First Nation buys Brandon bus depot to restart service

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This article was published 08/03/2024 (547 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BRANDON — A First Nation has acquired the former Greyhound bus depot in Brandon and intends to resume bus service from the city.

Elwood Zastre, chief of the Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, said it has forged a partnership with Mahikan Bus Lines, based in The Pas, to inaugurate intercity bus service as soon as the 10,734-square-foot building is prepared for operation.

The downtown property, on the southeast corner of Sixth Street and Rosser Avenue, was initially listed for sale at $995,000, although the purchase price is unknown.

Greyhound Canada ended its passenger bus and freight services in the Prairies in October 2018.

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

Zastre said the partnership solidifies the First Nation’s dedication to enhancing regional connectivity and highlights its role in developing transportation services in Brandon.

“We are very excited and committed to bringing the bus service back to the city of Brandon,” Zastre told the Brandon Sun in an email.

“We realize there’s a need for intercity bus service to provide cost-effective transportation services for (reserve) members and the public.”

A sign erected on the property by the First Nation says the facility will have a VLT lounge, smoke shop and restaurant.

Although the price for the property is undisclosed, the chief has confirmed it required funding from Indigenous Services Canada. The purchase was made last October.

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

“We have met with the city regarding our development and any time 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 downtown.”

The First Nation envisions creating a safe and welcoming space while creating jobs, 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 about 375 kilometres northwest of Brandon.

The former depot was listed for sale in May 2017. Constructed between 1981 and 1982, the one-storey depot building was designed by the Winnipeg architectural firm of Smith, Carter and Searle Associates, according to Manitoba Historical Society Archives.

The project cost $1.3 million. The building is considered historically significant because of its unique design and construction details.

— Brandon Sun