WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is partnering with Winnipeg Transit to redevelop the former Greyhound Bus depot into the new UWinnipeg Balmoral Transit Terminal, providing improved service to students and thousands of downtown commuters. Winnipeg City Council today approved the deal, which will accommodate eight existing bus routes that currently terminate on Balmoral Street adjacent to the University, and in the future, Bus Rapid Transit routes that are planned to terminate at The University of Winnipeg. UWinnipeg’s newly redeveloped AnX at 491 Portage Avenue will include an indoor, security-patrolled waiting area for transit passengers.
“We are committed to improving active and sustainable transit options for our students and for thousands of people who live and work downtown,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “We know that more and more people want to leave their cars at home and commute in an eco-friendly, stress-free way. Once the first phase of the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor is completed in late 2011, it will be possible for students to zip from neighbourhoods such as St. Norbert, Fort Garry, Fort Richmond, Waverley Heights and Linden Woods in the southwest end of the city to the UWinnipeg campus in just 25 to 35 minutes.”
The City will begin construction of the new transit terminal in May and plans to begin operating it in September, when the AnX will also open for business. The new terminal will feature passenger platforms, shelters, benches, signage, BUSwatch electronic bus departure displays, landscaping, new sidewalks and enhanced lighting. The project also includes a new pedestrian crosswalk on Balmoral Street for safer access to the main campus. The total cost of the UWinnipeg Balmoral Transit Terminal redevelopment is $1.2-million and is being funded by the City using Gas Tax funds transferred by the Federal Government for public transit infrastructure investment.
In addition, UWinnipeg is currently redeveloping 22,000 square feet on the main floor of the AnX into a retail plaza offering students and the public downtown’s largest bookstore with a state-of-the-art website for on-line purchasing, a walk-in medical clinic and pharmacy, a restaurant and pub, and a computer store.
Last September, UWinnipeg completed redevelopment of the lower Concourse level of 491 Portage Avenue adding 12 classrooms with smart technology, a computer lab, offices, student lounge and meeting rooms. This allowed students from the English Language Program to relocate from the Massey Building in the Exchange District to the main University campus. Approximately 500 students enroll in ELP annually
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
