Regular transit service to MTS Iceplex is not on the horizon.
The MTS Iceplex, located inside the boundaries of Winnipeg, has no regular bus service.
If taking a bus to the Iceplex, transit users have an unsafe 16 minute walk along the busy and often cold Portage Avenue underneath the Perimeter Highway Overpass. There is no sidewalk on this part of Portage Avenue.
The MJHL showcase was held last week at the Iceplex. It attracted people from many parts of Manitoba.
The Winnipeg Jets Challenge Cup Tournament will be held there from Dec. 23 to Jan. 6.
Tourists should be able to easily access all of Winnipeg’s attractions. The lack of transit service to a facility like MTS Iceplex is an embarrassment to the City of Winnipeg.
The Iceplex is used 365 days a year. It is practice facility for the Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose. It is used by many other teams including the Winnipeg Blues of the MJHL, the Balmoral Hall Blazers, and Sledge Hockey Teams.
The Iceplex is surrounded by Assiniboia Downs, Manitoba’s largest horse racing complex. The Downs is a year round facility hosting trade shows and conventions. Also in the neighbourhood is a large auto mall, and more developments are planned.
The only time Winnipeg Transit services this neighbourhood is during the 10 day Red River Exhibition.
On Oct. 18, 2016, an administrative report from the city concluded: “Winnipeg Transit may not be able to extend service to this area for several years due to resource availability.” (Source: The Administrative Report is part of Item 2 Reports and Hearings Assiniboia Community Committee).
REALLY?
Thousands of people currently work and play in this area year round. There is a demand for Winnipeg Transit in this neighbourhood. Transit is a core city service.
Perhaps, the province, which already heavily subsidizes Winnipeg Transit by at least $50 million every year, could put one condition on these grants.
Winnipeg’s City Council should correct this oversight.
