Cochranites flooded into the new Calgary Co-op Food Centre, pharmacy, gas station and Wine Spirits Beer store in Greystone this morning, with some waiting in line until the doors officially opened.
An hour before, over 100 people attended the opening ceremony, which included speeches by Calgary Co-op board chair Ken White, Jeff Ambrose, senior vice-president of operations and merchandising, Damon Tanzola, senior vice-president of real estate and health and wellness, and local officials.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Ambrose. “Cochrane is the fastest growing community in Alberta, and we are excited to bring Calgary Co-op’s unparalleled service, fresh selection and unique offerings to this vibrant town.”
Tanzola, a 12-year Cochrane resident, said the complex was completed a month ahead of its 18-month schedule. He said he is thrilled to have played a role in the development.
“Being a local entity here, supporting the local commerce and other service providers that are going to be part of this community, I think we’re going to be embraced as part of Cochrane. That’s exactly what we do when we come into a community; we become part of that community.”
Already, Co-op was a major sponsor of the free community barbecue that helped launch the Labour Day Weekend Rodeo, with employees helping serve about 1,200 people.
Since the project was launched, Cochrane’s growth has exceeded projections. Before construction began, Tanzola said, projections were based on a population 4,000 lower than what it is today.
Mayor Jeff Genung welcomed the economic boost and tied the store’s arrival to community growth.
“I know that organizations like yours have a lot of options out there,” said Genung. “To choose a community like Cochrane, we’re grateful for that. You’re bringing jobs here. You’re bringing vibrancy here.
“I was amazed walking through the doors this morning and to be able to see all the way across the entire store is pretty refreshing.”
On the campaign trail for re-election, Genung also touched on one of the community’s key issues—growth.
“I’m here at everyone’s door, ‘What’s happening with Cochrane? We’re growing so quickly. But when’s Co-op opening?’” he said to laughs and cheers from the large crowd.
During his presentation, Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie flashed his smartphone, showing an image from the Co-op app.
“I am a Calgary Co-op member, and for those who have not done it yet, download the app,” said Guthrie, to a round of applause.
Store manager Colin Donoghue, a 44-year Co-op employee, lives in nearby Ghost Lake.
“I’ve lived in this area since 1999, and we’ve been waiting for it. I’ve been begging, ‘C’mon, you’ve got to open up a store in Cochrane.’ I’m so proud to be part of this community and welcoming all the customers that will be shopping with us.”
Resident Terry Hannah arrived at 7:50 a.m. with her cart ready for when the store opened at 9. She praised the company, where her son now works as the meat manager.
“They’ve got beauty meat, and what I like is it’s all local; it’s not imported. That’s important—and it’s good meat.”
Representatives of the Cochrane Food Bank were also at the opening, announcing Co-op as a new partner in its Fresh Food Rescue Program. The partnership provides fresh produce, meat, dairy and grocery items to residents in need while reducing food waste in stores.
Besides its 41,000-sq.-ft. food centre and pharmacy, Co-op also opened a service station with 10 fueling pumps, a touchless car wash, propane filling—a rarity in Cochrane—and a convenience store.
It also opened its second Wine Spirits Beer location in Cochrane.
A free community barbecue is being held at the Calgary Co-op on Saturday afternoon.
New businesses will soon begin opening in the adjacent strip mall. Tanzola said he cannot disclose who they are, but hints and rumours have spread across town. One thing everyone in Cochrane knows for certain is it includes a Tim Hortons.
