As members know, our space is full, full, full and for several years now, we’ve been looking at a variety of options including moving and renovating to be able to expand. Many of you will remember back in 2015, when we first moved into our present location, the entire right side was empty of products. We had a library and a children’s play area in front of the window with table and 6 chairs, and Carolyn’s paintings graced the walls (you can still see some of them). Hard to believe now with our shelves chock-a-block and our bagging table crammed into the corner. Growth is good, but only when you have somewhere to go! Last fall, in a conversation with co-op member Jini Patel about our ongoing challenges to push out walls, hang groceries from the ceiling and provide dance lessons to our volunteers, Jini had the idea of approaching the corporate office of Westland Insurance to appeal to their civic spirit and community-mindedness – which she did brilliantly and with success!! Dave Thomas, head of Facilities and Construction for existing and future Westland buildings, was immediately enthusiastic and promptly approached the owners of Westland with the idea of allocating some square footage to our co-op. They agreed to help us out! Dave did some calculations and created a design proposal that offers about 450 square feet, which is a huge 30% increase in space for us!). With a firm financial commitment to help us with the renovations from Area D representative, Rick Fairbairn and the RDNO, we were very excited to go ahead, except for one thing… The Co-op had been running a deficit for more than a year – seriously in 2022 but less and less through 2023 and now with the dedicated efforts of our staff, volunteers, directors, and members has produced excellent record-breaking sales months to tip the balance going into 2024! |
What does it all mean to expand at this time?
- gravity-fed bulk bins
- more space for member orders
- greater variety of supplements and other products that people have requested
- better signage closer to the road
- greater volumes of products from Local Vendors at more competitive prices
- backup freezer in case of power outages
- greater cool storage for perishables
All of these contribute to a stronger bottom line. The risk to us regarding increased operating expenses is significantly less than all the other moves we have considered in the past. The disruption and cost of this expansion will be considerably less than a move to a new location. The board is in unanimous agreement that we cannot afford to pass up this golden opportunity! |
And how do we make this happen?
Grants as mentioned above. We bought additional second-hand shelving in good condition to reduce expansion costs some time ago. Fundraising events to cover unforeseen additional expenses. We have well-researched plans for how to use the additional space with many thanks to Kristin Wills,
Renovation costs will be shared with Westland Insurance. We are waiting for estimates now. Electrical upgrade rebates from BC Hydro are looking very promising. Renovations for both parties will be overseen by professionals. It will happen in a timely fashion with minimal disruption to our operations and sales.
Having said all this, we also want to hear from you – your thoughts and ideas – how you will commit to making this expansion a huge success – all of it. You can email us at directors@monasheecoop.ca, or call our president Chris at 250.858.4211 |