Hey Winnipeggers,

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• The City of Winnipeg Sells Portage Place

• Everything Open/Closed Today

• Restaurant of the Week

• Oscar-Nominated Actors Coming to Winnipeg

• Multiple events this week & more!

— Jas Singh

P.S. I’ve got a small favor to ask at the end of today’s newsletter. It won’t cost you anything but a bit of time, and it’d mean the world to me if you could help out.

News

The City of Winnipeg Sells Portage Place

The True North Real Estate Development just bought Portage Place, and here’s everything you need to know…

True North is investing $650 million to completely transform Portage Place, and it’s more than just a facelift. We’re getting two new towers—one for healthcare and another for residential living—along with new community spaces right in the heart of downtown.

This isn’t just about improving the mall’s look—it’s about bringing more life to downtown. Expect more events like Nuit Blanche, more places to hang out, and more reasons to spend time in the heart of our city. By 2028, there will be 200 new apartments (80 of them affordable) and a healthcare hub with clinics, treatment centers, and an expanded Pan Am Clinic.

With $50 million from the government, this project is set to make downtown more vibrant and livable. Click below to read the full announcement!

What’s Open and Closed Today on Truth and Reconciliation Day

Shopping

• Outlet Collection: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• CF Polo Park, Kildonan Place, St. Vital Centre, Garden City Shopping Centre: Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Grant Park Shopping Centre: Open from noon to 5 p.m.

• Some stores (like restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies) may have different hours, so double-check if you're planning to visit!

Transit

• Running on a Sunday schedule.

What’s Closed

• All city libraries, leisure centers, and indoor pools.

• Animal Services Agency and Winnipeg Parking Authority.

• Offices at Brookside, St. Vital, and Transcona cemeteries (but you can visit from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.).

What’s Open

• Crescent Drive, Kildonan Park, and Windsor Park Golf Courses: Open

• Canadian Museum for Human Rights: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Manitoba Museum: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Assiniboine Park Zoo: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Attractions

• Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq will be closed.

With most folks having the day off, it’s the perfect chance to make the most of it! With this nice weather sticking around so late in the year, it’s the perfect time to enjoy it while you still can!

Restaurant of the Week: Cleocatra Cafe

If you're on the hunt for a cozy cat café, Cleocatra Café is the place to be. We went this past weekend to the Osborne location and had an absolute blast! You can book a time to hang out with over 20 cats while sipping on tasty drinks like matcha, coffee, or even a smoothie.

With locations at 859 Portage Ave and 106 Osborne St, it's the perfect spot for a chill date or a fun family outing. Plus, you can pick up some cute merch or even adopt a cat if one steals your heart!

Community News

Winnipeg Schools See Over 1,000 Extra Students

Winnipeg schools are packed this fall with over 1,000 more students than expected showing up!

As reported by The Winnipeg Free Press, the division planned for 28,400 kids, but it turns out there are closer to 29,600. The biggest growth is in inner-city and central Winnipeg, with many new families arriving from overseas.

This is great news for our community, but it's also a challenge. Schools are scrambling to hire more teachers, especially those who can help with language barriers and adjusting to life in Canada. The good news? Schools are getting creative with how they support students, making sure everyone feels welcome.

Oscar-Nominated Actors Coming to Winnipeg

As reported by CBC News, Oscar-nominated actors Djimon Hounsou and Kodi Smit-McPhee are heading to Winnipeg to film The Zealot. It’s a thriller about a shuttle driver and his mysterious passenger, and it’s set to start shooting soon.

Winnipeg’s already had a busy year with movie stars, including Bob Odenkirk and Sharon Stone. With all this action, the city’s film industry is booming, and more stars are coming our way. If you’re a movie buff, this is the perfect time to spot some famous faces!

Bombers Clinch Playoff Spot

Bombers fans, get ready for the playoffs! Winnipeg dominated the Edmonton Elks 55-28, scoring the most points they’ve put up in a game since 2018. Zach Collaros was on fire, throwing for 432 yards and 6 touchdowns, with Kenny Lawler and Nic Demski both breaking 100 receiving yards.

This win locks in a playoff spot for the 8th year in a row. Bombers are heating up at just the right time, and fans can feel the excitement as we head into the postseason!

City Updates

New Indigenous-Led Art Gallery Opens in Winnipeg

A new art gallery called "Rosemary" just opened at 226 Main Street, and it’s all about celebrating Indigenous and BIPOC artists. The gallery’s goal is to give artists space to showcase their work, host performances, and spark important conversations.

Their first exhibit, Confluence, reflects on Winnipeg’s 150th anniversary by highlighting the importance of the city’s two rivers. The gallery’s not just about art on the walls—it’s a space for storytelling, collaboration, and building community.

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 Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7PM, Oct 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Atmosphere complete with live musical entertainment. Wine and beer, as well as charcuterie plates!

• HEEBIE JEEBIES | Oct 3-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Heebie Jeebies (53071 La Salle Road)

  • Description: One of the most terrifying Halloween experiences and haunted houses near Winnipeg, Heebie Jeebies is back for its annual scare-fest.

• Boo at the Zoo | Oct 4-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: The Zoo's transformed for the spooky season, with rides, games, treats and performances!

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, Oct 4 (More Info)

  • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Description: On the 1st Friday of each month, Galleries, Artist-Run Centres, Studios, Shops + Museums stay open late at this free event in Winnipeg's Exchange District.

• Chantal Kreviazuk | 8PM, Oct 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Juno and Grammy-winning artist Chantal Kreviazuk has announced a Canadian tour in celebration of the 25th anniversary of her iconic sophomore album Colour Moving and Still.

• Prairie Comics Festival 2024 | Oct 5-6 (More Info)

  • Location: Millennium Library

  • Description: Weekend-long celebration of independent graphic novels, zines, and comics and their creators, including an artist market exhibition.

Exciting Events: Sept 30th & Oct 1st

This section only includes events starting on Sept 30th & Oct 1st.

Sports 🏀

• Valour FC vs. Pacific FC | 7PM, Sept 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

Music 🎵

• Ukraine Lives! | 7:30PM, Oct 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre (364 Smith Street)

  • Description: The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America returns to Winnipeg with their brand-new concert program, “Все буде Україна — Ukraine Lives!”, featuring the mesmerizing sounds of the bandura, a traditional 60-stringed instrument from Ukraine.

Family Fun🎆

• Corn Maze @ A Maze In Corn | Sept 30 - Oct 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn (1351 Provincial Rd 200)

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

• Culture Days Events | FREE, Multiple Locations, Sept 30 - Oct 13 (More Info)

  • Description: Culture Days offers a chance to try something new, like singing or pottery for free!

• Miss Shakespeare Musical | Sept 30 -Oct 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Asper Centre For Theatre and Film (400 Colony St)

  • Description: The musical style is inspired by Underground European Cabarets!

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, Sept 30- Oct 2 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Horse racing, 140 VLTs and fabulous dining - it’s fun you can bet on!

• Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum | 10AM - 4PM, Sept 30 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum (190 Rupert Ave)

  • Description: All-day programming focused on the history of Indian Residential Schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action.

• Truth & Reconciliation at the Children's Museum | 11AM - 3PM, Sept 30 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: Guests of all ages are encouraged to wear an orange shirt to help raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools and in remembrance – every child matters.

• Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow | Sept 30 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

• Wild Wonder Tots - Early Autumn Tuesdays | 10-11:30AM, Oct 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond (Assiniboine Park)

  • Description: Songs, games, and structured learning, with on-the-spot hands-on nature encounters and time to enjoy and play outside.

• Toddler Tuesdays at The Leaf | 9:30-10AM, Oct 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf

  • Description: Your little one will enjoy music and games, listen to fascinating stories, and discover the joy of movement in the beautiful Mediterranean Biome.

Special

• Art Exhibition and Sale 50 to 500 | Sept 30 - Oct 19 (More Info)

  • Location: Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art (203-290 McDermot Avenue)

  • Description: 50 to 500’ exhibition, featuring artwork by talented members priced between 50 cents and 500 dollars.

• Bed & Breakfast Play | Sept 30 -Oct 6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange (Y300 – 393 Portage Avenue)

  • Description: When Brett inherits the family home, he and Drew move out of quick-paced Toronto to set up a B&B in a quiet little tourist town. But will these big city boys face friction in their new community?

• Reh-Fit Community Health Fair | 9AM - 1PM, Oct 1 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: 1390 Taylor Ave

  • Description: Want to know the best way to stay active? Connect with well-being exhibitors like Prairie Pickleball Shop, Katy's Klean Bars, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Volunteer Manitoba and so many more!

• Free Drop-In Group Music Lessons | 4-6PM, Oct 1 (Free)

  • Location: West End Culture Centre, 586 Ellice Ave

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

School🏫

• Digital & Technology Career Development Program "Information Session" | 5PM, Oct 1st (More Info)

  • Location: 360 Portage Ave

  • Description: Hosted by Manitoba Hydro for New & Recent Graduates

And now, a quick favor. . .

Can you help us out by filling out this quick survey? If you like this newsletter and think we're helpful, your input would mean a lot!

We want to offer more free and affordable things like a monthly calendar, local guides, events, and more, and this survey allows us to give you a better experience. It’ll only take 3 minutes! (And none of this info will be shared with anyone)

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].