Proposed mixed-use development to replace Gags Unlimited building on Osborne
The Gags Unlimited building along with some neighbouring properties on Osborne Street is expected to be demolished next year to make way for a proposed mixed-use development, bringing more residential and commercial space to Osborne Village.
Local developer Adam Sharfe told CTV News he took possession of a string of properties along Osborne Street last September and is proposing a mixed-use development for the area.
Sharfe said the development includes the properties from 197 to 213 Osborne Street, which include the old antique shop, a parking lot, the old laundromat, and the building where Gags Unlimited is housed currently.
He said the plan is to build a six-storey building with seven commercial units on the main floor and 90 residential units above that, with around 74 parking units.
A rendering of a proposed mixed-use development on Osborne Street. (Supplied: Adam Sharfe)
"At the end of the day, we're just really excited about the possibility of putting up something there that could really help the area, the residents and the and the businesses around there," Sharfe told CTV News.
Sharfe said there have been three rounds of public consultation.
"We really haven't had any full-blown opposition to it, which is really encouraging," Sharfe said, adding there were some concerns from people regarding traffic in the area and shadows on the pool next door.
He said he has done traffic studies and a shadow study in response to the concerns.
"It seems there are a lot of residents that are optimistic about what could come there," he said.
Lindsay Sommers, the executive director of Osborne Village Biz, told CTV News in an email the organization is looking forward to the investment and growth opportunity for the Osborne Village neighbourhood.
Cheryl Wiebe, the owner of Gags Unlimited, recently told CTV News the store is getting a spooky new home. Wiebe has purchased the Hamilton House on Henderson Highway, and plans to move Gags Unlimited into the bottom level and rent out the two top levels as residential apartments on Airbnb.
READ MORE: Winnipeg's Hamilton House, known for paranormal activity, getting restored
Sharfe said besides Gags Unlimited, there are a few other tenants in the buildings. He said the other tenants have expressed interest in staying in the buildings as long as possible, which he estimated to be until August 2022.
He said the development project is still in its early processes, but the plan is to have the buildings demolished and construction starting in the fall of next year.
"The goal is to rebuild there with something that can bring a lot more residential units to the area and space for a lot of local companies to come and grow," he said.
Sharfe said he is currently working with the city on the rezoning and variances for the properties.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.