First Nation owners intend to revive bus depot

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This article was published 08/03/2024 (557 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation (WSFN) has acquired the former Greyhound bus depot in Brandon and intends to resume bus service out of the property.

Chief Elwood Zastre said WSFN has forged a significant partnership with Mahikan Bus Lines to inaugurate intercity bus service as soon as the 10,734-square-foot building is prepared for operation.

The property, situated on the southeast corner of Sixth Street and Rosser Avenue, was initially listed for sale at $995,000. The First Nation purchased it last October.

The plan to revive the property as a bus depot comes almost six years after Greyhound Canada ceased its operations in October 2018, bringing an end to its passenger bus and freight services in the Prairies.

While specific routes and the number of buses remain undisclosed, Mahikan Bus Lines, jointly owned and operated by WSFN and five other groups, currently serves various locations, including Flin Flon, The Pas, Swan River, Neepawa, Dauphin, Thompson and Winnipeg.

The partnership, Zastre said, not only solidifies WSFN’s dedication to enhancing regional connectivity, but also highlights its proactive role in fostering co-operative initiatives that contribute to the overall development and accessibility of intercity transportation services in the Brandon community.

“We are very excited and committed to bringing the bus service back to the city of Brandon,” Zastre told the Sun in an email. “We realize there’s a need for intercity bus service to provide cost-effective transportation services for WSFN members and the general public.”

A WSFN sign on the property says the facility will also house a VLT lounge, smoke shop and restaurant.

Although the sale price for the property is undisclosed, the chief has confirmed the pivotal role of funding from Indigenous Services Canada in realizing this venture.

Zastre said the City of Brandon has been involved in discussions around the project.

“We have met with the city regarding our development, and anytime existing buildings can be utilized and revitalized in a downtown, it’s a win-win,” he said. “It is more cost-effective for the nation than building from the ground up and, in turn, provides a fresh start to a currently vacant, dilapidated building within the downtown area.”

The First Nation envisions creating a safe and welcoming space for the people of Brandon while contributing to the local economy through employment opportunities and enhanced services, he said.

“WSFN has had some preliminary discussions with local community groups and encourages partnerships to make this project a positive effort within the city of Brandon.”

Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation is located about 375 kilometres northwest of Brandon.

The former Greyhound bus depot, a one-storey architectural gem, was listed for sale in May 2017. At the time, Greyhound Lines Inc. communications specialist Allison Morrison stressed that the company had no intention of leaving the city and was looking at securing a smaller location to meet its needs.

Constructed between 1981 and 1982, the building was designed by the renowned Winnipeg architectural firm of Smith, Carter and Searle Associates, according to Manitoba Historical Society Archives.

The construction process was undertaken by E. C. Higgens and Sons, with the entire project costing $1.3 million.

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