Provincial Trunk Highway 34 (PTH 34) has been named Manitoba’s worst road for the second year in a row, according to the results of the 2026 CAA Worst Roads campaign. The Pembina Valley highway, located west of Winnipeg, has previously appeared on the provincial top ten list seven times, and this is the second consecutive year it has claimed the top spot. Manitobans who nominated PTH 34 did so because of potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven road surfaces. “The roads on this list reflect what Manitobans experience every day,” says Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations for CAA Manitoba. “Manitobans want roads that are safe, reliable and properly maintained, whether they live in Winnipeg or in a rural community. This year, 711 roads across 69 municipalities were nominated for the top spot. The most common concerns cited were potholes, poor maintenance and uneven road surfaces. “This year’s list shows that road issues are not just a Winnipeg problem or a rural problem, they’re a Manitoba problem,” Friesen said. “There is an even split between rural and urban roads on the provincial list.” Many of the roads identified are major commuter, trade and connector routes relied on by families and businesses. As governments focus on inter-provincial trade, congestion in Winnipeg and critical road safety issues, investments in the roads and highways are more important than ever. “When key routes fall into disrepair, it affects more than just convenience,” Friesen said. “Vehicle repair costs go up, fuel efficiency goes down, and delays increase. That adds pressure to already stretched household budgets and affects our economy.” Repeated nominations often signal that communities want long-term solutions, not temporary fixes. Several roads that have appeared on past lists are now under construction, resurfaced or scheduled for rehabilitation. “We’ve seen that sustained public input makes a difference,” Friesen said. “The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives governments a clear snapshot of where funding and attention are wanted most.” CAA Manitoba is urging provincial and municipal governments to continue prioritizing predictable, year-over-year investment in road maintenance and safety. “Stable funding allows governments to plan ahead, address safety concerns earlier and avoid higher costs later,” Friesen said. “It’s about keeping people safe and keeping Manitoba moving.” Top 10 worst roads in Manitoba for 2026 Provincial Trunk Highway 34 — Central Plains/Pembina Valley Provincial Road 307 — Whiteshell Kenaston Boulevard/Route 90 — Winnipeg Saskatchewan Avenue — Winnipeg Richmond Avenue — Brandon Gateway Road — Winnipeg Leila Avenue — Winnipeg 1st Street — Brandon Provincial Road 422 — Pembina Valley St. Mary’s Road — Winnipeg For more information and historical results, please visit: https://www.caamanitoba.com/advocacy/government-relations/worst-roads 

Sunrise Credit Union is proud to announce that $53,500 will be awarded through the Spring intake of its Building Community Grant program.   Community organizations were invited to apply for funding in one of three categories: Facilities  Construction or Improvement Capital Grants, Individual and Community Wellbeing, and Arts, Culture and  Sport. Following a thorough review process by the selection panel, five projects were selected to receive  funding.  “This spring’s intake for the Building Community Grant program was our largest to date, with 88  applications requesting more than $1.6 million in funding,” said Tim Klassen, President & CEO of Sunrise  Credit Union. “The overwhelming response reflects the passion, innovation, and growing needs within  the communities we serve. Every applicant demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making a  difference, which made the selection process especially difficult for the panel as they narrowed it down to  five projects.”  Treherne Minor Athletics will receive $10,000 under the Arts, Culture, & Sports category to replace the  aging rink boards at its facility. The current 40-year-old wood boards are structurally compromised with bowing and cracking creating safety concerns for players and spectators. The deteriorating boards also  require frequent maintenance and re-flooding to meet safety standards.  Under the Individual and Community Wellness category, the Minnedosa Regional Health Foundation has  been awarded $20,000 toward the purchase of new and additional surgical equipment to maximize the  number of operations that visiting specialists can perform per day. The investment will enhance care at  the Minnedosa Health Centre and help ensure more patients can receive treatment closer to home.  The Cypress River Fire Department has been awarded $3,500 to purchase a new set of turnout gear.  Consisting of a jacket and pants, turnout gear serves as a firefighter’s first line of defense in emergency  response situations.  Under the Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant category, the Laurier Community Centre  will receive $15,000 to replace metal siding and add exterior Styrofoam insulation. The upgrades will  help extend the lifespan of the well-used, volunteer-run facility, which serves as the only venue in the  community able to accommodate more than 300 people. The centre regularly hosts events including  pancake breakfasts, weddings, craft sales, and other community gatherings. Also, under the Facilities Construction Or Improvement Capital Grant category, Hartney Sprouts Daycare  will receive $5,000 towards the installation of a play structure at their new centre. This centre will add 63  daycare spots for the community.  Since launching the Building Communities Grant Program in Fall 2023, Sunrise Credit Union has  supported 26 community projects and initiatives with more than $261,598.68 in funding - a meaningful  impact made possible through Sunrise’s ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening the  communities it serves.  The next intake period for the Building Communities Grant Program will run October 1–31, 2026. Organizations or groups that have previously applied but were not selected remain eligible to apply  again. We look forward to supporting more organizations on projects and initiatives of all sizes, to  continue improving the communities we serve and to invest directly back into them – creating a brighter  future together

Everything Canadians love about A&W is getting smashed! Canada's Original Burger Chain is officially launching the first-ever A&W Smash Burger nationwide on May 25th. We are searing our juicy grass-fed beef patties to bring you A&W's deliciously smashed answer to this popular burger style. For a limited time, Canadians can smash either a single or a double, loaded with melted cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, sliced onions and a secret sauce, all served on a toasted brioche bun. A Canadian QSR FirstA&W is proud to be the first Canadian QSR to introduce a smash burger to its menu nationwide. Recognizing that smash burgers are having a moment, A&W wanted to bring the hype to every corner of Canada so that no burger lover is left out. "Hand-smashed burgers are rarely done at this scale because it takes quality ingredients and thoughtful execution," says Karan Suri, Senior Director, Innovation at A&W Canada. "Each hand-smashed, juicy, grass-fed beef patty is paired with real cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and our signature sauce for a perfectly balanced bite. Pure burger bliss." "There is something so special about the simplicity of a perfect smash burger! We are excited to be welcoming Canadians to try our delicious new obsession," says Susan Senecal, CEO of A&W Canada. "The same quality and care you know and love from A&W is now bringing you a fun and flavourful smash burger." Canadians can head to their local A&W or order a Double or Single Smash Burger through the mobile app beginning May 25th, for a limited time.  

There are 1,500 Canadian restaurant owners who proudly own and operate 4,000 Tim Hortons restaurants from coast to coast. This year, 340 owners are investing their own money to build or renovate 480 restaurants across the country. 280 Canadian restaurant owners are investing in 400 renovations, with another 60 Canadian restaurant owners investing in 80 new locations. Every dollar of these investments stays close to home. Building and renovating restaurants across the country creates meaningful, ongoing work for local and regional tradespeople – electricians, plumbers, carpenters, masons, painters, tilers, mechanical companies, roofers, general contractors and more – in communities across every province. Renovation and construction material for Tim Hortons restaurants are sourced through Canadian-owned businesses, with most items manufactured on Canadian soil. Our custom restaurant furniture is handcrafted in Montréal from 100% Canadian-sourced maple. Every piece of signage is designed, fabricated, and installed by Canadian suppliers. And restaurant artwork is conceived by Canadian artists, creatives and brought to life by Canadian makers. "Tim Hortons was built in Canada by Canadians, and we are proud to continue investing in Canada to give our guests beautiful, modern restaurants to enjoy," said Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons. "These are Canadian families investing their own money in their own communities – and that's something we're proud of." Renovations and New Builds Improve the Guest and Team Member Experience Brighter, more beautiful restaurants: Guests want to visit and team members want to work in nice restaurants. With better lighting, layouts and design, renovated restaurants are more welcoming spaces for everyone. Improved restaurant layouts: Better layouts allow team members to serve guests faster and more accurately. Celebrating our Canadian heritage: As fixtures in communities for more than 60 years, it's important to reflect and celebrate Tims Canadian heritage and community connection. Canadiana and our commitment to supporting youth through Tim Hortons Foundation Camps is woven throughout the updated design. A standout baked goods showcase: Tim Hortons restaurants sell the most baked goods of any QSR in Canada. At the heart of each restaurant is a beautiful baked goods showcase that shows off our delicious donuts, cookies, Timbits, muffins and more. Improved digital ordering and pick up: Many guests choose to order using the mobile app or kiosk vs at the register. Renovated restaurants make it more clear how to order digitally on site or where to pick up mobile orders. Upgraded kitchen equipment: To ensure that guests always have the best food and drinks, served hot and fresh, renovated restaurants upgrade key pieces of equipment. 2026 Tim Hortons Renovations and New Restaurants* Province New TimHortonsRestaurants RenovatedTim HortonsRestaurants Total Alberta 17 49 66 British Columbia 8 43 51 Manitoba 3 10 13 New Brunswick 3 19 22 Newfoundland & Labrador 2 11 13 Nova Scotia 2 15 17 Northwest Territories 1 0 1 Nunavut 0 1 1 Ontario 26 188 214 PEI 1 1 2 Quebec 14 51 65 Saskatchewan 3 12 15 Total 80 400 480 *Current estimate as of May 2026 From St. John's to Victoria, Tim Hortons restaurants are woven into the fabric of Canadian life. With nearly 4,000 locations across Canada, Tims is more than where Canadians grab their morning Double-Double™ – it's also one of Canada's most significant economic engines and owners are proud to pour back into their communities.  

Families in Brandon are set for a day of hands-on fun as the annual Touch-a-Truck event rolls into the grounds of the Keystone Centre on Saturday, May 23. The popular community event gives children and families the chance to get up close with a wide variety of vehicles, heavy equipment, emergency response units, construction machinery and more. Running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the family-friendly fundraiser allows kids to climb aboard trucks, honk horns, explore equipment and meet the people who operate the massive machines every day. Organizers say the event continues to grow in popularity each year thanks to its interactive atmosphere and wide range of attractions. A special quiet hour will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with reduced noise levels and limited sirens and honking, helping create a more sensory-friendly environment for children and families who may benefit from a calmer experience. In addition to the vehicles and equipment displays, attendees can also enjoy face painting, bouncy castles, equipment demonstrations and a variety of food options throughout the day. Organizers say proceeds from the event will support Kokums Early Enrichment Programs in Brandon. Admission is $5 per person at the gate, while children aged one and under are admitted free. The event will take place on the outdoor grounds surrounding the Keystone Centre and is expected to attract hundreds of visitors from Brandon and across western Manitoba.