Interlake Co-op is now offering 24-hour fuel access at its Arborg and Eriksdale locations, expanding around-the-clock convenience for both members and non-members while reinforcing its commitment to locally owned, community-focused service.
The new service allows customers to fuel at any time using debit or credit cards, in addition to existing cardlock access, at both cardlock stations located at 17 Main St. South in Arborg and at the junction of Highway 6 and PR 417 in Eriksdale.
General manager Jordan Cook said the move was made possible through recent technology upgrades and reflects a desire to better serve members and the broader community.
“We had this potential benefit become possible with technology upgrades and wanted to provide our members and communities with the option to have 24-hour fuel in Arborg and Eriksdale with debit, credit and cardlock service 365 days of the year,” Cook said.
While Interlake Co-op previously offered 24-hour cardlock access, Cook said expanding the service to include debit and credit payments was an important step in improving accessibility.
“By adding the benefit of debit and credit payment, it allowed all members and non-members to have 24-hour access to fuel, 365 days per year,” he said.
Cook noted the expanded access benefits not only local residents but also travellers and commercial operators moving through the region.
“By having this 24-hour debit, credit and cardlock service in our communities, it ensures all residents or people passing through can have fuel any time of day, any season,” he said.
The recently installed terminals feature brighter full-colour screens designed to improve visibility and ease of use. Clear step-by-step instructions are posted at each kiosk for both first-time and repeat users.
To ensure safety, first-time debit or credit users are guided through a brief set of safety prompts to obtain an access code, which renews annually.
“By doing these one-time required safety steps, it helps ensure all users will use the site in a safe manner, along with being educated on the safety equipment locations,” Cook said.
Once registered, users can tap or insert their card, enter their access code, select a pump and pre-authorized amount, and begin fuelling. The terminals display litres pumped and price per litre for regular gasoline and regular diesel. Members can enter their Co-op number during the process, while non-members can proceed without one.
Cardlock members will continue to fuel as before by inserting their cardlock card, entering their PIN, selecting a pump and fuelling.
Cook said the new 24-hour fuelling option also helps address seasonal and emergency needs, particularly during winter months when access to fuel outside regular business hours can be critical.
“In rural communities, fuel access isn’t just about convenience — it’s about reliability,” he said. “Whether it’s early-morning work, late-night travel, snow removal, farming operations or unexpected situations, having fuel available at all hours makes a real difference.”
He added that the upgraded terminals were designed with clarity and simplicity in mind, reducing confusion for users who may be accessing the cardlock stations for the first time.
“We wanted to make sure the system was straightforward and user-friendly, while still meeting safety requirements,” Cook said. “The prompts and instructions are there to guide people through the process so they feel confident using the service.”
As a member-owned co-operative, Cook said the investment reflects Interlake Co-op’s ongoing focus on reinvesting locally and delivering tangible benefits to its communities.
“As a member-owned business, we are deeply invested in our local communities,” he said. “With the support of our members, we can continue providing services and benefits that help communities grow and thrive.”
Cook added that non-members using the new service may also want to consider joining the co-op.
“Memberships with Interlake Co-op are only $1,” he said. “Becoming a member allows a person to get extra money back in the form of equity. It’s easy to join at any of our locations or online.”
Cook said the 24-hour fuelling expansion aligns with Interlake Co-op’s long-term planning for rural service delivery, balancing modern technology with practical community needs. He noted that reliable fuel access supports local businesses, emergency response and essential services, particularly in smaller communities where alternatives may be limited.
Residents with questions about the new 24-hour fuelling option are encouraged to contact the Interlake Co-op bulk fuel team at 1-204-376-5201 or by email at fuel@interlake.crs or fuel-clerk@interlake.crs. Support is also available through the Eriksdale hardware team at 1-204-739-2634.
