The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) is calling for a GPA’s Campus Convenience at the Bannatyne campus. GPA’s Campus Convenience, located only on the Fort Garry campus in University Centre, is a convenience store that is run and operated by students seven days a week.
“Bringing UMSU’s GPA’s Convenience Store to the Bannatyne campus will improve access to basic necessities, creating a brighter, more convenient campus life for all community members,” reads an online petition started by UMSU.
The former health science bookstore (140 Brodie Centre), which has remained vacant since the onset of the pandemic, has been proposed as the location of the convenience store.
The idea of a GPA’s Campus Convenience at the downtown campus was advertised on UMSU’s social media in late September and mentioned during the UMSU Board of Directors meeting on Oct. 3.
“We’re trying to get an actual space where students can eat good food that’s fast,” said Divya Sharma, UMSU president. “It’s also important to note that we’ve heard from students at the other restaurants that are on that campus […] that it does not satisfy their needs.”
Sharma explained that GPA’s Campus Convenience offers culturally sensitive food options and selections that are local. Through collaboration with the university, Sharma hopes to offer other services in the location beyond selling food, citing that it is critical that students have the best experience possible.
“All the money that’s invested into that GPA’s-like store on the Bannatyne campus will go right back into students, so not only are we enhancing their lives, we’re also enhancing the union has a whole,” said Sharma.
The health science bookstore at the Bannatyne campus has remained vacant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An online petition in support of this initiative was started by UMSU on Sept. 23. As of publication, the petition has garnered 262 signatures. “Action is being taken regardless of the petition,” mentioned Sharma, adding that the petition will assist with this initiative.
Sharma noted that UMSU has already had discussions with Michael Benarroch, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, about this possibility.
Students interested in signing the petition in favour of a GPA’s Campus Convenience at the Bannatyne campus can do so at change.org/p/bannatyne-campus-gpas.
