WPG Pennant Weekly

Oh, Winnipeg. The only city where it can feel like the beginning of spring and the middle of winter in a matter of hours.

Wacky weather aside, we’re only a week away from Christmas and looking forward to some of our favourite holiday traditions. Feel free to send us yours — the local-ier, the better!

In today’s issue:

Here we go!

— Ryan Bowman

🌡️ High -6 Low -20 ❄️ Snow throughout the day

🌡️ High -21 Low -24 ⛅ Mix of sun and cloud

🌡️ High -15 Low -23 ❄️ Mostly cloudy with periods of snow

Homes sweet homes 🏢

Winnipeg will be home to more than 1,000 new affordable housing units in the near future. Building permits for all 10 projects funded in the first phase of the Housing Accelerator Fund grant program have been approved by the city, with work expected to start soon.

The projects, primarily based in and around the city’s centre, will create 590 affordable units and 274 units at rent-geared-to-income (deeply affordable).

You asked, Transit listened 🚌

Based on a ton of (mostly negative) feedback from riders, Winnipeg Transit’s new winter schedule is now officially in effect. The changes include increased hours, added trips to busy routes and expanded late-night service to some areas.

While the system itself still has a lot of wrinkles to iron out, the new schedule is certainly a small step in the right direction.

St. Vital scores big 🏒

The Dakota Community Centre is getting some major upgrades thanks to $7.5 million from the federal government. The facility, which is home to the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex, will get a new fully accessible arean, new dressing rooms, a modern fitness area and ice plant, expanded childcare space, and additional community rooms.

Name that plow ❄️

You may remember us telling you about the city’s new contest calling on locals to name its fleet of snow plows a few weeks back.

Well, voting is now open through Dec. 31, with the winners getting custom name plates at a special ceremony in the new year. A few of the current leaders include Dancing Blade, Melt Stegall and Kevin ShovelSnowOff.

See the full list and make your voice heard here!

Get festive at the Fairmont 🎄

Thanks to its traditional pop-ups and festive decor, the Fairmont Hotel has long been synonymous with the holidays in Winnipeg — and this year is no different. Sip into the spirit of the season with cocktails at their Jolly Gnome pop-up (which is entering its final weekend) or get your Grinch on with the Humbug Afternoon Tea.

Waltz of the Cafes ☕

A collaboration between the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and some local coffee shops is adding a little extra magic to the holiday season. Inspired by the RWB’s upcoming production of the Nutcracker (Dec. 19-23 and 26-27), 11 local cafes are serving up festive bevvies and giving you a chance to win tickets to a show.

Good things come in three 🥐

The only thing better than two Cottage Bakeries is three Cottage Bakeries. The family-owned shop just announced its third location will be opening in Old St. Vital on Dec. 17 (yep, that’s today!).

Known locally for their fresh breads, delicious pastries and inviting atmosphere, Cottage Bakery + Cafe has been serving Winnipeggers for 20 years. The new spot at 5-741 St. Mary’s Rd., joins its existing locations at 1383 Pembina Hwy., and 300 Edison Ave.

Vintage vibes in South Osborne ✨

One of Winnipeg’s most happenin’ neighbourhoods just got itself another gem. The Slow Stories vintage shop recently opened alongside a handful of other businesses — including Little Sister Coffee Maker, Bear Face General Store, and others — at 539 Osborne St.

Want to see your small business (or your favourite small business) featured here? Reach out to [email protected]

Brady’s back (tell a friend) 🏈

Winnipeg’s own Brady Oliveira will remain a Blue Bomber for the foreseeable future. The team announced on Monday that the local running back, who was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2024 and nominated again this past season, signed a three-year extension.

Oliveira, who’s known as much in the community for rescuing stray dogs as he is for scoring touchdowns, attended Oak Park High School before playing at the University of North Dakota and returning home as a Bomber.

Not a moment too soon 🏒

The struggling Jets (and their fans) had a lot to cheer about when all-star goaltender Connor Helleybuck returned to the lineup on Saturday. Hellebuyck, coming off back-to-back Vezina Trophy seasons as the NHL’s top goalie and the 2025 Hart Trophy as league MVP, recently underwent knee surgery and was initially expected to miss a lot more time.

Since coming back, Hellebuyck has gone 1-0-1, allowing four goals on a total of 56 shots.

Whiteout, but make it lakeside 🌊

The Winnipeg Jets are heading north — 90 km north, to be exact.

After more than 12,500 votes, Gimli has been thrown into the spotlight as the host community for the 2026 Jets Town Takeover next March 19. The event will feature everything from an alumni game and an NHL watch party to school-based mental wellness programming and giveaways. All with a view of the lake.

Seabears sign star shooter 🏀

The Winnipeg Sea Bears have added some serious talent to their roster, signing point guard Xavier Moon for the upcoming season. Moon has been named the CEBL player of the year three times and has some experience in the NBA.

Holiday magic at the ballet 💂

Embark on a storybook journey brimming with nostalgia and magic at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s annual presentation of the classic Nutcracker. Shows run from Dec. 19-23 and 26-27.

Here we glow again ✨

One of the city’s most highly-anticipated holiday traditions is back. Zoo Lights is back at Assiniboine Park Zoo until Jan. 1, transforming the zoo into a glowing winter wonderland with over 1.75 million lights, interactive games, firepits, snowshoeing, hot chocolate, and new features like the Enchanted Jungle, and a scavenger hunt.

Winter(peg) Wonderland 🎄

If you’d prefer to see some sparkly lights without leaving the comfort of your vehicle, there’s also Canad Inn’s Winter Wonderland at Red River Exhibition Park (Nov. 28 to Jan. 3).

Get cultured 🎭

There are plenty of arts events to check out over the holiday season, including a number of exhibits at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, performances at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and the Manitoba Museum’s presentation of I Belong Here. Elf The Musical also runs at Manitoba Theatre Company through Dec. 28, while The Lightning Thief plays at MTYP until Dec. 28.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Thursday, Dec. 18

Friday, Dec. 19

Saturday, Dec. 20

Sunday, Dec. 21

Monday, Dec. 22

Tuesday, Dec. 23

To submit future event listings, shoot us an email at [email protected]

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Thursday, Dec. 18

Friday, Dec. 19

Saturday, Dec. 20

Sunday, Dec. 21

Monday, Dec. 22

Tuesday, Dec. 23

To submit future live music listings, shoot us an email at [email protected]

The latest edition of the Leisure Guide is now live, with registration for swimming, skating and more winter activities available online.

With next Wednesday falling on Christmas Eve, we’ll be taking a week off to spend some time with family and celebrate the season. Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays, and we’ll see you again in 2026!