Our History
September 17, 2019

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.”




1946 - Where it all started

On April 10, 1946, Estevan Co-op became incorporated. This store was located on 5th Street in Estevan and only sold one commodity: petroleum.


1949

In 1949, Estevan Co-op built its first building also located on 5th Street. At this time the co-op added more commodities such as sundry products and flour

In November of 1949, the Co-op started to sell lumber.


1962

On May 1, 1962, Estevan Co-op opened the 4th Street Food Store.


1963

On April 4, 1963, Estevan Co-op amalgamated with Frobisher Co-op.


1969

In 1969, FCL purchased a building in Oxbow, which Estevan Co-op then leased and opened the Oxbow Food Store.


1999

In 1999, the 4th Street Food Store was demolished and a new Food Store and C-Store location were developed.


2003

In May of 2003, Estevan Co-op amalgamated with Carlyle Co-op.


2006

On July 1, 2006, Estevan Co-op changed its name to Southern Plains Cooperative Ltd.


2008

In 2008, new facilities were built for the Agro/Bulk location.

The Kensington C-Store was also built and opened in 2008.


2009

In December 2009, Southern Plains Co-op opened the Carlyle C-Store location. The Cardlock location opened later that year.


2013-2014

In the years of 2013-2014, the 4th Street Food Store went through major renovations. These renovations included all the new FCL Branding, incorporating the "You're at home here." branding strategy.


2015

Southern Plains Co-op opened its first Oxbow card lock location.


2016

In early January, 2016, Southern Plains Co-op opened its first C-Store/Gas Bar location in Oxbow.

On January 31, 2016, Southern Plains Co-op amalgamated with Gainsborough Co-op.

On March 18, 2016, Southern Plains Co-op opened the new Oxbow Food Store location.


2017

On January 29, 2017, Alameda Coop amalgamated with Southern Plains Co-op. We have now added a lumber service for our members.

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