Membership

Every member of the Yellowknife Co-op is also an owner. New members must purchase three shares at $20 per share for a total of $60 when they join. Each new member also signs a contract agreeing to purchase a total of 125 shares worth $20 each. These additional 122 shares are paid for by collecting a 2% surcharge on all purchases a member makes. Once all 125 shares are paid for, the surcharge goes towards an interest-earning saving certificate. The shares are a loan that each 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.

If you live in Yellowknife please print off the Member 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 Associate Member Application form and fax the completed form to, 867-873-3006.

Member Benefits 

• Rebates for member/owners on gas and 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.
• 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.
• Videos, toys and books in the kids' area.
• Monthly newsletter.
• In-store Bakery with cake decorators on staff.
• Rug Doctor and Medela breast pump rentals.
• Excellent selection of ethnic and specialty foods.
• 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.
• Member Service counter to look after all your needs.
• Monthly newsletter.
• 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.
• Book exchange.

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, a patronage refund may be paid back to the members in proportion to the amount of business they do with the Co-op.

Member Commitment

• 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.
• Participate in the Annual General Meeting, held each spring. Members can get involved by:
• electing directors to guide the organization.
• assisting in amending bylaws.
• approving the overall objectives and policies of the Co-op.
• running for the Board of Directors.
• assisting with committee work.