ArtSpace To Receive Accessibility Upgrades!

By Shayla Elizabeth –

Coming this summer – Building Renovations and Accessibility Improvements at Artspace!

This summer and fall the Artspace building will be undergoing important upgrades and renovations that will improve accessibility and safety. The building is home to many arts organizations, including the Manitoba Writers’ Guild, which holds events, meetings and book launches there. We want our members to be aware of these planned upgrades that may impact our activities.

Artspace has been working with Peter Tonge Consulting since 2024 to address accessibility shortfalls. Artspace is the recipient of funding from the Winnipeg Foundation’s Major Capital Grant Program in the amount of $500,000.

There are two phases: Phase 1, $250,000, for Summer/Fall 2026, Accessibility and Safety;

: Phase 2, $485,000, for Spring/Summer 2027, Space Improvement.

The phases have been determined by ArtSpace staff and Board, and informed by surveys with the public, the Artspace tenants (including MWG), and hired consulting agencies.

Phase 1 will include:

  1. Passenger Elevator maintenance for the door operator
  1. Wheelchair Lift maintenance for two door operators and door latches to improve reliability
  1. Security Upgrades including new swipe entry access points, software, computers, and cameras
  1. 2nd Floor Contribution: Video Pool Media Arts Center renovations to their venue
  1. Accessibility Upgrade Consultation: Peter Tonge Consulting workshop to come
  1. Architectural Fee for Main Floor Washroom remodel: with AtLrg Architecture.
  1. Contingency: (approx. 5%)

The TOTAL is $250,000, which is half of the Wpg. Fdn. Grant.

Phase 2 will include:

  1. Passenger Elevator Expenses: Control Panel Upgrade
  1. Main Floor Washroom Remodel: want to secure art and wallpaper installation. Heritage Canada Build Canada Strong Grant
  1. Tenant Reconfiguration and Upgrades: new opportunities to reorganize tenant spaces.
  1. Signage Upgrades: MAC grant/Accessibility Grants
  1. Contingency: (approx. 5%)

The TOTAL is $485,000.

Artspace is also working to secure additional funds from all three levels of government, as well as through fundraising initiatives.

Stay tuned for updates, and if you wish to provide feedback and/or participate in the community consultation process, please contact or call the Artspace office at 204-947-0984.