The Trans Canada Brewing Co. is planning to open a new taproom at the former Barney’s Motel site in Brandon.
The commercial property at 105 Middleton Ave. — at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Hwy. 10 — was sold in December 2023 to a Winnipeg developer.
Trans Canada brand and marketing leader Emma Houldsworth told the Brandon Sun the Westman city was an easy choice for the company’s first expansion beyond its flagship operation in Winnipeg.
TREVOR HAGAN / FREE PRESS FILES
The Trans Canada Brewing Co. is planning to open a new taproom at the former Barney’s Motel site in Brandon.
“Brandon is an exciting city and the surrounding areas represent a huge market that has only recently started its craft beer journey,” Houldsworth said in an email. “We aspire to be a household name in the beer industry in Manitoba and Brandon allows us to speak directly to customers in a whole new segment.”
The location is at the highly visible intersection, she added.
“The chance to have Trans Canada Brewing Co. on the Trans-Canada Highway means that we will be a convenient stop whether you are passing through or coming home.”
The new taproom is expected to open in spring 2026.
“While still in the planning stages, the Brandon location will include an on-site production facility, offering exclusive beers brewed locally that customers won’t find anywhere else,” Houldsworth said.
In addition, the taproom will include a full menu, highlighted by stone oven pizzas — a feature of the south Winnipeg location — and a grab-and-go retail store. “We strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome and looks forward to their next visit,” Houldsworth said.
While the estimated project cost has yet to be finalized, she said the company anticipates the Brandon expansion to be its most significant investment since its initial build in Winnipeg.
The economic impact is expected to be considerable, creating approximately 20-25 jobs.
— Brandon Sun