TERRI YOUNG
Lumsden Co-op Cardlock
- BY TERRI YOUNG, Lumsden and area reporter
November 24, 2022
Bulyea Co-op has served the communities of Bulyea, Strasbourg and Silton for over 85 years. The Co-op brand is used by a network of retail Co-op associations across western Canada to provide goods and services to their respective communities. Members purchase a piece of equity with their membership. An elected board of directors oversees operations.
Gradually, due to factors such as population as well as changes in agriculture demographics, the needs of the community have shifted. In the Town of Bulyea, the Co-op still offers an agro/hardware retail store with fuel pumps.
TERRI YOUNG
Lumsden Co-op - Now Open sign
In 2022, they expanded their market to Lumsden, opening a new facility on Highway 20 beside River Park. Phase I is now open for business, and the cardlock system is available to all members/owners. The purchase of a Bulyea Co-op membership includes instructions on how to apply for a cardlock system card.
When using their membership number to make purchases at a Bulyea Co-op location, the number tracks the purchases, which builds towards future equity and possible cash-back potential. Locations include Bulyea, Strasbourg, Silton and now Lumsden.
According to Nick Evanoff, Bulyea Co-op manager, the original planning began about four years ago. Many meetings took place to develop a growth strategy and put together a plan for how to best invest members’ money for future returns.
Beginning with Phase I, obtaining the permissions and easements required, construction began with all of the most difficult components. The services, utilities and infrastructure development were completed in order to first install the cardlock system. Now, with everything in place, they are ready to move into Phase II. A new building with a retail convenience store and a liquor store, along with a gas station, will be established.
TERRI YOUNG
Lumsden Co-op - Site of future retail and Gas Station
Phase II is planned to start in April of 2023; completion could take eight months or more.
Together with providing a place of employment, Bulyea Co-op supports many of the local organizations, sports clubs, and charities keeping local monies in the community.
When asked, “will Bulyea Co-op extend this support to the Lumsden and area community?” Nick replied, “yes we already do, in the form of Lumsden High School scholarships, as well, some of the local sports teams have applied for funding.”
This Co-op will be a substantial addition to the Lumsden
