Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

We’re officially under 30 days away from Christmas, and the city’s starting to feel a little busier in all the familiar ways.

Today’s edition brings together a few things to help you settle into the season. We’ve got spots around town where you can get your Santa photos done before the holiday rush, a couple winter updates to keep you in the loop, and small reminders of how we can support each other as the cold sets in.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

A little while ago, Winnipeg Animal Services faced one of its hardest weeks. More than 70 neglected birds were found inside a home, many of them severely underweight and in rough shape.

Some didn’t make it, and the ones who survived were weak and in need of constant care.

Staff spent hours cleaning them, feeding them, and giving each bird a warm, quiet place to rest and start healing.

Now, after weeks of patience and proper nutrition, many of those birds are finally strong enough to find real, loving homes.

And if you're not looking to adopt a bird right now, the shelter is still caring for more than twenty dogs, along with the remaining birds.

However you choose to help, it all adds up. Every small action makes Winnipeg a kinder place for the animals who end up in our care.

So if you or someone you know might be interested, be sure to click the link below to see the birds available, the adoption fee, and the full process.

Click Here: To view the birds currently up for adoption and see how the process works!

Winter always has a way of reminding us how much we rely on each other. When the cold settles in and the days feel a little heavier, you start to notice the people in our city who are carrying more than just the weather on their shoulders.

That’s why we wanted to highlight 1JustCity, a charity that quietly does some of the most meaningful work in Winnipeg. While the rest of us are getting ready for the holidays, they’re making sure people who are struggling still have somewhere safe, warm, and welcoming to go.

They support three drop-in centres across the city, offering care that meets people right where they are.

As temperatures drop, their services become a lifeline for thousands of Winnipeggers who need food, safety, community, and a place to rest.

If you’re thinking about giving back this season, even a small gesture can make someone’s winter a little kinder. Whether that’s donating, volunteering, or simply sharing their work so more people know where to turn.

Click Here: To learn more about 1JustCity and how you can support them.

Even though we haven’t seen much snow yet, the city is gearing up for winter. And like every year, the first reminder comes in the form of the Winter Route Parking Ban.

It’s one of those things that sneaks up on people, so a quick heads-up now can save a lot of frustration later.

It’s a small adjustment, but it makes a big difference for overnight crews and anyone relying on those main roads.

Even if winter feels slow to arrive this year, the ban helps the city stay ready the moment the snow does come.

Click Here: To see all the streets affected and check if your street is one of them.

With less than a month until Christmas, the Santa excitement is starting to pick up around the city. Kids are getting their lists ready, parents are planning weekend outings, and everyone’s trying to squeeze in that classic holiday photo before things get really busy.

Luckily, Winnipeg has no shortage of places to catch Santa this year.

Community centres across Winnipeg are also hosting pop-ups with Santa on select days, many offering free photos, breakfasts, or skates.

Almost every neighbourhood has something planned, so a quick look at your local centre’s Facebook page can help you catch one close to home.

No matter where you go, these small outings bring out that familiar holiday feeling and make the season feel a bit brighter.

So click the links beside each spot and start planning your Santa photos for this year!

This might seem like one of those stories that doesn’t affect most of us directly, but it actually shapes a lot of how communities grow across the province.

This week, the federal and provincial governments announced $76.9 million for upgrades to rural water and wastewater systems, the kind of work that keeps towns running smoothly and makes room for new families to settle in.

Local leaders say this support comes at the right time, especially with rising construction costs. These upgrades mean cleaner water, more housing capacity, and stronger communities across the province.

It’s a big step forward for towns that are ready to grow and want the right infrastructure in place to support that growth.

Click Here: To learn more about the rural infrastructure projects receiving support.

Pembina has been changing fast these past few years, and another new addition just opened its doors: Winnipeg’s first-ever Home Hardware store.

It’s set up in the old Peavey Mart space, and for anyone living in the south end, it’s one more handy stop for everyday fixes and weekend projects.

It may seem like a small change, but for neighbours nearby, it’s one more convenient spot to pop into when something needs fixing at home. If you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out!

Click Here: To see how it looks inside and plan your visit!

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

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

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