Calgary Co-operative Association Limited (Calgary Co-op) has announced plans to expand into Cochrane.
According to a press release from the grocery corporation, Calgary Co-op has purchased six acres of land in the commercial shopping centre of the new, centrally located mixed-use community of Greystone.
The development plan, which is subject to approval, includes a 35,000-square-foot Calgary Co-op Food store including a pharmacy, a Wine, Spirits, Beer liquor store, a cannabis store, as well as a six-pump gas station with a double touchless car wash, a convenience store, and an additional 30,000 square feet of commercial retail space.
Construction is set to begin in the fall of 2023 with an anticipated opening in spring of 2025.
“We look forward to delivering our exceptional shopping experience, and high quality of customer service and products to the town of Cochrane,” said Damon Tanzola, vice-president, Real Estate and Development, Calgary Co-op, in a release on March 2.
“This development will also bring in a diverse mix of retailers and restaurants who will further enhance this unique shopping centre in the heart of the community.”
Calgary Co-op has over 100 retail locations across all its lines of business in Calgary and the surrounding communities of Airdrie, Strathmore, Cochrane, and High River, and has been waiting for the right opportunity to further expand in Cochrane.
Currently, Calgary Co-op owns and operates a Wine, Spirits, Beer branch in the northwest Cochrane community of Mountain Ridge.
"We are thrilled to officially welcome Calgary Co-op to our exciting new community of Greystone. Having such a reputable and first-in-class grocer anchor our retail high street and serve the residents of Greystone and greater Cochrane is really special. We look forward to the entire service offering Calgary Co-op intends to develop," said Josh Hagen, vice-president development for BURNSWEST Properties.
Calgary Co-op recently underwent a re-brand, marking a new era for one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America, with over 400,000 members in Calgary and surrounding areas.
“We are committed to serve the communities our members live, work and shop in,” said Ken Keelor, CEO of Calgary Co-op, in the press release.
“Our expansion in Cochrane provides its residents with an exciting new option when shopping. Those who are looking to get more from their grocery store will appreciate our exclusive member benefits, the huge array of local products we carry, our unique programs and private brands, and our community support.”
The opening of the food store alone is expected to create 125 jobs in Cochrane.
Owned by members, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America. Locations in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore include food centres, pharmacies, gas stations, car washes, Home Health Care centres, Wine, Spirits, and Beer locations and cannabis retail outlets.
In addition, Calgary Co-op operates and is the beneficial owner of Community Natural Foods, Beacon Pharmacies, The Organic Box and Willow Park Wines & Spirits.
