1 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

    • Description: Guitarist, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist.

  • Swimming/Moyamoya/Also-ran | 8PM, Sept 1 (Tickets)

    • Location: Public Domain

    • Description: Real Love Winnipeg presents Swimming (Emo / Math Rock from Newfoundland), MoyaMoya, Also-Ran.

  • Jessie Christian/Bernadette/Robert Andreas Duo/Whiskey Jack
    | 11:45AM-11PM, Sept 2 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

Community Fun🎆

  • Corn Maze | Sept 1 - Nov 2 (More Info)

    • Location: A Maze In Corn

    • Description: Enjoy the country views while wandering through the corn maze, climb the giant bale pyramid, and visit the petting zoo.

  • Summer Line-Up: Coffee Filter Butterflies | 11AM-3PM, Sept 1 (FREE)

    • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

    • Description: From 11AM-3PM daily, enjoy special activities that include crafts, games, and so much more.

  • Zoo History Tour | 1PM-3PM, Sept 1 (Tickets)

    • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

    • Description: Step back into the past as you learn about the Zoo's history on this brand-new tour! Learn about our animals and our conservation and research efforts as you journey through the Zoo, decade by decade.

  • Naawi-Oodena Seasonal Market | 11AM-8PM, Sept 2 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Oodena Gas & Convenience Store Parking Lot

    • Description: Designed to showcase Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists, and food vendors, the market is an opportunity to bring people together in celebration of culture, creativity, and local commerce.

  • Paddle Nights | 6PM-8:30PM, Sept 2 & 4 (Tickets)

    • Location: FortWhyte Alive

    • Description: Spend an evening paddling before sunset for the perfect summer night.

Special Events 🎨

  • Sunflower Expo | September 1-16 ($)

    • Location: A Maze in Corn

    • Description: Explore 8 acres of various sunflower varieties with beautiful photo opportunities along the way!

  • The Sunflower Experience | Sept 1-6 (Tickets)

    • Location: Deer Meadow Farms

    • Description: Discover a radiant escape at Deer Meadow Farms, where 6 acres of sunflowers bloom into a breathtaking field you can explore on the charming walking trail through the flowers. 

  • A Taste of Manitoba | Sept 1 (Tickets)

    • Location: Fort Gibraltar

    • Description: This exciting event invites everyone to enjoy delicious creations from 20 local Manitoba's restaurants, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of our province. Celebrate Manitoba’s vibrant food scene with a variety of mouthwatering dishes crafted by talented chefs.

  • Tim Gray | 7:45PM, Sept 2 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Tim Gray is a stand-up comedian who has been entertaining crowds for over 12 years. He has appeared on the CBC Radio's "The Debaters" 3 times (including one that resulted in a wedding ceremony), Just for Laughs Northwest, San Francisco Sketchfest, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, etc.

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