MISUSE OF BUS SHELTERS - TRANSIT UNION ADVOCATES FOR CHANGE
WINNIPEG, June 24, 2022 - ATU Local 1505 has long been an advocate for the need to address the prevalent issue of homelessness and addiction in our city. On June 11, 2021, a letter, written by ATU member Leigh Kilfoyle, was sent to Mayor Bowman and the City Council regarding our concerns surrounding homelessness, addiction, and the misuse of Transit bus shelters.
The letter provided a detailed account of the activity taking place in the shelters and lists out several recommendations for solutions. The recommendations included the implementation of enforceable bylaws against using the shelters for purposes other than their intended function. Additionally, it includes progressive approaches to help those misusing the shelters such as the creation of Temporary Rehabilitation Shelters, job creation, and mobile COVID-19 vaccination vehicles. Please find a copy of the letter attached.
To date, we have not seen action taken on any of the recommendations. In fact, the activity in the bus shelters continued to escalate until Councillor Shawn Nason’s recent proposal to dismantle the shelters on Regent Avenue.
As of June 23rd, 2022, Nason’s motion was shelved by City Council, and Nason retracted his initial proposal after the backlash from many advocacy organizations and individuals. Nason instead put forward a new motion with Councillor Sherri Rollins which calls for anti-poverty initiatives, housing and addiction supports, and funding for outreach groups.
The initial proposal made by Nason to dismantle the bus shelters on Regent Avenue ignited heated discussions over human rights, safety, and government accountability. We, as a Union, are glad that this concern has been brought to the forefront of City Council conversations.
However, the conversation must translate into action. Addressing this concern head-on will require participation, financial commitment, and policy adherence from all levels of government.
The misuse of bus shelters is a symptom of much larger and deeper societal problems. We will continue to work with advocacy organizations, such as End Homelessness Winnipeg to find solutions. We must all come together as a community to find action-orientated, solutions-based approaches to ensure the safety and well-being of all our citizens, our members, and ridership are put first.
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