Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

We’re back to kick off the week with all the updates you need—and an exciting announcement about something we’ve been working on just for you!

Remember the Digest Card we mentioned a few weeks ago? Thanks to your incredible feedback on the initial poll, we’ve decided to make it happen! It’s our first-ever launch, and here’s the deal: 10 amazing local restaurants, 10 different types of food, and 10 one-time 10% discounts, all for just $25.

But here’s the catch—we’re only making 250 of these cards. I know, it’s a small number, but it’s all we can do right now. You’ll get a 12-hour head start before we release them on social media, but once they’re gone, they’re gone—no restocks, no reprints. So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect way to support local and try some incredible spots, this is it!

No community feedback section today because of this big announcement, but we’d love to hear if you’re ready to grab one in the poll below. We’re aiming to launch in the next week or two—just in time for holiday gifting.

P.S. Some restaurants include Tommy's Pizzaria, Clay Oven, La Belle Baguette, Aroma Bistro, Common Wealth, and 5 more. So, don’t miss out!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Winter Route Parking Ban starts

• 5 Hallmark Movies Shot in Winnipeg This Year!

• Restaurant of the Week

• The Forks Canopy Rink is Open!

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winter Route Parking Ban starts December 6

We’ve all been there—stepping outside, only to realize your car’s been towed. It’s the worst. With Winnipeg’s winter route parking ban kicking off at 2 a.m. on Friday, December 6, let’s avoid that hassle this season. Here’s what it means for you:

• No overnight parking: From 2 a.m. to 7 a.m., avoid parking on streets marked as “Winter Routes” or “Snow Routes.”

• Fines and towing: A $100 ticket ($75 if paid early) is no fun, but having your car towed? Even worse.

• Always in effect: Snow or no snow, the ban’s on.

• Residential plowing exception: If residential streets need clearing, the ban gets lifted temporarily to give you more parking options.

But if you need more help keeping track. The city’s new interactive snow map is a lifesaver. It shows real-time updates on parking bans and snow clearing. Let’s keep those streets clear and avoid any towing this snow season!

Five Hallmark Movies Shot in Winnipeg This Year!

Holiday movies and Winnipeg? It’s a thing. As reported by the Winnipeg Free Press, Five Hallmark movies that came out or are coming out this year were filmed right here. And they’re packed with cheesy romance, holiday vibes, and spots you’ll definitely recognize.

Here’s the list:

• A Carol for Two
  Winnipeg is “New York City” with Rudy’s Eat & Drink as the diner and 90 Albert St. as the exterior.

• Christmas on Call
  Donna Kelce serves cheesesteaks (yes, that Donna Kelce). With Shawarma Khan and Old Market Square being dressed up as Philly.

• Five Gold Rings
  A holiday mystery with The Old House Revival Co. and multiple Exchange District locations!

• Following Yonder Star (Premieres Dec. 15)
  Pineridge Hollow and Hawthorne Estate make Winnipeg look like Vermont.

• Hanukkah on the Rocks (Premieres Dec. 13)
  Wee Johnny’s Pub plays a Chicago bar, and Niverville adds to the city vibes.

So, grab some snacks, spot the local landmarks, and enjoy a Winnipeg-style holiday movie marathon this holiday season!

A message from… The Winnipeg Digest!

You’re here reading this—and so are 16,000+ other Winnipeggers!

Now imagine your business, the place you work at, or even your friend’s or family’s business being featured right here. Exciting, right?

We’re very careful about who we partner with because we know these businesses are an extension of us. You trust them like you trust us, and that’s a big deal.

Here’s why partnering with the Winnipeg Digest works:

• We make it easy: From creating the content to tracking results, we handle everything so you can focus on what you do best.

• Tailored to you: Whether it’s a seasonal promo or ongoing exposure, we’ll craft a plan that fits your goals.

• Trusted by locals: Our audience (like yourself!) is made up of folks with families and locals who genuinely care about supporting businesses they can count on.

At the end of the day, we want to keep this free forever. We’re just a small local media company doing our part to build up our community. So, let’s make something great together! Email us at [email protected].

Restaurant of the Week: Roasted Nomad

Roasted Nomad is one the newest brunch spots that opened its doors this summer in Saint Boniface, and let me tell you—I finally checked it out last week, and wow. This might be up there as one of my favorite brunch spots in the city, right alongside Clementine, Frenchway Café, and Juneberry!

The chicken and waffles? Genuinely some of the best I’ve ever had. They’re busy for a reason with weekend mornings coming with a 45-minute to an-hour wait, but trust me, it’s 100% worth it.

📍 393 Marion St, Winnipeg
🍴 Check out the video of our experience here: [LINK]

(And don’t forget to follow us if you’re gonna watch!)

But if you want to go and are ready to see the full menu… Click below to see it all!

Community News

The Forks Canopy Rink is Open!

Skating season is here! The canopy rink at The Forks just opened, and it’s the first winter attraction ready to go this year. After just a few days of freezing temperatures, the ice is perfect for lacing up and hitting the rink. Don’t have skates? No worries—rentals are also available!

The Forks team is already working on land trails that will stretch from the rink to the CN Stage. And while the river isn’t ready yet (stay off that thin ice!), they’re hopeful it’ll be ready to go by January.

But be sure to check out their website for updates and enjoy the season!

New Security Measures at Red River College

With an increase in criminal activity downtown, Red River College is stepping up to keep students and staff safe. Starting today, December 2, security officers will be stationed at the main entrances of the Exchange District Campus (EDC). By January, everyone will need a valid College ID to access the campus.

Here’s what to know:

• Until December break: Security will help guide anyone without ID on how to get one.

• Public spaces: Spots like Tim Hortons, the Campus Store, and Jane’s Restaurant will still be open to everyone.

• New year changes: Starting January 2025, only staff, students, and approved visitors will have access to restricted areas.

This is all about making EDC a safer place for everyone. If you’re a student and don’t have your ID yet, visit Student Services soon to get sorted. It’s a small change that makes a big difference for campus security!

City Updates

True North’s Big Plans for Portage Place

As previously mentioned in past editions, the city officially approved the purchase of Portage Place Mall back in September, and as reported by CTV News, the deal is officially done as of last Friday!

True North is wasting no time, with plans to transform the space into:

• A health-care hub featuring mental health services, surgery, and an expanded Pan Am Clinic.

• A 15-storey residential tower, with over 200 units—40% dedicated to affordable housing.

This $650 million redevelopment is set to kick off in 2025, with completion expected by 2028. True North is partnering with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization on the project, bringing a community-focused vision to life.

For Winnipeggers, this means revitalized downtown spaces, improved access to health care, and much-needed affordable housing.

Manitoba Funds Firefighter Training Infrastructure

Firefighters are such an important part of our community—especially with all the fires we’ve seen lately. They’re the ones showing up when things get scary, and now they’re getting some well-deserved support.

Manitoba is investing in a new mobile training trailer so firefighters can train year-round without having to borrow equipment from Ontario. This trailer is a game-changer, letting them practice critical rescue scenarios like evacuations and disentanglements right here at home.

It’s not just about the equipment, though. Programs like the Fire Ground Survival course are being rolled out to make sure firefighters have the skills to handle the toughest situations safely.

This is a huge step in giving back to the people who put their lives on the line for us every day. A win for firefighters and a win for every community they protect!

City Crushes Province in Winnipeg 150 Hockey Game

The city vs. province hockey rivalry hit the ice again for Winnipeg’s 150th birthday, and the city didn’t just win—they crushed it 6-0.

As reported by CBC News, Mayor Scott Gillingham, who once played junior hockey, led his team to victory against Premier Wab Kinew’s crew in a game reminiscent of the 1974 matchup during Winnipeg’s centennial.

But let’s be honest, it wasn’t about the score (well, maybe a little). It was about celebrating Winnipeg, bringing people together, and having some fun on the ice.

With players from both sides laughing it off post-game, it was clear this was more about community than competition. Here’s to another 50 years of friendly rivalry—and maybe the province will get their win back next time (or not).

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!

• Marianas Trench Force of Nature Tour | 7:30PM, Dec 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band!

• Great Canadian Road Trip Christmas | 7PM, Dec 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: A special Christmas show with 3 All-Star Canadian Country Artists. (Doc Walker, Michelle Wright & Jason McCoy)

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, Dec 6 (Free)

  • Location: Multiple locations in the Exchange District

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

• Pancakes and Planes | 10AM - 1PM, Dec 7 (More Info)

  • Location: The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: First FREE community breakfast to kick off the holiday season!

• Christmas in Space! A Holiday Cirque | 7:30PM, Dec 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: With a talented line up of specialty acts and acrobats, Christmas in Space! offers a thrilling journey through holiday magic like no other.

• Brunch with Santa at The Leaf | Mulitple times, Dec 8 (More Info)

  • Location: The Leaf, Event Hall, 2nd Floor

  • Description: The buffet will feature an array of traditional brunch favourites, a savoury selection of specialty dishes, and a dazzling display of desserts. There will also be pictures with Santa!

• Peg City Kindness Crew Inc. Christmas Craft Market | 10AM - 3PM, Dec 8 (More Info)

  • Location: Hilton Suites, Winnipeg

  • Description: We will have over 60 fabulous local Vendors for you to do your Holiday shopping with! Santa will also be there!

Exciting Events: Dec 2nd & 3rd!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues | 7PM, Dec 3 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Watt a Season | Dec 2 - Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

• Zoo Lights | Dec 2 - Jan 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Wander through a winter wonderland and enjoy stunning light displays, tasty treats, and endless joy and cheer.

• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Dec 2 - 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.

• Let It Glow 2024 | 5-10PM, Dec 2-31 (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.

• Toddler Tuesdays at The Leaf | 9:30-10AM, Dec 3 (More Info)

  • Location: Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf

  • Description: Your little one will enjoy music and games while discovering the joy of movement in the beautiful Mediterranean Biome.

• CP Holiday Train | 9:15PM, Dec 3 (More Info)

  • Location: Panet Road & Molson Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba

  • Performers: Tyler Shaw & Shawnee Kish

• Folklorama at Play | 1-2PM, Dec 3 (More Info)

  • Location: St Vital Centre

  • Description: Held in the Food Hall next to the Indigo Fireplace, attendees can enjoy the vibrant music and dance performances that spotlight the traditions of diverse cultures.

Special 🥂

• Birdsong & Boughs: A Holiday Migration | 2-3:30PM, Dec 2 - 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 | Dec 2 - 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.

• Free Drop-In Group Music Lessons | 4-6PM, Dec 3 (Free)

  • Location: West End Culture Centre, 586 Ellice Ave

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

• The Living Well Program | 2:15-4PM, Dec 3 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Indoor Classroom, 145 The Leaf Way

  • Description: Enables people living with mild to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners to reap the social and well-being benefits of engaging with plants with the guidance of a practitioner of horticulture therapy.

• Ending Homelessness Together 2024 | Dec 3-5 (More Info)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq and the Delta Hotels

• Chris Griffin Comedy | Dec 3-7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: An award-winning comedian known for his dynamic storytelling, international performances, and sharing stages with comedy legends like Norm Macdonald and Bert Kreischer.

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].