News

New era for the Gas Station Arts Centre!

For immediate release

July 18, 2014 (Winnipeg) - The Gas Station Arts Centre, along with its development consultant Lakeview Realty of Canada, has received approval from City Council for the exciting and innovative development strategy for their lands at the northeast corner of River and Osborne. The hope is that the building will become a landmark structure within one of Canada's most diverse and densely populated neighbourhoods. Construction of this facility is anticipated to commence in summer, 2015 and be completed by late 2016.

This plans for the iconic corner space have been developed with four overarching goals to create a one-of-a-kind in Manitoba project, 1) to establish a financial model which will assure long-term financial viability; 2) to develop a mixed-use facility which will reflect the richness and dynamism of the Osborne Village community; 3) to establish a housing co-operative, which will include affordable housing (according to government standards for affordable housing), and market housing, available to a wide range of residents; and 4) to develop a project which stands as a landmark and gateway for Osborne Village, celebrating the special character and vitality of River and Osborne.

As this project has moved forward there has been considerable work to explore the potential of the GSAC, as well as developing a vibrant Housing Co-operative. This Co-operative is being established to create a unique sense of community within the building and would include affordable and market rental units that will satisfy existing strong demand for housing in the village, while enhancing the Osborne Village Community and providing additional cultural, community and commercial opportunities.

After the council passed the vote, Councillor Jenny Gerbasi stated “This is one of those projects that makes you happy to be a City Councillor, now that this has been approved by Council I am excited to work with the GSAC and their partners on this project to see that this dream become a reality”

The Gas Station Arts Centre will be an integral component of the development with a 20,000 square foot, 300-seat theatre, as well a central outdoor gathering plaza. The project will include a main floor commercial component of approximately 5,000 square feet, entry to the Gas Station Arts Centre and lobby for the residential component containing approximately 80 units and an underground parkade. The total structure will be nine stories in height.

The residential units offer a wide variety of configurations and sizes, with a number of them including walk-out terraces. Many of the units conform to the affordable housing criteria as stipulated by the Province. All units will be accessible and visitable in a complex that will feature the latest in green design and technologies.

Parking for the project is proposed to be supplied by a parkade under the new facility, use of stalls off the backlane, and three PegCity Car Co-op cars.

“There are moments when the right group of people come together with a real commitment to doing something special – this is one of those projects and I’m truly humbled by the extra-ordinary team that is committed to making this redevelopment a reality” says Geof Langen, Board Chair for the GSAC.

For more information Contact:
Nick Kowalchuk, Gas Station Arts Centre: (204) 284-9477
Wayne Bollman, Lakeview Realty: (204) 975-0629

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We acknowledge we are gathered on Treaty 1 Territory, the home and traditional lands of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Ininew (Cree), and Dakota peoples, and in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We also acknowledge that Manitoba is located on the Treaty Territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk Nations.

We respect the spirit and intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Acknowledging this truth is important to the Gas Station Arts Centre, yet we acknowledge that it is only a small part of cultivating and protecting strong relationships with Indigenous communities. We continue to consult and work with all Indigenous people of Canada to learn, grow, and do better as a community gathering site, and as an incubator for the Arts.