Midweek check-in, Winnipeg 💙

Okay, is this rain ever going to take a break? It's been grey and wet for days now, and by the looks of it, we're not quite done yet.

But a little rain never stopped a Winnipegger. We're not about to let some clouds get in the way, and there's plenty worth getting excited about this week.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's dive into everything happening around the city.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

It's not every day we hear about a project that could bring hundreds of jobs to the city. But that's exactly what's in the works right here in Winnipeg.

A major expansion is being planned at 17 Wing Winnipeg, the city's air force base, which could bring up to 1,400 new jobs once everything is up and running.

The project will receive priority access to Manitoba's hydro grid, allowing critical upgrades and future expansion plans to move forward.

Premier Wab Kinew said the province's decision to say no to large AI data centre projects has helped make room for investments like this one.

He called the expansion a "nation-building project" that strengthens both Manitoba's economy and Canada's defence network.

While planning is still underway, officials say the project could bring new investment, new jobs, and long-term growth to the city.

Click here: To read more about the expansion and what it means for Winnipeg!

Be honest. When was the last time you did something just for yourself?

Summer was supposed to be the season you finally got to it.

But the patios, the lake weekends, and a calendar that fills itself had other plans, and the one promise that keeps slipping is the one you made to yourself…

You'll start next week. Next month. Once things slow down.

But that quieter week never comes, and you stay sitting at the bottom of your own list.

So here's a better idea. Don't wait for the perfect time, and don't commit to a whole new routine. Just move when you can.

For a limited time, Modo Yoga is giving Winnipeg Digest readers a 5-class pass for just $50, good for 30 days.

No membership, no pressure, and it works at either Winnipeg studio. With more than 85 classes a week, you fit it around your life instead of the other way around.

Five classes are enough to try a few instructors, find a style you like, and see what fits your week.

So if you've been putting yourself last, this is your chance to change that. Grab your pass before it's gone.

P.S. Know someone who's been talking about getting more active? Share this with them and make a plan to go together!

As Men's Mental Health Month shines a spotlight on the importance of asking for help, Manitoba is expanding a resource designed to make that help easier to access for young people.

Portage la Prairie officially opened its new Huddle youth hub this week at 1200 Saskatchewan Ave. W., a fully renovated space offering free mental health, wellness, and social supports for anyone aged 12 to 29.

The hub is now open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Youth can self-refer, no referral needed.

The Portage la Prairie location joins a growing network of Huddle youth hubs across Manitoba, all designed to give young people easier access to support, connection, and care in their own communities.

It's a big deal for Portage la Prairie, and another step toward making sure more young Manitobans have somewhere to turn when they need support.

Click here: To learn more about Huddle and the services available for youth.

Anyone with kids in sports knows how quickly the costs can add up…

Registration fees, equipment, transportation, and coaching can put organized sports out of reach for many families.

That's why the Manitoba government is investing $180,000 to expand a free youth football and mentorship program to more Winnipeg students.

After a successful pilot at Elmwood High School, the Blue Bomber Youth Football Initiative is now expanding to General Wolfe and Churchill high schools.

The expansion builds on strong results from the pilot program, where more than 85% of participants had never stepped onto a football field before. By the end, organizers saw improvements in school attendance, student engagement, and confidence.

Football was the way in, but the skills they walked away with go far beyond the game.

Click Here: To learn more about the free football program and how kids can get involved!

It hasn't exactly felt like summer lately. Between the rain and the cool days, a warm beach trip sounds pretty good right now.

And here’s good news: you can already start planning one to Jamaica.

Air Canada is bringing back nonstop flights between Winnipeg and Montego Bay, Jamaica this December, and if you're the type who likes to have a trip locked in before the cold even arrives, now's the time to look.

No connections, no layovers, just a straight shot to the Caribbean.

And winter travel dates tend to fill up quickly once booking season ramps up.

So if you or someone you know likes to start planning their winter escape months in advance, click the link below to check flight schedules as the seats won’t last long!

Click here: To check flights and book your winter getaway!

One of the best parts of summer in Winnipeg is how quickly the calendar fills up.

There's always something going on, and this week is no exception.

From concerts and festivals to markets, sports, and family-friendly events, we put together a list of some of the biggest events happening around Winnipeg this week.

Whether you're looking for something to do with the kids, a night out, or just a reason to get outside and see what's going on in the city, there's something on this list for you.

So don't let the week go by without making plans!

Click here: To see the full list of exciting events happening 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!

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!