Membership Information

What is a Co-op?

When you join the Yellowknife Co-op, you become one of the owners of a responsive and growing member-run retail organization which serves you by providing a full range of  groceries, household supplies, gasoline, and other services.

Anyone can apply for membership. 

If you live in Yellowknife please print off the application form and bring the completed form to our Member Service counter in the store.

If you live outside of Yellowknife please print off the application form and fax the completed form to, 867-873-3006.

Non-Members are always welcome to shop at the Co-op.

How Does a Direct Charge Co-op Work?

Service Fees
A Direct Charge Co-op provides goods and services to members at as close to its cost as possible, then collects a weekly service fee to meet its operating costs. This fee is paid weekly whether or not purchases are made. The current weekly service fee is:

$1.00 for all member households.

Discount rates are available for members who prepay their membership fees:

26 weeks = 25 weeks paid + 1 week free
52 weeks = 49 weeks paid + 3 weeks free

If a member is going to be away from Yellowknife for six weeks or longer, it is possible
to request, in writing, a suspension of services for this period.

If at year's end, the Co-op has a surplus which is not needed for expansion or reserves, it pays the surplus back to the members by waiving service fees for a specified number of weeks. From time to time, patronage refunds may be paid out to members in proportion to the amount of business they do with the Co-op.

Share Capital
Every member is an owner. New members purchase three shares ($60) when they join. Each member signs a contract agreeing to purchase a total of 125 shares worth $20 each. The rest of the shares are paid for by collecting a 2% surcharge on all purchases the member makes. Once all 125 shares are paid for, the surcharge goes towards an interest-earning saving certificate. The shares are a loan that the member makes to the Co-op, because there is always need for capital to pay for fixed assets of the Co-op, such as buildings and equipment. If a member withdraws from the Co-op, all accumulated share capital is paid back to the member less any amounts owing.

Members are Owners
Your Co-op is locally controlled. The Co-op's one membership-one vote system opens opportunities for you to participate in the decision-making process. Members are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting and to participate in the decision-making process.

Community Support
The Co-op offers both economic and social benefits.  While we are committed to operating efficiently in providing goods and services to our members and their families, we also recognize our social responsibility to help improve the quality of life in Yellowknife. Over the years, the Co-op has supported many local non-profit groups and charities.

Buyers' Club
Co-op members save when they purchase goods and services from businesses belonging to the Co-op Buyers' Club.
Show your Co-op membership card for discounts at these local businesses.
 

Scholarship Program
The Co-op annually offers up to eight scholarships of $1000 each to students who display strong leadership, who are active in school and community extra-curricular activities, and who have shown strong academic performance. 

Member Commitment

1. Patronize the Co-op through full support of the goods and services we provide.  By supporting the business in which you share ownership, you have the opportunity to benefit.

2. At the Annual General Meeting, held each spring, participate by:
   - electing directors to guide the organization
   - assisting in amending bylaws
   - approving the overall objectives and policies of the Co-op
   - running for office or assisting with committee work.

3. Assess the performance of the organization as a whole and communicate your suggestions, comments, and needs to the Co-op through either the staff, General Manager, suggestion box, or the Board of Directors.

4. Help finance the Co-op over the long term.  When net savings are generated, some of this surplus is retained as equity in your name to help finance the ongoing operation of the Co-op.

5. Participate in activities planned or sponsored by the Co-op, whether for members or the community in general.

6. Promote your Co-op by discussing it with members or potential members.

7. Agree to use the Co-op's facilities and purchase goods and services only for your own household.

8. Bag your own groceries and carry them to your vehicle.

9. Return shopping carts to the storage area inside the Co-op.  Performing this simple task saves 120 hours of staff time each year.

10. Use the suggestion box to inform management and the Board of your opinions and ideas.
     

Member Benefits 

Discount for member/owners on gas & diesel at our gas bar Buyers' Club discounts at Yellowknife businesses Return of surplus to member/owners In 2007, the Co-op donated over $50,000 to local community and non-profit groups and Co-op member/owners contributed over $17,000 in cash donations to the Food Bank. The Co-op offers up to eight $1,000.00 scholarships each year to member/owners and their families. Member/owners may make requests to order items that they do not see on the shelf. We will make every effort to bring them in. Our carts are always stored inside Full service deli Weekly specials flyer Huge selection of organic  products Free juice and cookies for children. Free coffee for member/owners. Seating area Book Exchange

Videos, toys and books in the kids' area Monthly newsletter In-store Bakery with cake decorator on staff Rug Doctor and Medela breast pump rentals Excellent selection of ethnic and specialty foods Extensive wine and beer making section The Co-op is governed by a nine member Board of Directors which is elected by the membership at an Annual General meeting held at least once a year Member/owners have input by offering ideas to the Directors, the General Manager and staff through the suggestion box. Full time employees provide over 70% of employee hours - an accomplishment in the food industry.  No long line ups at the tills Kids' Fruit Club-free fruit for kids while shopping with parents. Get a Fruit Club card at the Member Service counter. Hassle free guarantee Member Service counter to look after all your needs

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