Building up Osborne Village

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This article was published 16/07/2022 (1334 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A proposed six-storey multi-use development is gaining mixed reviews from Osborne Village residents.

For some, the space is seen as a fresh addition to the corner of Osborne Street and Gertrude Avenue. For others, the demolition of the former home of local businesses Gags Unlimited, AAA Consignment, Village Laundry and Peg City Yoga turns fond memories to rubble.

“I think it’s a great thing. It’s good to see those buildings gone,” said Burke Ratte, who drove past the site daily for 25 years as a Winnipeg Transit bus driver. “I think it was an eye sore. They were falling apart if you ever went in to do a bit of shopping.

“In my opinion, anything’s an improvement compared to what was there.”

The proposed development would include 90 residential units, with 14 suites being considered affordable by the standards of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. It would also feature commercial spaces on the main floor, which could attract local business, according to Adam Sharfe of Sharfe Developments.

“I listened to neighbours and local businesses to see what everyone found to be the most important esthetic, what should be included and what shouldn’t be included,” Sharfe said.

“I’m optimistic it’s going to send a spark to revive the area and give new local businesses the opportunity to lease some space that’s newer and more sound to hopefully flourish and become successful.”

Sharfe said due to fluctuating prices of construction and suppliers, he is hoping to have an estimated price for the development by August. If all goes according to plan, occupancy would open in two years’ time: “The construction timeline would be around 20 months.”

Sharfe said it’s hard to be the one to remove meaningful buildings from an area, but he hopes the new space will be positive for the community.

“I had memories in the old buildings, so I’m already reminiscing of walking through there when I was a kid, even after I bought it. It’s something that’s on my mind, but I’m very encouraged by the amount of support and positivity I’ve been receiving from residents and businesses in the area.”

Lindsay Somers, executive director of Osborne Village Business Improvement Zone, said the proposed building would be a nice entrance to the neighbourhood.

“This project is exciting. It’s going to bring more businesses and homes to Osborne Village. It’s further increasing our density, which is good socially and economically for the area,” she said. “It will add investment to that part of Osborne Village that hasn’t seen any growth in decades.”

The changes weren’t as popular for Alexa Parker Mackintosh, who used to live in Osborne Village, but moved for reasons related to the changing scene.

“It’s just really sad to see yet another group of iconic buildings die in order to make room for even more cookie cutter condos on a strip that used to be so walkable and fun. There are so many things that could’ve been done to revive the area, but it just keeps getting worse,” she said.

“If it were livelier and more affordable, the young folks would be coming in droves, like they did when I was in my teens and 20s.”

bryce.hunt@freepress.mb.ca