Winnipeg, MB – We’re improving the condition and durability of bus shelters across the city.
A series of repairs and upgrades will help make shelters safer and more weather-resistant for riders ahead of the winter season.
A new pilot project will see polycarbonate panels installed at 30 high-use shelters. The material is 250 times more impact resistant than safety glass. It is also already used by several Canadian transit systems.
“Shelters are an important part of our transit network and a lifeline for riders, especially in winter,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We’re investing in stronger, longer-lasting materials so shelters stay safe, clean, and usable – and so our staff can focus on maintaining more shelters rather than repeatedly repairing the same ones.”
The City has spent more than $1 million since 2020 replacing broken shelter glass. Polycarbonate, which is lightweight and flexible, costs only 15 percent more than safety glass. It is expected to significantly reduce ongoing replacement and repair costs.
Winnipeg Transit product-tested all materials proposed by submissions to the request for proposal. This included looking for the product that best stood up to chemicals, UV rays, damage, and weather.
“Shelters are an integral part of our transit network and, in our winter climate, it is important that we are able to provide protection from the outside elements. I’m very pleased to see the polycarbonate pricing has come in lower than anticipated, which is enabling us to install more shelters,” said Councillor Janice Lukes, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works. “Broken and damaged shelters are unsafe and unusable. This damage-resistant product will ensure shelters are safe for public use and save the City money."
In recent weeks, Winnipeg Transit crews have:
- Visited more than 100 shelters citywide
- Repaired glass panels at 70 locations
- Fully refitted three shelters with polycarbonate
Crews continue to complete up to six shelter repairs and upgrades each day
Physical upgrades are just one component of a larger strategy to help keep shelters in safe, working order for Winnipeg Transit riders. New Council-approved encampment regulations state that transit shelters cannot be used for camping or storage, ensuring they remain accessible and functional for riders at all times of the year.
We will evaluate the on-street performance of polycarbonate through the winter months. If successful, there is the potential to expand the pilot project to more shelters in 2026.