Rumours' nightclub needs $40k by October to avoid Halifax queer space's closing

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaNewsNova ScotiaHalifax Rumours' nightclub needs $40k by October to avoid Halifax queer space's closing Queer venue owners say having dedicated spaces is required, no matter how many businesses are broadly queer friendly Author of the article: By Ally Bowes Published Sep 04, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 4 minute read Rumours owners, Jose Chiu and Gerald McCowan are seen at their Lower Water Street establishment in Halifax Tuesday September 2, 2026. As a result of financial pressure tightening they are at risk of having to shut down. PHOTO BY TIM KROCHAK /The Chronicle Herald Article content A downtown Halifax queer nightclub is saying the next two months will determine if the bar remains open for the next two years and calls on the community to help it avoid the same fate as other queer spaces.  Article content Rumours nightclub co-owners Gerald McCowan and José Chiu made a post to Facebook saying they needed around $40,000 for first and last month’s rent to secure a new lease before their current one expires at the end of October.  Article content Article content Article content “So basically, in two months, if we don’t come up with all that money, we’re going out of business,” McCowan told The Chronicle Herald.  Article content McCowan said Rumours’ new lease would start in November and take baseline costs to $18,000 per month, a total of $432,000 over the next two years.   Article content This is before factoring in costs like payroll, entertainment, equipment, DJs and other expenses, according to the statement.  Article content “It’s just to get us through this right now so we can carry on and keep operating,” McCowan said, adding that without taking out a high-interest loan, they wouldn’t have the cash.  Article content The post has generated over $7,000 of the $18,000 goal, with the first $1,000 coming from McCowan. Article content New location isn’t in the cards Article content According to McCowan, moving to another location isn’t realistic.   Article content Over the past 10 months, McCowan and Chiu have been searching, but just getting an optimal location isn’t the issue. McCowan said everything would have to be taken down and set up elsewhere, and the costs to build and stock what’s needed for regular service.  Article content Article content “To move out of that spot, you can’t just pick up a…