By Jessie Schmidtke, Communications Specialist, Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.
If you’re traveling through Winnipeg Richardson International Airport this spring, you might spot some exciting new additions as the airport expands its local partnerships.
Shop and Dine
Stella’s Café & Bakery is back in its original Departures location, now featuring an expanded bar and a convenient grab-and-go café. And yes—for those wondering—you can absolutely bring their delicious baked goods and sandwiches through security to enjoy post-checkpoint!
Embracing the local spirit, Third + Bird arrived in the terminal just before the holiday season, offering travellers a delightful selection of Manitoba-made gifts. Fans of honey dill sauce will be pleased to find the iconic dip on the shelves, ensuring they never have to go without. The shop also features a variety of local beverages, including Sheepdog Brew Co Craft Cold Brew, and Manitoba-made snacks like beet chips and freeze-dried candy. Local boutique bakery Jenna Rae Cakes also opened a thoughtfully designed kiosk after security. Behind the glass, you’ll find the bakery’s famous macarons, cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, as well as mini travel cakes created to fit perfectly under airplane seats.
Keep an eye out for more exciting additions to the terminal that will be announced in the coming months.
Seamless Passenger Experience
The Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) is always looking for ways to enhance the passenger experience—not only by expanding local concession options but also by finding ways to ensure your travels go as smoothly as possible.
One of these ways is through the YWG Goldwing volunteer program. Since its establishment in 1997, the YWG Goldwings volunteer program at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport has been a shining example of service within Canada’s aviation community. From guiding travellers with wayfinding to helping them navigate the check-in process, these volunteers are dedicated to enhancing the passenger journey. This past year, the program was expanded to include more diverse backgrounds and languages spoken to connect and reflect Winnipeg’s diverse community. There are 77 volunteers and counting, and 23 languages are spoken among them. And for passengers needing a little extra love and comfort, furry volunteers from the St John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program are on-site nearly every day offering tail wags and cuddles.
An Accessible Airport
Creating an inclusive space for everyone moving through the airport is a priority for the WAA team. The organization proudly achieved the highest level of the Airports Council Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Program in 2024 and continues to make improvements to its services. They recently worked with local company Inland Audio Visual to implement hearing loops at all check-in counters, the information booth on the first floor, and valet desks. Hearing loops are designed to improve communication access to individuals with hearing loss by transmitting sound through a magnetic field to telecoil-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants. This reduces unwanted background noise in bustling public areas, which improves clarity and understanding as you navigate the airport.
Door 2 on both levels of the terminal is currently under renovation to create a more accessible vestibule entrance, and new seating that caters to passengers’ needs is also in the works. Stay up to date by visiting the Newsroom at YWG.ca.
This article was originally written for Lifestyles 55 April 2025 Issue.
