Across Manitoba, communities are doing the work that keeps people moving safely — improving roads, strengthening infrastructure and creating streets that work better for everyone. Now, that work will be recognized with the presentation of the first-ever A.C. Emmett Award at the Manitoba Good Roads Awards Ceremony in Brandon on April 21, 2026.

The A.C. Emmett Award was created in 2025 by CAA Manitoba in partnership with the Manitoba Good Roads Association (MGRA). MGRA promotes the development of safe, well-maintained roads across Manitoba by presenting awards that recognize a significant contribution to road safety and a commitment to maintaining safe road infrastructure.

The A.C. Emmett Award, in particular, celebrates Manitoba municipalities that have made meaningful improvements to their transportation networks and road safety initiatives. It shines a spotlight on communities demonstrating leadership, collaboration and a shared commitment to building safer streets.

The History of A.C. Emmett and the Manitoba Motor League

The award is named for A. C. Emmett, a pioneering advocate for better roads in Manitoba. His vision helped shape the province’s transportation system in the early 20th century. Emmett played a key role in introducing numbered highways across the province. He championed government investment in road infrastructure and worked closely with communities to improve road conditions. He also helped establish the Manitoba Motor League, the organization that would eventually evolve into CAA Manitoba.

The A.C. Emmett Award is open to municipalities of all sizes across Manitoba, with each community given an equal opportunity to be recognized. To qualify, municipalities must be members of the MGRA and submit a nomination for review by a joint CAA Manitoba and MGRA selection committee. The recipient is honoured at the MGRA awards dinner, receiving a commemorative trophy and province-wide recognition through CAA Manitoba’s marketing channels.

The inaugural recipient of the award is Portage la Prairie. The community is being recognized for its ambitious infrastructure revitalization project along Saskatchewan Avenue West. This project shows that thoughtful planning can strengthen communities while making roads safer for everyone who uses them.

Over the past several years, the city has transformed approximately 2 km of roadway that was once a rural road on the edge of the community. Now, it’s a modern urban corridor, designed with safety, accessibility and long-term growth in mind.

Road Improvements to Saskatchewan Ave West

The project introduced a range of improvements aimed at protecting drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Upgraded LED Street lighting now brightens the corridor, while separated bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of the street provide safer commute options. Pedestrian seating areas offer places to pause and gather, and improved traffic signals with audible crossing indicators help ensure the street is more accessible. Travel lanes were slightly narrowed to encourage slower driving speeds, while centre medians and curb bump-outs help guide traffic and make pedestrian crossings more visible and secure. Redesigned intersections further reduce collision risks and create a safer flow for all road users.

Beyond safety improvements, the redevelopment also focused on environmental resilience and improved public spaces. Bio-swales, planters and expanded green spaces were incorporated throughout the corridor, while a new curb-and-gutter drainage system now directs water safely toward nearby Crescent Lake, helping reduce flooding and ice buildup during extreme weather.

In recognizing Portage la Prairie’s work, the inaugural award honours not only the city’s dedication, but also the enduring vision of A.C. Emmett, whose belief in better roads continues to shape Manitoba communities more than a century later.

CAA Manitoba is committed to recognizing and supporting positive change in communities across the province. Visit caamanitoba.com/advocacy to learn more about how CAA is making an impact.