Our History

Co-operatives have a long history of serving members in Western Canada. In the early 20th century, people worked together to create retail co-operatives in many towns in the four western Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia).

We pride ourselves on our customer service and invite you to visit a location closest to you. When you visit, we strive to make you to feel like “You’re at home here.”

1921 - 1942: Incorporation & Relocation

By 1921, Dawson Creek was home to a handful of homesteaders. The Peace River Region was known for its rich agricultural land, particularly its suitability for grasses.With prices being extremely high because of limited access to the Peace Region, the group of homesteaders quickly moved towards the foundation of their own co-op (May 28th was the date of the incorporation). The first purchase was made in Grande Prairie where inventory was bought and brought back to Dawson Creek. On June 9th, 1921 the co-op rented a 2-room building for $200 per year, which was paid in shares and merchandise. A year later the co-op reported a surplus of $350.86.

In 1931 the railway came to Dawson Creek. Actually, the railway stopped 1.5 miles away from what was to become known as ‘The Old Town.’ The Co-op store was moved on rollers and pulled by horses to the new town. It took 2 ½ weeks! The store remained open for business while rolling towards the new town.

1943 - 1976: The Fire & New Store

Early on the morning of Sunday, February 8 in 1948 a fire started on the second floor of the Co-op. There were 10 people living in apartments on that floor above the store. Fortunately, everyone escaped safely from the building but the fire quickly spread and was soon virtually out of control.

After the fire, the co-op moved into a new building downtown where it continued to be home to the members even though the volume of business had grown from $1000 per year to $400 000 per year by the mid-forties!

In 1972, the Co-op opened a new food store and that’s where the store is today. The co-op expanded its goods to include petroleum, hardware and retail items like clothing. In 1976, the co-op built the Co-op Mall, which was home to the co-op’s cafeteria and its hardware, food and clothing departments, as well as other local businesses.

1977 - 2012: Growth & Expansion

In the last 10 years the co-op’s sales have increased from $20.7 million in 1991 to $28.3 million per year in 2000. Furthermore, in the years 1998, 1999, and 2000 the coop paid, on average, $600 000 per year in dividends to its members.

The co-op has expanded its service to include owning a card lock petroleum facility in Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, and Tumbler Ridge. In 2001 the Dawson Co-op built an impressive Home & Agro Centre.

2013 - Present: Renovations

As the community continued to grow, and new buildings arose all over the town, the Co-op entered a renovation phase to keep up with the times and offer its members a more inviting atmosphere to enhance the shopping experience. In addition to it's modern look, a more efficient parking lot & relocated bus route has been engineered, and new doors and lighting has been installed.