Access Credit Union is closing six branches across its network in 2026.
On June 19, the Moosehorn, Sanford and 850 Regent Ave. Winnipeg branches will close, consolidating with Ashern, the new Kenaston Crossing location opening later this year, and the 1300 Plessis Rd. Winnipeg branch, respectively.
On Oct. 21, the Plum Coulee branch will close and consolidate with Winkler, the Emerson branch will close and consolidate with Altona, and the 720 St. Anne’s Rd. Winnipeg branch will close and consolidate with the 515 St. Anne’s branch.
CEO and president Myrna Wiebe said the decision reflects a continued decline in in-branch transactions, with 94.93 per cent now completed electronically.
“Looking at how many transactions are being completed electronically or outside of the branch—either at another branch or through the ATM … we’ve monitored this over a number of years,” she said in explaining some of the factors behind the decision when it came to these six branches. “Within that time frame, there’s certainly different steps and things we’ve tried, whether it was moving staff around or trying to make sure that the branch was being used and remaining very relevant.”
Ultimately, the affected locations were no longer sustainable, Wiebe said, noting limited hours of operation in some of the branches due to consistent low traffic volumes as well as their proximity to other branches were also factors in the decision.
The closures will affect nearly 10,600 members. Access has over 208,000 members across the province.
Eleven employees work at the four rural branches affected by these closures, all of whom will have the opportunity to move to another branch. A few corporate employees will also be relocated.
Wiebe expects they will get some push back on these closures, as some of these branches have served their communities for many years.
“Certainly we have definitely heard from some members and some municipalities as well,” she said. “What we’re doing is we’re just trying to inform them as best we can, explain the business case as best we can, and let them know that they’re being supported through this, whether it’s teaching people how to use online banking or the telephone banking, those kinds of things, and then making sure that they’re aware of all of the availability of the branches—not just the branches closest to them right now, but it’s anywhere they’re going. Any one of our branches across our Manitoba footprint is where they can go to use a physical branch.”
Members can also access their accounts through the mobile banking app and ATMs at any credit union in Manitoba. Access CU also offers online appointments with its lenders or financial planners.
Wiebe stressed that Access closing these branches does not mean they will not still be a part of the communities affected.
“Our priorities are tied to the communities that we have across Manitoba, and we do not take lightly the responsibility that we have that comes with the history that brought us where we are today,” she said. “We don’t underestimate and it’s not lost on us the impact the changes to local branches can have on the community. But I also need members to understand that we will still be in those communities.
“They are still within our footprint … the sponsorships, at the events, whether there’s a new project being done by communities—we’re still going to be there.”
