Winnipeg Top 5: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

1. Jets Defeat Panthers 2-1 on Scheifele Late Winner

WINNIPEG : The Winnipeg Jets secured a 2-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night at Canada Life Centre, with Mark Scheifele scoring the game-winning goal late in the third period.

Scheifele’s decisive strike came with under five minutes remaining in regulation, breaking a 1-1 tie. Goaltender Eric Comrie recorded 27 saves in the win, turning away multiple Panthers scoring chances throughout the contest. The Jets now hold a record of 22-25-7 on the season as they continue their push in the Central Division standings.

The victory marks the Jets’ third win in their last five games. Florida, one of the league’s top teams this season, generated sustained pressure in the final period but could not solve Comrie after their first-period tally. The Jets killed off two third-period penalties to preserve the narrow lead.

Winnipeg faces a quick turnaround with another home game scheduled for Thursday night. The team sits six points out of a playoff position with 28 games remaining in the regular season.

2. City of Winnipeg Unveils 2026 Budget Focused on Infrastructure Investment

WINNIPEG : The City of Winnipeg released its proposed 2026 budget update on Tuesday, prioritizing critical infrastructure projects and service delivery for a population now exceeding 850,000 residents.

The budget allocates significant funding toward the North End Water Pollution Control Centre and improvements to the city’s transit and road networks. Officials confirmed that one-third of funding for major capital projects will be supported through long-term debt financing to manage immediate costs while spreading financial impact over multiple years.

City administrators stated the infrastructure focus addresses decades of deferred maintenance and positions Winnipeg for continued population growth. The budget includes provisions for road rehabilitation, water and sewer upgrades, and transit facility improvements across multiple areas of the city.

Council members will review the budget proposal over the coming weeks, with public consultation sessions scheduled before final approval. The budget addresses ongoing pressure from inflation, service demands, and aging infrastructure needs that officials have identified as critical priorities for 2026 and beyond.

3. CMHC Projects Gradual Recovery for Winnipeg Housing Market

WINNIPEG : The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released its 2026 housing outlook for Winnipeg on Tuesday, forecasting a gradual increase in home sales activity throughout the year while cautioning that overall market conditions will remain subdued.

CMHC analysts predict home sales will pick up compared to 2025 levels but will remain below historical averages due to prevailing economic conditions and interest rate levels. The report indicates the local real estate sector will experience a slow but steady recovery as buyer confidence gradually returns to the market.

Housing starts in Winnipeg declined in 2025, and CMHC forecasts only modest increases in new construction activity for 2026. Analysts cited economic uncertainty and higher borrowing costs as factors continuing to impact both buyers and developers in the Winnipeg market.

The report notes that affordability challenges persist despite some cooling in home prices over the past year. Average home prices in Winnipeg remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, though the city continues to offer more affordable options than many other major Canadian markets. CMHC officials stated they will continue monitoring market conditions and adjusting forecasts as economic indicators evolve throughout the year.

4. Local Leaders Declare Homelessness a Humanitarian Crisis

WINNIPEG : Community advocates and local leaders formally declared Winnipeg’s homelessness situation a humanitarian crisis on Tuesday, calling for immediate inter-governmental action to address housing gaps and emergency support services.

Spokesperson Rattray led the declaration, which follows mounting concerns over winter safety conditions and the capacity limitations of existing social services across the city. The group presented data showing increased demand for emergency shelter spaces and support services that currently exceed available resources.

Advocates stated the declaration aims to mobilize coordinated response efforts from municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government. They emphasized that current measures have proven insufficient to address the scope and severity of homelessness issues affecting Winnipeg’s vulnerable populations.

The group outlined specific requests including expanded emergency shelter capacity, enhanced outreach services, and accelerated development of affordable housing units. They cited winter months as particularly critical for individuals experiencing homelessness and stressed the urgency of immediate action.

Local officials have acknowledged the concerns raised by advocates. The declaration adds pressure on government bodies to allocate additional resources and develop comprehensive strategies addressing both emergency needs and long-term housing solutions for Winnipeg residents facing homelessness.

5. Exchange District Businesses Call for Increased Security Measures

WINNIPEG : Business owners in Winnipeg’s Exchange District are advocating for enhanced security measures following a series of safety concerns in the historic downtown area, pressing for increased police presence and improved surveillance systems.

The business group submitted formal requests to city officials and police services, stating that consistent security measures are essential for the economic viability and pedestrian traffic of the Exchange District. Owners reported concerns impacting both establishments and patrons visiting the area.

Organizers stated the requests include more frequent police patrols during business hours and evening periods, installation of additional security cameras in key locations, and improved lighting throughout the district. The group emphasized that a secure environment directly correlates with customer confidence and business sustainability in the area.

The Exchange District, designated as a National Historic Site, houses numerous businesses, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Business owners stated they have observed declining foot traffic patterns that they attribute partially to security perceptions affecting the district.

City officials confirmed they have received the requests and are reviewing options for addressing security concerns in the Exchange District. Police representatives stated they continue to allocate resources based on call volumes and identified priority areas across Winnipeg. Business owners plan to continue advocacy efforts while seeking collaborative solutions with municipal and law enforcement agencies to enhance security measures in the district.