Manitoba Government Partners with WAG-Qaumajuq on New Elevators
Press Release
Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 12, 2026: Major elevator upgrades at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq’s original 1971 building are now complete, enhancing accessibility with support from the Manitoba government and community partners.
The Gallery has replaced its aging freight elevator and two passenger elevators with modern systems designed to better serve visitors, staff, artists, and community groups for decades to come.
An iconic example of modernist architecture, the 1971 WAG building relied on its original elevators for more than 50 years. With key components no longer in production, the freight elevator doors and passenger elevators had to be fully replaced.
The $945,000 project is made possible through a partnership with the Manitoba government, which contributed half the total cost of the upgrade. Additional support has been provided by the Winnipeg Art Gallery Foundation, the City of Winnipeg, Bob Williams, and close to 250 community members and organizations.
Elevators are essential to daily life at the Gallery, transporting thousands of students, visitors, artists, and artworks each year. The upgrades improve accessibility throughout the building and support a more inclusive experience for all.
When the building first opened in 1971, its freight elevator was the largest in Canada – a vital asset still used today to move artworks of all sizes and deliver some of Manitoba’s most inspiring events and programs.
Quick Facts:
- Construction is now complete on new elevators at the original WAG building; with a total project cost of $945,000.
- Work began in October 2025 and wrapped up at the end of April 2026.
- The elevators ensure WAG-Qaumajuq remains fully accessible for years to come, to visitors of all abilities, while bringing the best in art and experiences to the community.
- New accessibility features include voice floor announcements and upgraded systems designed to improve access and ease of navigation for all visitors.
- Funding was provided by the Manitoba government, Mayor Scott Gillingham’s fund and the City of Winnipeg with contributions from councillors Brian Mayes, Markus Chambers, Ross Eadie, Devi Sharma, and Emma Durand-Wood, Bob Williams’ matching gift, and close to 250 community members and organizations.
- The project was led by KONE working with Winnipeg Building & Decorating and McCain Electrical.
Quotes:
“These elevator upgrades are about creating a better experience for everyone who visits and works at the Gallery. By bringing both our passenger and freight elevators up to today’s standards, we’ve improved accessibility, safety, and reliability throughout the building. It’s an investment in our visitors, our staff, and our ability to share art and culture with the community for generations to come. Thank you to the Manitoba Government and to every donor who has made these improvements accessible and possible.”
— Bill Elliott, Deputy Director & CFO, WAG-Qaumajuq
“Preserving the integrity of landmark cultural places, while ensuring they remain accessible, safe, and welcoming for visitors, artists, students, and staff is vital to our government. We are proud to invest in spaces like the WAG-Qaumajuq to ensure that art classes, exhibitions, programs, and events are available and accessible for Manitobans and visitors for years to come.”
— Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Manitoba Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism
Support
WAG-Qaumajuq thanks the Manitoba government; the WAG Foundation; the City of Winnipeg, Mayor Scott Gillingham, and City Councillors Brian Mayes, Markus Chambers, Ross Eadie, Devi Sharma, Emma Durand-Wood; Bob Williams; and the nearly 250 community members and organizations who supported this initiative.
Associated Links
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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Katryna Barske
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
kbarske@wag.ca
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