Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

We made it through the first full work week of 2025! Whether you’re getting back into the groove or still finding your rhythm, we hope today’s edition adds a little something special to your day.

The weekend is here, and it’s the perfect time to slow down, relax, and enjoy what our city has to offer. Whether you’re planning to stay cozy inside or head out for some winter fun with family and friends, we’ve got some ideas lined up for you.

Also, we’ve got another unique poll at the end of the email! Be sure to answer it so we can start planning events for you throughout 2025. That’s one of our New Year’s resolutions, and we’d love your input!

Here’s to a great weekend, Winnipeg. Stay warm, take care, and enjoy the read!

In today’s edition:

• $3.2M Upgrades for Winnipeg Complex

• The World’s Biggest Snow Maze is Back!

• 2025 Markets at Assiniboia Downs!

• $17M Aerospace Investment in Manitoba

• 30+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

$3.2M Upgrades for Winnipeg Complex

Back in early 2023, Softball Manitoba walked away from its lease with the city for the John Blumberg Sports Complex due to the staggering $3.2 million needed for upgrades. As a non-profit, they simply couldn’t foot the bill, leaving the fields quiet and empty—and players traveling further for games.

Now, there’s new hope. As reported by CTV News, The city is teaming up with the Red River Exhibition Association to give the space a second chance. Under a $1-a-year lease, the association has big plans to bring the complex back to life, all without any costs to taxpayers.

Here’s the plan:

• Major Upgrades: A new restaurant, lounge, and improved fields to bring sports back home.

• More Activities: Beyond softball, the space will welcome soccer, archery, lacrosse, and disc sports.

• Future Vision: The association also has its sights set on the adjacent golf course. Once the current lease ends, it wants to create a city park with an 18-hole course, pickleball, trails, a dog park, canoe rentals, and even winter skating.

Softball Manitoba is thrilled at the idea of players hitting home runs at Blumberg again, and the upgrades could turn it into a community destination for all Winnipeggers. We’ll, of course, keep you updated as things move forward!

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Treat Yourself to the Self-Care You Deserve

Moms are superheroes, but even superheroes need a break. Whether it’s your wife, mom, sister, or even you, moms juggle kids, work, chores, and so much more. It’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself when you’re busy taking care of everyone else.

That’s where a HydraFacial at Magic Room Spa comes in, offering a simple and effective way to give your skin the care it deserves. It’s a gentle, medical-grade treatment that refreshes, hydrates, and restores your natural glow.

Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots.

• Evens skin tone and improves elasticity.

• Gently hydrates and exfoliates, leaving your skin radiant.

Whether you’re a busy mom, someone who does it all, or just looking for a little self-care, this is for you. Treat yourself—or someone you care about—to a HydraFacial. Click below to book your appointment or learn more! 💆‍♀️✨

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Community News

The World’s Biggest Snow Maze is Back!

Looking for something fun and unique to do this winter? The World’s Biggest Snow Maze is almost ready! With three-quarters of the maze complete, it’s shaping up to be the perfect outdoor adventure to enjoy with friends and family. Especially during a time when outdoor activities are hard to come by in January.

Created by A Maze in Corn, the same folks behind our favourite fall corn maze, this winter wonderland is gearing up for a soft opening on Saturday, January 18.

Ticket Prices:

• Age 13+: $25 + GST

• Kids 6-12: $15 + GST

• Under 6: Free

Bundle up, grab your family or friends, and get ready to explore the magic of this one-of-a-kind maze. We’ll keep you posted on any updates as the big day gets closer!

Save the Dates: 2025 Markets at Assiniboia Downs!

Assiniboia Downs is already releasing its 2025 market dates, giving us plenty to look forward to this summer! From food truck feasts to artisan markets under the stars, these events are perfect for making summer memories with friends and family.

Market Dates to Know:

• Food Truck Battles: May 23 – May 25

• Rib Fest: May 31 – June 1

• MB Night Markets: June 8, July 20, August 24

Market registration opens January 17 and runs until February 21, so if you’re a vendor don’t miss your chance to secure a spot at these exciting summer events!

Call your friends and get these dates on your calendar now. And, of course, this won’t be the last time you hear about them! We’ll keep you posted as the dates get closer, and you’ll find them in our events section too. It’s great to see summer plans starting to take shape already!

P.S. Speaking of events, don’t forget to check out our poll at the end of this email. We want to hear what kinds of events you’d love to see in 2025!

Hellebuyck’s 300th Win Brings Joy to Winnipeg

Connor Hellebuyck just hit a huge milestone, 300 career NHL wins! Tuesday night’s 5-2 victory over Nashville was extra special because he celebrated this achievement right here in Winnipeg, with the home crowd cheering him on.

He made 26 saves, earned first-star honors, and became the third-fastest goalie in NHL history to reach this milestone. Pretty incredible, right?

Hellebuyck has been a rock for the Jets this season and is one of the biggest reasons they’ve been so strong. Let’s keep that energy going as they face back-to-back home games tonight and tomorrow. And if you haven’t already, grab your tickets and join the crowd to cheer them on!

City Updates

$17M Aerospace Investment in Manitoba

Big news for Manitoba’s aerospace industry! The province is investing $17 million in Magellan Aerospace, which includes an $8 million grant and a $9 million loan to be repaid over 12 years. This funding will help create new skilled jobs, strengthen our role as a global aerospace hub, and bring advanced technology to the province.

• Good Jobs: This investment will create 64 high-paying positions and secure existing ones, supporting families across Winnipeg.

• Opportunities for Students: Over 150 students per year will benefit from hands-on learning at Red River College Polytech.

• Advanced Tech: Magellan’s upgrades include cutting-edge machining and space product development, ensuring Manitoba remains competitive in the aerospace sector.

It’s exciting to see our province leading the way in advanced technology, creating opportunities for workers, students, and the community. This is a win for all of Manitoba, securing jobs and building our economy for the future.

Manitoba-North Dakota Trade Partnership Stays Strong

With all the recent talks about President Trump potentially introducing 25% tariffs, it’s more important than ever to keep our cross-border relationships strong. Premier Wab Kinew recently met with North Dakota’s Governor Kelly Armstrong to reinforce economic ties with one of our closest trade partners.

• Shared Benefits: Manitoba exports over $1.6 billion annually to North Dakota, supporting 5,700 jobs in North Dakota.

• Key Topics: The meeting covered agriculture, border security, and opportunities to create even more cross-border collaboration.

A strong partnership like this helps protect Manitoba jobs, boost trade, and grow our economy—even during uncertain times. It’s great to see our Premier taking the lead in building and maintaining these lasting connections!

Exciting Events: Jan 10th - 12th

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Los Angeles Kings | 7PM, Jan 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Jan 11th (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche | 6PM, Jan 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• We are Winter Celebration | Jan 10-12 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Offering a variety of activities for all ages. From outdoor movies to ice skating, free hot chocolate, fire pits, ski trails, and more.

• Watt a Season | Jan 10-11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Game Day at Sport Manitoba | 10AM - 1PM, Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Sport Manitoba

  • Description: Over 20 different sports stations for kids to find their favourite sport.

• Second Saturdays at Dalnavert Museum | 12- 4PM, Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

  • Description: Learn to play a Victorian-era game in the Visitors’ Centre, explore the historic house at your own pace with a self-guided tour, and finish the afternoon with a craft in the attic.

• 2025 Snowshoe Sundays | 10AM - 3PM, Jan 12 (More Info)

  • Location: Living Prarie Museum, 2795 Ness Ave

  • Description: Drop in on Sundays in January and February 10 AM - 3 PM for free 1-hour snowshoe rentals!

• Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Jan 12 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Winter Wellness Classes, Storytelling and Drumming in the Teepee and more!

• Winter Carnival | 1-4PM, Jan 12 (More Info)

  • Location: White Ridge Community Centre (170 Fleetwood Rd)

  • Description: Free skating, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, silent auction, and more!

Comedy❗

• Chris Redd Comedy | Jan 10-11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Redd was hired to join the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2017, making his debut alongside Heidi Gardner and Luke Null, and serving as a cast member for five seasons until 2022.

• Brittany Lyseng Comedy | Jan 10-11 (Tickets)

  • Location: YUK YUK'S Comedy Club

  • Description: She has been seen on CTV’s Roast Battles Canada, CBC’s New Wave of Stand-Up Comedy, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, and more!

• Andrew Packer Comedy | Jan 10-11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Basement Speakeasy (3740 Portage Ave)

  • Description: He is most well known for his comedy news channel "Man News"; a series that has attracted over 1.2 million subscribers on Youtube.

Special Events 🥂

• Drawing at The Leaf with Karen Cornelius | 9AM - 12PM, Jan 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf, 145 The Leaf Wy

  • Description: Karen Cornelius will lead an artmaking excursion to The Leaf, the Winnipeg conservatory that features a tropical rainforest biome, a Mediterranean biome, and a butterfly garden. Please check all details before going!

• Waitress - Musical | Jan 10 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

  • Description: Jenna is a small-town waitress who puts her passion into incredible pie-baking. When she finds herself pregnant in a dead-end relationship, she realizes she must address her life, and find her true self in a world.

• Winnipeg Renovation Show 2025 | Jan 10-12 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: A vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, and experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project and more!

• Canadian Pigeon Fancier’s Association National Show! | Jan 10-11 (More Info)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: A showcase of many breeds of fancy pigeons with international judges. Open to the public!

• Love Languages: Songs & Pictures on Wolf's "Italienisches Liederbuch" |

  7:30-9:30PM, Jan 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Desautels Concert Hall

  • Description: Legendary Canadian soprano Tracy Dahl joins baritone Clarence Frazer in bringing this 80 minute set to life, accompanied by pianist Lisa Rumpel.

• Lohri Mela | 5-11:30PM, Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Lohri Mela is "A Indian Cultural Festival of Winter Harvest & New Beginnings”

• Kelly Bado - Jazz at the Fort Garry | 7PM, Jan 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Garry Hotel

  • Description: Inspired by her African heritage, La chanson française (French ballad), and American gospel, Kelly Bado creates music transcending cultural barriers, bringing audiences together in joy and hope.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door.

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

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