Co-op Gas Station Wheatland - Strathmore

History

Calgary Co-op is truly the original “local” grocery store

Back in the mid-1950’s, Calgary Co-op was just getting started; the first store opened downtown on November 15, 1956 with a small but enthusiastic grand opening celebration. Founded by farmers, ranchers, and food producers banding together to sell their wares to a dedicated membership of local buyers, Calgary Co-op is truly the original “local” grocery store.

The idea behind membership in a grocery co-operative like Calgary Co-op was to allow members to own and have an interest in the success of the store—and a say in the products it carries. Members have a financial interest in the success of the cooperative (often through receiving monetary returns based on the frequency of shopping and spending) and in turn they support its success by shopping there.

The grand opening of “store number one,” was held on November 15, 1956, and despite the success and elation at their entrepreneurial venture, it was a small affair. While the local press declined to cover it, Calgary‘s then-mayor Don MacKay was there to cut a ribbon, and the 1000th member joined on that very day in November.

By 1958 membership had climbed to 3,350 and Co-op purchased the land next to the downtown centre for a service station. In 1960 Calgary Co-op had opened its second store, the North Hill Centre on 16th Ave. NE. Membership grew to 5,525, sales reached $2 million, and that time the staff numbered 115. Soon after, more new stores opened including the McLeod Trail Centre (1963), and Brentwood Centre (1965). Membership climbed to 23,038.

Gordon Barker probably says it best: “Calgary co-op was formed by ordinary people who wanted a business they could rely on when others failed to provide them with the services they needed. We must never lose sight of why Calgary Co-op was formed: to serve its members and to be a contributing partner in the community.“