Winnipeg traffic - you make it sound like LA... but with snow!
So perhaps you don't have good route options. What about time of travel options? Do you
have to go to Walmart at rush hour? Not trying to antagonize, but you're making it sound like every time you go out, it's in peak traffic! I've driven in Winnipeg a few times, and even I know it's not always packed
I'd put time of travel above route selection as a tactic. If the road isn't packed, it gives you a
lot more flexibility in driving style.