Happy Friday, Winnipeg!
It's the first weekend of October, and the city's already busy. Hockey's back, concert tickets are dropping, and your weekend plans are waiting at the end of today’s edition.
In today’s edition:
Manitoba Workers No Longer Need Sick Notes for Short Illnesses
Homes of the Week
Three New Concerts Coming to Winnipeg, and Two Go on Sale Today
The Jets Are Back Tonight, and Here's Who's Playing
Manitoba's New Minimum Wage
Multiple Events Happening This Weekend
— Jas Singh
News
Manitoba Workers No Longer Need Sick Notes for Short Illnesses
Until now, even one day off with a cold could mean sitting in a clinic waiting room, just to get a note for your boss.
As of Oct. 1, that's mostly over. Employers in Manitoba can no longer ask for a sick note for most short illnesses.
Here's how it works:
Sick for a week or less at a time? No note needed.
Up to 10 sick days in a year don't need a note either, even if they're spread out.
Go past either one, and your employer can ask for a note, but they have to pay for it.
Phone and video visits count, so you don't have to leave the house to get one.
And the note doesn't have to come from a doctor. Nurses, nurse practitioners, psychologists, midwives and other health professionals can write one too.
The province says the goal is to take some pressure off the health-care system. It doesn't give you any extra sick days. It just means you don't have to prove you were sick for the short ones.
So for most sick days, the only place you need to be is in bed.
Own a Local Business? Be Part of Our Favourite Holiday Tradition
Every December, local businesses join us for 25 Days of Giveaways, a month of gifts from Winnipeg businesses to the people who support them. It's one of the things we look forward to most all year.
This year, we're adding a few more businesses to the lineup, and we'd love for them to stay with us through all of 2027.
Here's what that looks like:
A holiday giveaway of your own, shared with our readers and followers
A feature in this newsletter every month, written and designed by our team
Your category to yourself, since we only work with one business per line of work
We'll be reaching out to selected businesses this month, so if you'd like to be considered, now's the time.
And if you know a business owner who'd be a great fit, send this their way.
Homes of the Week:
Source: Realtor.ca
Home 1: Under $450k
Price: $389,900
Address: 761 Hoskin Avenue / East Kildonan
Details: 1002 sqft / 3 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 1956
Parking Type: Detached Garage
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2: $450k - $650K
Price: $619,000
Address: 159 Edge Park Crescent / Bridgwater Trails
Details: 1608 sqft / 3 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 2021
Parking Type: Attached Garage
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 3: Over $650k
Price: $2,079,900
Address: 770 Crescent Drive / Fort Garry
Details: 3314 sqft / 4 Bed / 5 Bath
Built in: 2026
Parking Type: Attached Garage
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Community Digest
Three New Concerts Coming to Winnipeg Next Year
It's only October, but next year's concert lineup in Winnipeg is already taking shape. Three new shows were just announced, and two of them go on sale today at 10 a.m.
First up, Dropkick Murphys are bringing their St. Patrick's Day 2027 Tour to the Burton Cummings Theatre for two nights, Feb. 18 and 19, with special guests Home Front and Spiritual Cramp.
The shows are in a theatre, not an arena, so if you've ever wanted to shout along to "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" up close, this is your chance.
Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m.
And that's just the first of the three…
Over at Canada Life Centre, there are two more shows to look forward to:
The Red Clay Strays are bringing their Grateful Tour to Winnipeg on March 14. Tickets go on sale Oct. 9 at 10 a.m., with a presale through the band's app starting Oct. 5.
A Perfect Circle is coming April 19, celebrating more than 25 years of music, with special guest Puscifer. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m.
That's one big show a month from February to April. Not a bad way to get through the second half of winter.
The Jets Are Back Tonight, and Here's Who's Playing
Source: NHL
The Jets are back tonight. They open the season at home against Boston, and the 23-player opening day roster is officially set.
You'll see plenty of familiar faces, plus a few new ones.
Here's a look at the group:
Nine were drafted by Winnipeg, including Scheifele, Connor, Morrissey, Lowry and Perfetti
Nine came through trades, including Vilardi, Niederreiter, Iafallo and DeMelo
Four joined through free agency, including Skinner and Ferraro
Rounding out the group is Clay Stevenson, who joins Winnipeg after being claimed off waivers.
That means 17 of the 23 have played here before, and we finally get to see how the new guys fit in.
Opening night at Canada Life Centre is always a good one, and the puck drops tonight against Boston.
Click here: To grab your tickets for tonight's game!
City Updates
Winnipeg Is Getting $35M for a New Sewer and an Upgraded YMCA
Some city projects you'll never see. Others you might use every week. This week, one of each just got funded.
The federal government is putting more than $35 million into two projects here, one underground and one in the heart of downtown.
Here's where the money is going:
$27.1 million for the Rutland Trunk Sewer: about 2 km of new pipe to help keep water out of basements during heavy rain, and sewage out of the river. (See where it's going)
More than $8 million for the Downtown Y on Vaughan Street: upgrades to the pool, fitness areas, changerooms and elevators, plus more community programs. (See what's getting upgraded)
With the city and the YMCA-YWCA chipping in, the total comes to more than $77 million for both these projects.
Manitoba's Minimum Wage Is Now $16.40 an Hour
40 cents an hour doesn't sound like much. But over a year of full-time work, it adds up to more than $800.
That's what Manitoba's new minimum wage means for a lot of workers. As of Oct. 1, it went up from $16 to $16.40 an hour. It's adjusted every year based on inflation.
Here's how it adds up for someone working 40 hours a week:
About $16 more a week
About $69 more a month
About $832 more a year, before taxes
Manitoba isn't the only one, either. Ontario, P.E.I., Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan raised their minimum wages on Oct. 1, too.
It's a small raise on paper, but for the people earning it, it adds up with every shift.
Click here: To see how Manitoba compares across Canada!
The Ache Parents Keep Brushing Off Every Holiday
Your mom's feet have been hurting for months. Your dad's been a little slower getting up from his chair. Small things, easy to notice, and easy to keep putting off until they get worse.
Thanksgiving's usually the one time everyone's actually in the same room. It's when you notice these things the most, and usually when you tell yourself you'll look into it after the holidays.
This October, Innovative Medical Supplies is making it easier to do something now. Surprise your parents, or anyone you're thankful for, with a small gift that actually helps, such as:
Mobility aids, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and walking poles
Comfort and pain relief, Biofreeze, Orthex pillows, and foam rollers
Everyday comfort, Oofos shoes, insoles, and more
We've partnered with them to get our readers 15% off one in-store purchase with the code THANKFUL15. (Doesn't apply to anything covered by insurance.) The code's good until November 1st.
So next time everyone's around the table, maybe that ache isn't something they have to brush off anymore.
They have two Winnipeg locations, on Henderson and Corydon, plus Brandon and Steinbach.
P.S. If you know someone else caring for a parent, a grandparent, or a partner, send this their way too.
Exciting Events: October 2nd - 4th
Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.
Sports🏀
Winnipeg Jets vs Boston Bruins | 7PM, Oct 2 ($)
Location: Canada Life Center
Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Oct 3 (FREE)
Location: The Forks (Canopy)
Manitoba Harness Racing at The Loop | 1PM, Oct 3 (FREE)
Location: Red River Exhibition Park-The Loop
Manitoba Moose vs Chicago Wolves | 2PM, Oct 3 & 4 ($)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Community Fun🎆
First Friday in The Exchange | 5PM - 9PM, Oct 2 (FREE)
Location: Various businesses in the Exchange District
Description: Explore the Exchange after hours with art, galleries, local shops, and plenty to discover during First Fridays.
Corn Maze @ A Maze In Corn | Oct 2 - End of October
Location: A Maze in Corn
Markets / Festivals🎡
Winnipeg Book Festival | Oct 2 - 4
Location: The Forks Market
Description: A celebration of writers, books, and reading that brings Manitoba’s literary community together.
My Little Fall Market | 10AM - 5PM, Oct 3 & 4 (FREE)
Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
Description: Browse over 100 carefully curated vendors featuring handmade goods, artisan products, boutique fashion, home décor, gourmet treats, seasonal favourites, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t discover anywhere else.
Manitoba Hobby Expo | 9AM - 5PM, Oct 3 & 4 (Tickets)
Location: Red River Exhibition Park
Description: Explore hands-on displays and shop model trains, RC cars, LEGO, Hot Wheels, collectibles, and more at Manitoba Hobby Expo.
Winnipeg Pop Up Wedding Dress Sale | 9AM - 4PM, Oct 4
Location: Viscount Gort Hotel
Description: Find your dream dress for less with 600+ new designer gowns, bridal accessories, and savings of up to 80% off.
Performances🎭
Jordan | Oct 2 - 11 ($)
Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Description: Follow Jordan on a new adventure as he discovers surprising abilities with his spirit bear companion, Maskwa, by his side.
That’s Dirty Dancing | Oct 2 - 4 ($)
Location: Destination Dinner Stage
The Bloody Theatre | Oct 2 - 4 ($)
Location: Gas Station Arts Centre
Description: A powerful story blending old parables, Anabaptist history, and one woman’s fight to stay true to her convictions.
Skyfall in Concert | Oct 2 & 3 (Tickets)
Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Description: Film Concerts Live! is proud to present Skyfall in Concert, the second installment in the James Bond Concert Series with live orchestra.
Flashback | 2PM, Oct 4 ($)
Location: Club Regent Event Centre
Description: Direct from Las Vegas, FLASHBACK brings a new live show to Canada from the creators of OH WHAT A NIGHT and FOUR BY FOUR.
Comedy❗
Max Sheldrick | 8:30PM, Oct 2 & 3 ($)
Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge
Description: One of the funniest, silliest, but also kind of smartest comedians working today - Toronto's Max Sheldrick returns to The Basement!
Jourdain Fisher | Oct 2 & 3 ($)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: Jourdain Fisher is a comedian, actor, writer, and content creator who was born and raised in North Carolina.
Bob The Drag Queen - Now Clap! Comedy Tour | 8PM, Oct 3 ($)
Location: Club Regent Event Centre
Description: Non-binary comic/actor Caldwell Tidicue, or “Bob The Drag Queen'' on your 'For You' page, describes himself as “hilarious, beautiful, talented and...humble.”
Special Events🥂
The Haunted Forest | Oct 2 - Nov 1 (Tickets)
Location: A Maze In Corn
Description: Brave an interactive outdoor adventure filled with creepy forest creatures, haunting humour, and spooky surprises.
Boo at the Zoo | Oct 2-31 (Tickets)
Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo
Description: Welcome to a mysterious land where fall festivities are in full swing. Pumpkins glow, phantoms dance, and new secrets are waiting to be uncovered around every corner.
Culture Days Winnipeg | Oct 2 - Oct 4
Location: Various Venues
Six Pines Haunted Attractions | Oct 2 - 31 (Tickets)
Location: Six Pines Haunted Attractions
Description: Brave brand-new scares, sinister characters, and nightmarish encounters as Six Pines returns for another terrifying Halloween season.
Music 🎵
Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.
