Rumours Cabaret in Halifax faces closure due to rising costs

Rumours Cabaret, a prominent LGBTQ2S community space in Halifax, is facing potential closure due to significant increases in operating costs. Owners Gerald McCowan and Jose Chiu announced they have approximately two months to secure a new two-year lease and establish financial stability.

The primary financial challenge stems from a lease renewal starting in November, which will increase monthly costs by approximately $6,000, bringing the total to $18,000 per month before taxes. This figure does not include additional overhead such as payroll, security, repairs, and maintenance.

In response to these challenges, the owners have launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to seek community support. McCowan noted that the current financial projections are unsustainable, stating, “I’m looking at our finances. Looking at everything and the numbers, they just don’t work.” The establishment, which serves as a community hub for all identities, represents a revival of a local institution that originally closed in the 1990s.