Calgary Co-op To Expand Again

The Calgary Co-op is planning to purchase a shopping plaza known as Marda Loop Village and develop an urban grocery store, residential, retail and commercial spaces. Co-op spokesman Damon Tanzola says the new grocery store will have a smaller format than traditional stores, but still offer a variety of fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals and a seating area.  He added that services and experiences must be relevant to members’ lifestyles, which is how Calgary Co-op’s food business can thrive in the long term.

In November, the Co-op purchased Community Natural Foods with the aim of providing more unique products to its members.

https://calgaryherald.com/business/local-business/calgary-co-op-to-develop-urban-grocery-store-and-residential-units-in-marda-loop

Youth Co-ops Get A Boost

The International Summit of Co-operatives is funding the creation of new youth co-ops worldwide. Eight projects will be selected as part of the program to help young people drive change by setting up businesses with a social mission. Already existing youth co-ops or groups of people who wish to create a youth co-op can submit a project. For the latter, there must be a minimum of three youth who sign the application together.

A youth co-op is one that is led by youth with a focus on youth activities. These include campus co-ops, housing co-ops dedicated to youth inclusion, youth health insurance co-ops or agriculture co-ops.

For more information or to download the application go to globalyouth.coop

https://www.ica.coop/en/newsroom/news/youth-network-announces-replication-programme

First Credit Union Gifts Mural to Powell River Library

A new mural called Bear Island, will be unveiled at the Powell River Public Library April 3.

The work, by local artist Anna May Bennett, is a gift from First Credit Union and will adorn the wall of the community meeting room which also is sponsored by First Credit. Many of the organizations who use that room are not-for-profit groups doing community work or community members attending lectures and workshops. 

Chief Librarian Rebecca Burbank said it’s exciting to share Bear Island with users of the meeting room and thanks First Credit Union for supporting local art in public spaces.

https://www.prpeak.com/culture/powell-river-public-library-receives-new-art-installation-1.24085843