05/28/2026
Fruitvale and Slocan Valley Co-ops to merge following vote
(MAY 28, 2026) – Fruitvale and Slocan Valley Co-ops will continue to provide top-quality
services and products as they build a future as one organization.
Members of the two organizations voted in favour to amalgamate at recent special
membership meetings. On May 26, 2026, 100 per cent of Fruitvale Co-op members voted
in favour of amalgamation and on May 27, 2026, 96.2 per cent of Slocan Valley Co-op
members voted in favour of amalgamation.
“We are excited and proud to build together. This yes vote from our members gives us the
continued ability to contribute to the success of the communities in our region,” said
Pauline Bergstrom, General Manger, Fruitvale Co-op. “This allows us to grow and diversify
our products and services to ensure relevance and a strong future for our Co-op.”
The new organization will operate as Valley Co-op Marketplace (Valley Co-op) and will
provide members and customers in the West Kootenays region with a larger network of
services from which they can access the lifetime benefits of Co-op membership, including
patronage and equity.
“Today means a lot of our Co-ops, our members and our employees,” said Chris Sapriken,
General Manager, Slocan Valley Co-op “This means we are planning for the next generation
sustainability. This yes vote allows us to leave our Co-op in a better position.”
The amalgamation will take effect on November 1, 2026. Once complete, Valley Co-op
(Valley Merchant Co-operative) will operate a total of five locations across five
communities, including five Gas Bar/C-Stores, one Cardlock - all with one Co-op number.
Over the coming months, the Co-ops will be busy working to ensure there is no disruption
to service for members as two Co-ops become one, establishing a new strategic plan for
future success, providing quality products and services, retaining and developing internally
with our team members, and investing and utilizing technology to enhance our
departments, while always supporting our communities.
For more information:
Chris Sapriken (General Manager – Slocan Valley Co-op) (205) 226-7433
Pauline Bergstrom (General Manager – Fruitvale Co-op) (250) 367-9621