‘Heart of the city’

Osborne Village

Crescentwood

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This article was published 06/12/2023 (971 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Osborne Village BIZ is sporting a new face.

Zohreh Gervais has taken on the position of executive director after Lindsay Somers, who recently left the role for new opportunities.

Gervais, 38, describes her professional background as a bit unusual, when compared to candidates in similar positions. She received her undergrad in music and went on to focus on positions in art administration. She was an instructor at Suzuki Music Winnipeg and spent some time at the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts.

She has had a preference for new arts groups, she said, where she’s able to help “bring them from the ground up.” Because of that, she describes herself as “a bit of a fixer,” and has been able to make plenty of significant connections. Outside of music, she also has experience with event planning and creating immersive experiences in gaming and entertainment. Her last position was with Dungeons and Dragons.

She originally moved to Winnipeg in 2004, from Edmonton, Alta., for an academic opportunity at the University of Manitoba, and has since adopted the ‘Winnipegger’ title.

“One of the things that I love about Winnipeg, and the reason I decided to stay here after I moved here, is how supportive the community is here,” Gervais said. “I’ve found that time and time again, in pretty much every position and in every organization I’ve worked with … there’s just this really lovely desire to collaborate and to support each other. And I think that’s so unusual compared to other places where I’ve worked (and) it is so special.”

She considers Osborne Village the “heart of the city,” crediting it as a pedestrian-oriented and lively shopping community. She originally lived in the area, and now resides in Crescentwood with her two sons.

“I think everybody has had a certain association with Osborne Village as being a really eclectic and cool neighbourhood,” Gervais said. “Where there’s always interesting things happening and good food and shops. It’s got that cool vibe.”

Gervais is taking on the position after Nicole Friesen, who was credited for her work on the long-term Osborne Village action plan, Blueprint for a Vibrant and Healthy Neighbourhood. The plan — approved by the City Centre community committee in May — focuses on a “neighbourhood for the people,” and aims to increase pedestrian and bike traffic.

“I really want to make sure that we keep (the long-standing, artsy environment) and nourish it a little bit because, I mean — COVID and everything that’s happened, Osborne kind of lost a lot of its touchstone businesses that were really drawing certain people and certain crowds to the village.

“…So right now, it’s a really exciting time, because there’s all these new developments that are going to be opening up in the next year. And, you know, people who are recovering now, from COVID, are going out more. Restaurants and bars are filling up again. So that’s really exciting to me,” Gervais said.

With more pedestrian growth, the streets will hopefully become safer, as well, she added.

“We all want to be able to come and feel safe in the neighbourhood at any time of day, right? So that’s something that I really want to focus on. Because you don’t want to go somewhere if you don’t.”

Another strong focus, Gervais mentioned, is an outward presence on social media. The area is well equipped with bike routes and ties to public transportation, but a large part of the battle to get people out is getting them in the know. For example, Osborne Village BIZ currently has a selection of giveaways from the businesses in the area, currently being promoted on social media.

Although Gervais can’t share any specific plans for the next five years, she mentions a bundle of opportunities around the corner.

”I’m super excited to put some great events on in Osborne Village over the next year, so people can watch out for those,” Gervais said. “Also, in terms of beautification … some (budget will go towards) improving lighting, public art, that kind of stuff. So there’s going to be some of that happening this year, as well.”

Overall, Gervais is excited about what’s to come, and aims to use her personable nature to the organization’s advantage.

For information on what’s coming up, visit @osbornevillagebiz on Instagram or www.osbornevillagebiz.com