Councillor pushing for bus service towards Costco development

A push is on at city hall to get bus service out to where the city’s next Costco is planned. CTV’s Jeff Keele has the latest.

The St. Charles bus stop on Portage Avenue is the last one in the city before heading west towards the Perimeter Highway.

Bus riders who want to go to Red River Exhibition Park or Assiniboia Downs, have to do so on foot, down a busy highway, with no sidewalks.

Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood Coun. Evan Duncan wants to change that.

“It’s treacherous,” said Duncan. “You got to pass underneath the underpass at Portage and the Perimeter, and then you’re continuing to walk through. It’s not a safe situation.”

The city is set to implement a new transit network this summer, but those plans don’t include service to the area beyond the Perimeter, which is still part of the city.

Duncan has tabled a motion for the city to come up with routes, resources and costs to extend the bus line.

“We need to make sure people can get out there, right now you can’t get past Unicity.”

New development planned for the area could help spur the conversation, and the demand for transit. There is already new housing popping up and the 70-acre Westport Festival development is coming. Plans include restaurants, hotels, offices, and retail, all anchored by a new Costco.

“I know not many people are going to be shopping at Costco and taking the bus home, but people work in these types of environments.”

Assiniboia Downs CEO Darren Dunn has always believed the Westport development would be a catalyst towards getting bus service there.

“We have a steady stream of inquires and always have about bus service,” said Dunn. “It’s a twofold win as well. Not only is it customers who would benefit, it’s also employees and staff.”

Red River Exhibition Association CEO Garth Rogerson said they’ve been pushing for transit service for a decade.

“It’s desperately needed for sure,” said Rogerson.

He said they also have a daycare in the area, which could use transit service. Plus, he said roads are already built for buses.

“And we’re offering land to park those buses and turn them around, you know, a free park and ride for people in west Winnipeg that want to get downtown.”

Duncan’s motion would have to pass through public works committee, chaired by Coun. Janice Lukes.

“I’d love to see it happen,” said Lukes. “Whether we can work it into our budget and afford it, that’s a whole other topic, but I’m glad the motion came forward. I’m going to be supporting it.”