Winnipeg, MB - The opening of Stadium Station, the first piece of the Southwest Rapid Transitway and Pembina Highway underpass project, was announced today by Mayor Brian Bowman along with Indigenous and Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke and Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South.
The project has been made possible by funding through PPP Canada, Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. Stage 2, being built as a public-private partnership, extends Stage 1 of the Southwest Transitway to the University of Manitoba.
“The Stage 2 Southwest Rapid Transitway will play an integral role in facilitating the fast and efficient flow of people across Winnipeg," said Minister Clarke. “Manitoba will continue to work collaboratively with all levels of government to deliver historic levels of transit investment, including nearly $200 million to support Winnipeg's stage 1 and 2 rapid transit projects."
“Rapid transit is becoming increasingly important as our province and city grows. Providing fast, frequent and reliable service will enhance the lives of our residents and help our businesses flourish. Our government is extremely pleased to be working with the City of Winnipeg and the province as we work to improve the lives of the middle class and those wishing to join it,” said Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, Terry Duguid.
“This is a perfectly fitting location for a Rapid Transit station, at the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and on the grounds of Manitoba’s largest University,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Rapid Transit has been talked about for years and I am proud of the progress made by this Council on getting it done.”
The first piece of the Stage 2 Southwest Transitway which connects to Pembina Highway has been named ‘Bohemier Trail’ in honour of the Bohemier family who moved from Quebec in 1884 and settled in the area. The road is named in recognition of the Bohemier family’s history and the cultural significance of the French-Manitoban and Métis culture in this area. The Bohemier family home has been restored to its 1900’s glory and is now located in the St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park.
Construction of the Southwest Rapid Transitway Stage 2 and Pembina Highway Underpass project is expected to be completed in late 2019. Following a period of testing, training and commissioning, Transit operations on the new transitway are expected to commence in April of 2020.
The Southwest Rapid Transitway (Stage 2) and Pembina Highway Underpass Project is comprised of significant infrastructure components in the southwest quadrant of the city including: the completion of Stage 2 of the Southwest Transitway, the addition of active transportation infrastructure, the renewal and expansion of the Pembina Underpass, and connections to the University of Manitoba and Investors Group Field.
More information on the Southwest Rapid Transitway Stage 2 project can be found on the project website: winnipeg.ca/southwestrapidtransitway.