Access Credit Union closing multiple Manitoba branches

Jan 16, 2025
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Four closures are effective in May, one in September

Some Manitoba farmers who frequent Access Credit Union for their baking needs will need to use different physical locations as of later this year.

On Jan. 15, the company announced it is closing five branches located in rural communities and consolidating them with existing branches.

As of May 22, 2025, the following branches will cease operations:

Branch Closing	Consolidating With	Address
Birds Hill	Riverbend	2526 Main Street, Winnipeg
Gretna	Altona	129 3 Ave NE.
Lowe Farm	Morris	100 Main St.
Miami	Morden	430 Stephen St.

Then as of Sept. 17, the Lundar branch will close and consolidate with the Eriksdale location at 4 Railway Ave.

The closures come at a time when banking is changing, and online banking activity results in fewer in-person visits.

"Banking habits are evolving, with more members using direct deposit and digital solutions like our mobile app, online, or by phone. We've seen a steady decline in in-branch transactions and a rise in digital adoption,” Larry Davey, president and CEO of Access Credit Union, said in a statement. “For those who prefer in-branch banking, we've ensured convenient services remain accessible by considering travel distances between rural communities, for continued access to convenient services close to home."

In Canada, the number of people who use online banking is increasing.

In 2018, 80 per cent of Canadians reported doing baking online, the Canadian Internet Survey says.

In 2022, that number increased to 82 per cent.

And 82 per cent of Manitobans reported conducting banking online in 2022.

Only Quebecers and Alberta, at 84 per cent each, reported higher instances of online banking.

Those in P.E.I., showed the lowest interest in online banking at 78 per cent in 2022.

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