Ready to kick off your week with some exciting updates? So, grab your favorite tea or coffee and dive into everything Winnipeg has to offer this week.

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Winnipeg's Downtown Redevelopment: CentrePlan 2050

• Restaurant of the Week: Small Mercies Cafe

• All The Local Events & more!

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg's Downtown Redevelopment: CentrePlan 2050

As reposted by Cameron MacLean of CBC News, Winnipeg's downtown is set for a major transformation! The city's property committee just gave the thumbs up to CentrePlan 2050, an ambitious plan to reshape the heart of the city over the next 25 years.

The plan aims to add tens of thousands of new housing units, turning downtown into a bustling residential hub. Key to this vision is repurposing Graham Avenue into a lively pedestrian mall, with buses being rerouted to Portage Avenue.

Expect to see narrower streets designed for walkers, with plenty of on-street parking, trees, and pedestrian lighting. There’s also a push for more community spaces, like parks and recreational areas, especially around Thunderbird House on Main Street.

With a commitment to creating 350 new housing units each year until 2030, and 500 per year after that, CentrePlan 2050 promises to make downtown Winnipeg more vibrant and welcoming. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds!

Restaurant of the Week: Small Mercies Cafe

Looking for a hidden European cafe in Winnipeg? Check out Small Mercies Cafe on Osborne! They’ve just reopened after a year, following a fire last summer, and it’s better than ever.

Enjoy delicious coffee in their beautiful courtyard, perfect for summer days. Along with great coffee, they offer a fantastic selection of local goods, including cute jewelry, dried flowers, books, candles and more.

I had the chance to visit last week and even made an Instagram reel to share the experience. Let’s help support Small Mercies as they make their comeback! Click the button below to see more.

What's Happening in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg 150 Mayor’s Ball Announced for October 5

Mayor Scott Gillingham has announced the Winnipeg 150 Mayor’s Ball for October 5 at the RBC Convention Centre. This event will support four major local arts organizations: the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Join an evening filled with performances and community celebration. Tickets and sponsorships are available now, with proceeds going to these fantastic organizations. Let’s come together to celebrate our vibrant arts scene!

Jets Sign Gustafsson and Stanley to Two-Year Contracts

Exciting news for Jets fans! The Winnipeg Jets have signed forward David Gustafsson and defenseman Logan Stanley to two-year contract extensions:

• David Gustafsson: $835,000 AAV. Last season: 7 points in 39 games, plus playoff appearances.

• Logan Stanley: $1,250,000 AAV. Last season: 2 points in 25 games, plus playoff appearances.

Both players bring valuable skills and experience to the team, promising exciting seasons ahead.

City of Winnipeg Tackles $40M Deficit

As reported by CBC News, Winnipeg has a plan to address a nearly $40 million deficit. The city will cut down the shortfall by forgoing a $15 million transfer to its reserve fund, using debt deferral, and managing expenses.

Finance committee chair Jeff Browaty expressed confidence in the plan but noted ongoing challenges, particularly with snow removal budgets. Despite the deficit, there won’t be any cuts to services or staff. Browaty hopes economic growth will help replenish the reserve fund in the future.

Honouring Manitoba Music Legend Ray St. Germain

Winnipeg came together on Saturday to celebrate the life of Ray St. Germain, a Manitoba Métis music legend often called “Winnipeg’s Elvis.” Friends and family gathered at Calvary Temple to share memories and perform some of Ray’s greatest hits.

Ray, who passed away last month at 83 from Parkinson’s disease, was remembered as a versatile and talented musician, beloved husband, father, and grandfather. His wife, Glory St. Germain, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came to honor him. Ray’s legacy continues to inspire many in the music community.

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!

• Winnipeg Folk Festival | July 11-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Birds Hill Park

  • Description: Enjoy some of the best, most diverse folk music from around the world featuring legendary and up-and-coming musicians.

• Ai-Kon 2024 | July 12-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Ai-Kon is a Japanese anime and pop culture convention held annually for three-days and runs 24 hours a day from Friday morning all the way to Sunday afternoon!

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Vancouver Bandits | 7:30PM, July 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB

• Second Saturdays | 12PM - 4PM, July 13 (Free)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

  • Description: Explore the historic house at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Exciting Events: July 8 - July 9

This section only includes events until the next edition on Wednesday, so here’s what’s happening on Monday and Tuesday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Goldeyes vs. Kansas City Monarchs

  • Date: 6:30PM, July 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park, Winnipeg, MB

Music 🎵

• CaRaVaN at The Cube Open Mic | 7PM - 10PM, July 8 (Free)

  • Location: The Cube

  • Description: Outdoor open mics every second week, 7-10 PM.

• Dead Alive Tour 2024 | 7PM, July 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Pyramid Cabaret

  • Performers: Sevidemic

• Skye, Migz, Terry, DJ 1damiixc, Light Knight | 12PM, July 9 (Info)

  • Location: The Forks Outdoor Canopy

  • Description: Whether you’re taking in the local attractions or cruising by on your running or bike route, don’t miss the chance to enjoy live music under the canopy!

Family Fun🎆

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, July 8-9 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

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

• Winnipeg National Bank Challenger | 7:30PM, July 8-9 (Tickets)

  • Tickets: $25 per day & Children under 16 are free

  • Location: National Bank Tennis Manitoba Hub at West St. Paul

  • Description: Held at the new National Bank Tennis Manitoba Hub in West St Paul, this event promises a thrilling showcase of tennis excellence.

• Wild Edibles Walk | 6:15PM - 7:45PM, July 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Learn useful tips and tricks for identifying, harvesting, and preparing wild foods.

• Paddle Night | 6PM - 8:30PM, July 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening canoeing or kayaking for the perfect summer night – no experience required!

• Ma Buhay Musical | 7:30PM, July 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Kildonan Park-2021 Main Street

  • Story: Three young singers compete to win STAR ON THE RISE, a reality TV singing competition that has come to Canada from the Philippines!

Special Events 🎨

• Paranormal Cirque! | 7:30PM, July 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Vital Mall Parking Lot

  • Description: A crazy yet fun fusion between Circus, theatre, and cabaret in perfect harmony.

• VISITING AIRCRAFT: PBY-5A CANSO | July 8-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Tour a WWII amphibious patrol bomber, the “greatest flying boat of all time”

CHEERS!

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

— Jas, Winnipeg Digest

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Just fill out this form to get started. We'd love to feature you!