Our History

Co-operatives have a long history of serving members in Western Canada. In the early 20th century, people worked together to create retail co-operatives in many towns in the four western Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia).

We pride ourselves on our customer service and invite you to visit a location closest to you. When you visit, we strive to make you to feel like “You’re at home here.”

1939 — The Beginning

August 1st 1939, six local men, held the first directors meeting for what would be the Wadena Co operative Association Limited. The first business by the Co-op was based on supplying fuel to customers. The construction of a warehouse started almost immediately.

1940 - 1999

Over the years the Wadena Co-op has seen some substantial changes.

• Purchases of town lots for future expansion and development, including feed shed, shopping centre, lumber yard, farm supply centre and gas station.
• Increased members to over 4000 memberships sold
• Amalgamated locations

2000 - 2017 — Where We Are Today

Over the years our Co-op has not only increased in members but also in size. Since the year 2000 Wadena Co-op have introduced a new food store, c-store, card lock , hardware , liquor store and home centre to our community.