News

Funding kick-starts lobby expansion, new café & wine bar, and accessibility upgrades as GSAC continues revitalizing Osborne Village

The Gas Station Arts Centre (GSAC) has received $600,000 in funding from the Government of Canada through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. This major investment will support the GSAC’s multi-year redevelopment, including an expanded lobby, the creation of a new café and wine bar, and fully upgraded gender-neutral washrooms.

This crucial federal support moves GSAC significantly closer to completing the renovations.

“We are deeply grateful for this infusion of federal support, which accelerates our efforts to clean up the corner, enhance safety, and revitalise this cultural cornerstone of Osborne Village,” says GSAC Executive Director Nick Kowalchuk. “But we aren’t there yet. We still have a shortfall to close before the work is complete. We are actively seeking private support and have tailored a variety of donor levels so that anyone in the community can take part, from $100 carpet square sponsorship, $500 to buy a new seat in the theatre, through to lighting sponsor at $500,000." Explore the full range of sponsorship opportunities at gsac.ca/support-gsac.

Despite summer delays, GSAC confirms that its long-awaited courtyardmredevelopment is now underway, and completion is expected in Spring 2026. This work includes:

• Permanent fencing around the courtyard
• New trees and greenery to create a calming and welcoming space
• The removal of the old “circle,” a once-iconic water-fountain centerpiece located at the corner of River and Osborne

The courtyard upgrade is the first major step in revitalizing one of Winnipeg’s most historically vibrant corners. For decades, Osborne Village flourished as a creative, walkable, and socially dynamic hub; GSAC’s redevelopment aims to support its return to that spirit by helping reclaim the corner as a safe, lively community gathering space.

New Café and Wine Bar

The renovated lobby will extend into the former Subway space, transforming GSAC’s entrance into a warm, active gathering place for audiences and artists. The new café and wine bar will serve patrons during performances and community events, blending with the expanded lobby and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Improving accessibility 

The redevelopment also includes the installation of modern, fully accessible gender-neutral washrooms, an essential upgrade that reflects GSAC’s commitment to inclusion, audience comfort, and barrier-free access.

Community open house

The public is invited to see the courtyard and early lobby changes firsthand during GSAC’s community open house on Saturday, December 13, from 2–6 pm, part of Osborne Village BIZ’s Winter in the Village. The event features:

• Live DJ
• Crafts
• Free photos with DJ Santa
• A children's dance party
• Holiday films in the theatre
• Free cocoa
• GSAC Wine Raffle – Draw at 5 p.m. on December 13

Raffle tickets ($5 each) will be available all day, with all proceeds supporting GSAC’s work developing and presenting emerging artists from Winnipeg and across Canada.

Raffle prizes:

• 1st Prize: 18 bottles of wine
• 2nd Prize: 12 bottles of wine
• 3rd Prize: 6 bottles of wine
• Every ticket purchased helps GSAC remain one of Canada’s most affordable and
  artist-supportive performance spaces.

GSAC Proudly Produces the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. GSAC is the producing home of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, which turns 25 in 2026. Celebrate 25 years of Canadian comedy with us, April 20-26, 2026! Mega Show tickets are on sale now at www.winnipegcomedyfestival.com.