Gas Station Arts Centre director sees brighter future as site redeveloped

With shovels now in the ground, the head of the Gas Station Arts Centre is hopeful the neighbourhood is on the verge of a U-turn when it comes to crime.

Construction is underway at the corner of Osborne Street and River Avenue, where a redevelopment of the outdoor space will bring more vibrancy to the site and create an open-air courtyard for a new café. The café will replace the longtime tenant Subway, which relocated to 445 Stradbrook Ave. in June.

“We’ll see once we finish all of the construction and it opens up,” said executive director Nick Kowalchuk. “I’m hopeful it turns around.”

In recent years, the area has seen several businesses move out — including fast-food joints Subway and A&W in the same strip mall, and coffee giant Starbucks across the street.

Kowalchuk said the addition of community police officers over the summer months helped reduce crime in the area, with increased foot patrols introduced in 2024.

According to Winnipeg Police Service data, property, violent and drug-related crimes all declined year over year in River-Osborne for the 12 months ending November 2024. Police recorded 519 property crimes and 195 violent crimes — drops of 29.5 and 22.9 per cent, respectively.

The first phase of construction includes removing the existing fountain. Crews will install new underground infrastructure and plant trees throughout the site in the new year.

Kowalchuk anticipates construction will be complete by next summer.

Meanwhile, the new café is working its way through the permit process. Once open, it will serve both passersby in the Village and thousands of visitors to the Gas Station.

“It’s taking longer than I originally anticipated,” Kowalchuk said. The cafe had been slated to open in September.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca