Christmas lights a-glowin’

Christmas lights a-glowin’ in West Winnipeg

With the Winnipeg Christmas Map guiding the way, the Free Press Community Review took in the Christmas lights of Lindenwoods and Charleswood last week. Households along many of the neighbourhood streets in Lindenwoods get together every year to co-ordinate their light displays, creating Polar Bear Lane, Nutcracker Land, Candycane Lane and Penguin Parkway (Polar Bear Lane even broadcasts holiday music at 94.9 FM), while one Charleswood yard is so lit up the neighbour’s lawn simply features a lighted arrow and the word ‘Ditto’

Home for the holidays

Five new families received the keys to their new homes at a Habitat for Humanity key ceremony in Transcona on Dec. 15.

“We are thrilled these five families get to gather in their new homes just in time for the holidays thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors, donors and volunteers in our community,” Habitat for Humanity Manitoba CEO Jamie Hall said in a statement. “The memories they create in their new home this season will be remembered for years to come, and this investment will have a lasting and positive impact on the families and the broader community of Transcona.”

The five new families join 30 already living in the new Pandora Avenue West development. When complete in 2026, the development will be home to 55 famillies.

Blazing the river trail, one metre at a time

Now in its second year of operation, the Trail Together campaign at The Forks is calling on the community to give back to a memorable part of the Winnipeg winter season.

The Nestaweya River Trail is considered one of the city’s most beloved winter attractions. In a good year, it can be up to six kilometres long, connecting neighbourhoods across the Red and Assiniboine rivers. It offers two routes to choose from — the long skating rink that’s always talked about, and a parallel trail for walking, running and biking along the frozen ice.

The Forks is the major hub for trail-users, but the Nestaweya River Trail can also be accessed from many riverside neighbourhoods near the city’s core.

The Trail Together campaign asks those interested to pay $50 to essentially ‘adopt’ a metre of the trail, either in their own names or in honour of someone else. Names are displayed online in a list format, as though you’re counting the metres one-by-one. Those so inclined can adopt more than one metre or a purchase a larger sponsorship.

New horizons for Dakota C.C.

A “generational” transformation at one of southeast Winnipeg’s largest recreational hub began on Dec. 15, when stakeholders announced that the federal government has allocated $7.5 million to support the first phase of a long list of additions and upgrades to St. Vital’s Dakota Community Centre.

Opened in 1987, the centre — which is home to the 95,000 square-foot Jonathan Toews Sportsplex — also boasts two skating rinks and a multi-use fieldhouse, among other resources for sports and recreation. It’s made a name for itself in the area — bringing in residents from River Park South, Sage Creek, Windsor Park, and surrounding communities — as an accessible, centralized hub, and it now sits on the starting line of an exciting transformation valued at $50 million, to be completed over the next several years.

The first phase will mark the beginning of design and project planning, including the development of a capital campaign, in the careful lead-up to site preparation, according to Michele Augert, president and CEO of Dakota C.C.

Upgrades will include a new, fully-accessible arena, which would include a rink, a modern fitness area, new dressing rooms, a fitness area and ice plant, as well as upgrades to the lobby, additional community rooms, and an expanded space for child care.

Capturing the moment

Jackson Toone loves combining his biggest passions as he continues to carve up his skateboarding journey.

The Old St. Vital resident and skateboarding aficionado recently launched Clearcut Magazine, a rebrand of his former magazine, DWT.

The previous incarnation of the magazine was born when Toone was in Grade 11 at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate and studying the project-based learning program Propel.

The 21-year-old said his new, self-published creation, which was launched in November, marks a shift — from the photos to the ads to the branding — giving the new magazine more structure and a more professional look. He also does the design and layout.

Men’s shed movement keeps growing

There’s nothing like getting together with some like-minded people to hang out and work on a project.

Starting Jan. 14, Transcona will welcome a new men’s shed group to the Park City from 1 to 3 p.m. every Thursday afternoon. The group is founded by Fred Bobrowski, who started the Park City Men’s Shed — which meets twice weekly at 180 Poplar Ave. in Elmwood — in 2018.

“The whole idea, when I started Park City Mens’ Shed, was to get one going in Transcona,” said Bobrowski, a Park City resident. “But a lot of guys … wanted a wood shop, and 180 Poplar Ave. had one, so I focused on that. But it was always in the back of my mind to get a shed going in Transcona.”

Bobrowski even had a Transcona group meeting at Oxford Heights Community Club (359 Dowling Ave. E), before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. However, for the next few years, he and the other Park City members had enough work keeping their own group going.

City news in brief — week of Dec. 24, 2025

The Forks to host free New Year’s Day programs

On Jan. 1, 2026, the Forks will be offering a full day of free, family friendly activities to kick off its Learn to Winter program.

“New Year’s Day at The Forks is about coming together and celebrating winter as a community,” said Sara Stasiuk, president andCEOof The Forks, in a statement. “It reflects how people already use the site in winter, whether they are skating, walking, spending time outdoors or grabbing a warm drink in the market. The day brings those everyday activities into focus and sets the tone for the season ahead.”

Beginning at 9 a.m. and running through 8 p.m., activities will include face painting, storytelling, live music, karaoke, drag performances, yoga, fitness classes, skating lessons, and more outdoor fun.

Have a great Canadian winter

Winter in Canada is something to celebrate. For a healthy dose of below-zero magic, lean into it with a thermos in hand, a toque on your head, layers of warm clothing, and an infinite sense of curiosity and adventure.

In Quebec City, winter makes an unforgettable entrance. The ‘Old Town’ almost doubles as a life-sized European snow globe, complete with cobblestone streets, old-fashioned store fronts, and twinkling lights. Glistening ice sculptures will catch your eye, and so will the view of the historic Château Frontenac looming in the background. It’s the perfect place to sip a hot beverage, indulge in decadent foods, and marvel at the beauty that the season brings.

Yellowknife offers a winter experience like no other. With the sun dipping below the horizon in the afternoon, and less than five hours of sunlight each day, the sky often rewards visitors with dazzling displays of Northern lights. They might even make you forget the biting cold that surrounds you, and each exhaled breath that visually suspends in the air before slowly dissipating into the darkness of night.

For splendid alpine scenes, Whistler delivers equal parts outdoor ruggedness and cozy indoor comfort. Snow-draped peaks set the stage for world-class skiing and snowboarding, while the village hums with firepits, the sound of boots crunching on fresh powder, and après-ski energy. Take a lap in snowshoes through silent forests, or a gondola ride that whisks you away to breathtaking vantage points high above it all, before settling in for an evening with cocktail menus and internationally inspired cuisine.

Season’s greetings

The holiday season is now upon us, a wondrous time of celebration, goodwill to our fellow citizens and thoughtful reflections on the year gone by.

With neighbourhoods and businesses aglow with colourful decorations, our province’s renowned community spirit is bright, beautiful and further enhanced at this time of year. Manitoba’s multiculturalism is also on full display at this time of year, with holiday traditions from around the world joyfully reflected in cuisine, decorations, and seasonal events in all parts of our province.

Our renowned community spirit is further demonstrated through a variety of creative events and charitable endeavours, each helping to ensure that everyone feels the warmth of our welcoming and caring provincial community. I encourage everyone to support the many wonderful organizations dedicated to providing a hand up to Manitobans in need with the same empathy and generosity that has consistently made our province one of the most giving places in Canada.

As the King’s representative in Manitoba, I am pleased to extend vice-regal greetings to all citizens for a safe and happy holiday season. May the wonders of this special time inspire us all to demonstrate kindness and compassion to all, not only seasonally, but all year-round. Every good deed is another subtle reminder of how fortunate we are to call this great province ‘home.’

Hockey hall honours vets’ class of 2025

On Dec. 17, the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame held its second veterans luncheon – an event devoted exclusively to individuals and teams that excelled in the sport at least 50 years ago. Four players, one builder, and one team were inducted into the HOF at a ceremony held in the Hockey for All Centre, where there is a gallery of previous inductees.

In 1985, the hall of fame’s inaugural class consisted of 70 players, 11 builders and 32 championship teams. Since then, and usually on a biennial basis, the hall has continued to induct worthy candidates. In the early years, research on inductees relied on word-of-mouth, oral histories, and laborious searches of newspaper archives. The internet changed that process, and it became apparent that many deserving candidates had been overlooked.

In 2015, a veterans research committee was established and since then a veteran or two has been recognized at the induction dinner. In 2023, when the HOF hosted its first luncheon dedicated solely to inductees put forth by the veterans committee, headed by board member John Jameson, players Paul Meger, Sonny Rost and Charles Tobin, and builder George Tackaberry were honoured. The 1956-57 Western Hockey League champion Brandon Regals and the 1959-60 to 1963-64 Brandon Wheat Kings juniors were added to the Wall of Champions.

The 2025 class of veterans is made up of players Harry Bueckert, Helge Bostrom, Ron Matthews, and Al Millar, builder J.D. Pratt, and the Winnipeg Olympics women’s team.

Celebrating the season in Fort Whyte

As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible spirit, generosity, and togetherness that make Fort Whyte such a remarkable place to call home. The holiday season is always a special time in our constituency, and this year has been no exception. Our community has once again come alive with traditions, celebrations, and moments that remind us of the strength and warmth of our neighbourhoods.

One of the brightest examples of this is the spectacular display put on every year by our friends and neighbours in Linden Woods. The community’s dedication to transforming their streets into a festive wonderland is truly something to behold. Foxmeadow Drive shines as Candy Cane Lane, Hennessey Drive delights as Polar Bear Lane, Lindenshore Drive glows as Penguin Parkway, and Park Royal Bay dazzles as Nutcracker Lane. Even though many residents will have already enjoyed these displays by the time this message is published, their impact lasts well beyond the season—they represent the creativity and community pride that define Fort Whyte.

Our constituency’s celebrations also reflect the diverse traditions that make Manitoba so vibrant. At the Simkin Centre, residents and families came together to celebrate Hanukkah with five beautiful menorahs displayed across the grounds, bringing light, joy, and connection during the festival of lights. Across Fort Whyte, schools filled their halls with music through winter concerts, churches hosted beloved cookie exchanges, and families gathered for photos, crafts, and festive fun with Santa at FortWhyte Alive.

While many of these events have already wrapped up for the year, they leave us with warm memories and show us just how lucky we are to live in a community of many different faiths where people consistently show up for one another.

Rock now rolling in the ring

While boxer Isaiah Rock’s 2025 didn’t always go according to plan, the year ended where he wanted it to —as Canadian champion.

Rock captured the gold medal in the 50-kilogram weight class at Boxing Canada’s 2025 Elite National Championships. Held in Winnipeg in late November, the match saw Rock outlast fellow Winnipegger Victor Cheung for the win.

The four-year veteran began 2025 on a good note after winning a silver medal at the 2024 Canadian National Championships in Sarnia, Ont. That close, 3-2 decision left Rock wanting more in 2025.

However, Rock suffered a serious back injury early in the year, leaving the 22-year-old pugilist out of action for four months.

Back to the future

In a week’s time, the first quarter of the first century of the common era’s third millennium will be put to rest.

As milestones go, the turn of a millennium is a special thing to experience. Having recently come across the Dec. 31, 1999, and Jan. 1, 2000, editions of the Free Press, it was interesting to look back at a snapshot of that time in history.

The world hadn’t ended, as some had predicted it might, but neither had it become an advanced technological utopia. Still, the particular mix of optimism and anxiety definitely skewed towards the positive.

A Prairie Research Associates poll from the time showed Manitobans were optimistic across every economic sector, from richest to poorest, after the “turbulent” economic times of the ’80s and early ’90s.

Raiders in the hunt for championship banner

The Oak Park Raiders are at the top of the Winnipeg High School Hockey League to end 2025, and that’s exactly where the team intends to be at season’s end.

“Since Day 1, the goal is to go the distance and be playing in the last game of the year,” coach Ian McDonald said. “That’s something we talk about weekly.”

In the WHSHL’s top Platinum Promotions Division, Oak Park held the top spot with a 13-1-2 record going into a Dec. 19 game against Lord Selkirk, though both Vincent Massey and Sturgeon Heights were within a pair of wins at press time.

“There are about four of us — Vincent Massey, Steinbach, Sturgeon Heights — where almost every game goes to extra time,” McDonald said. “Those are the teams that we’ll key in on. But any team can beat any team, that’s the strength of the league. Any game we’re not at our best, we can lose to anyone.”

Siloam evolves to meet needs of those it serves

Siloam Mission has been providing meals, clothing, and hope to the homeless since it opened its doors in Winnipeg in 1987.

On Dec. 1, Darren Nodrick, director of development at Siloam, told the story of the mission to the Charleswood Historical Society. Over the past 30 plus years, Siloam has evolved from a shelter to a charitable organization that provides programs, services and life skills. It has diversified to meet needs as they arise, including the provision of transitional services and supportive housing. Siloam is also addressing the massive housing deficit by providing social housing to accommodate seniors, in particular.

Nodrick said there are close to 5,000 people experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg right now – double what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. That number doesn’t include the hidden homeless, such as couch surfers and those living in encampments, he said.

Trauma is the root cause of homelessness, Nodrick said. Addiction is a major issue but it’s more of a symptom than a cause. Today, a lot of seniors are being priced “out of their lives” because housing costs have gone up. Many have finite income and their lives can sometimes come down to a choice between paying rent and buying groceries.