(Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Combining Co-ops

Pineland, Lake Country Co-op discussing amalgamation

Dec 10, 2019 | 3:56 PM

Pineland Co-op in Nipawin and Lake Country Co-op, based in Prince Albert, are considering a merger.

The two entities have had a management agreement for nearly three years and Pineland Co-op board president Morley Doerksen told northeastNOW its helped their co-operative evolve during that time.

“Our managers are working together great with the managers of Lake Country and we’re getting some very high-end decision making. We can see that from the board’s point of view and you can kind of see that flow through the whole organization,” he said.

A feasibility study was done and the numbers came back positive. Doerksen said there are a number of benefits to amalgamation. He said the combined Co-op would serve a larger area. It would help to save on purchases and a merger would allow them to share equipment and inventory. Members would also be able to use their Co-op numbers in a larger area, and Doersken said that would allow them to collect more equity with their purchases.

Doerksen said they are now seeking input from members. Information packages have been sent out and information sessions began earlier this week in Choiceland.

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Additional sessions are being held:

• Dec. 11 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Nipawin Food Store
• Dec. 12 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Nipawin Food Store
• Dec. 18 from 3 p.m. to 6.p.m. at the Nipawin Home Centre
• Dec. 19 from 3 p.m. to 6.p.m. at the Nipawin Home Centre
• Jan. 9 member information meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Nipawin Evergreen Centre (general public invited)

A decision will be made by delegates during a vote around the end of January.

“[Delegates] determine the bylaws on the member’s behalf. It’s the way Pineland Co-op is structured,” said Doerksen. “Lake Country Co-op is structured the same way, so that’s just the way our organization is run.”

He encouraged all members to attend the information meetings and have their say.

“It’s the members’ Co-op and we’re doing everything on their behalf, that’s what the board is set up to do – represent the members,” he said.

You can see the Pineland Co-op’s frequently asked questions segment here.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974