About Us
Welcome to the new Pineland Co-op website. Pineland Co-op has been serving the north east since 1929.
At Pineland Co-op we strive to make your Co-op experience the very best. Whether you're becoming a Member or shopping our many services, we are here to help you.
We are continually improving and growing. We would like to hear from you on how we are doing and ways we can make your Co-op better. Contact Us Here
Thank You for your continued patronage. We look forward to many years of helping you and your family with all your product and service needs.
Pineland Co-op's Board of Directors
Vice President - Morley Doerksen
Secretary - Ron Breadner
Director - Arlie Olson
Director - David Fettis
Director - Paula Seaman
Pineland Co-op's Management Team
Controller - Tracey Olson
Human Resources Manager - Tammy Nilson Accountant - Donna Ritthaler Confidential Secretary - Tammy Runn
Marketplace Food Store Manager - Trent Schidlowsky
Assistant Grocery Manager - Amanda Ritthaler
Bakery/Bistro/Deli Manager - Betty Agur
Produce Manager - Melinda Harris C-Store Manager - Lynne Hoppe
Home Centre Manager - Daryl Janzen Building Materials Manager - Don Rittahler Hardware Manager - Martin Hamata
Assistant Hardware Manager - Greg Haluke
Service Station Manager - Mary Lou Peterson
Petroleum Manager - Lawrence Anonychuk
Agro Manager - Trevis Sturby
Agronomist - Danielle Stensrud
Nipawin Fertilizer Manager - Barry Hipkins
Choiceland Ferilizer Manager - Pierre Huard
Choiceland Farm Supply Manager - Harvey Thibault Choiceland Farm Supply Assistant Manager - Clinton Sprenger
Choiceland Store Manager - Bea Wilburn
The History of Pineland Co-op - Part 1
A grainery of supplies and $655. 1929 - over 80 years ago, these were the humble beginnings of what is now the Pineland Co-op.
The company officially began operating as the Codette Co-operative Association on January 29, 1929. A group of mostly farmers, fresh out of the fields, were elected as the first board of directors. Walter Mills, the Co-op's first manager, was hired shortly after to operate the business in Codette, Saskatchewan.
These were men of vision, with very little in way of assets, but loads of heart and determination. Attempting to grow a business from scratch on the cusp of the great depression would be a monumental task.
The directors had managed to raise $655, far short of the $1500 they had hoped for, but it was a start. A small building was rented for $25 per month and an initial stock of groceries was ordered. Products were displayed on wooden apple boxes and planks. They journey had begun.
Before the end of the year, Mr. Raisin, one of the merchants in the hamlet, offered to sell his dry stock to the Co-op and rent out his building. The directors felt the asking price was fairly high but decided to accept the offer, as they were in no position to build. The company didn't have the funds to purchase Mr. Raisin's stock but Dave McAulay, one of the directors, put forward some of his own money to make the purchase.
Many struggles followed, trying to make contacts with wholesalers. Many refused to sell to the young start-up company, citing lack of assets. The expectation was that the company would soon be bankrupt, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Codette Co-op did well in their first year, finishing with $1300 in assets, after expenses. Now the wholesalers were ready to "co-op"erate.
The following year, Mr. Raisin put some pressure on the membership to purchase his store. When an agreement could not be reached, it was decided that the money should be borrowed to construct a new building.
Early in January of 1931, the new 32' x 40' location was completed for the tidy sum of $1800. They new store left the Co-op with some indebtedness but a new confidence was growing among the membership. Business was good and the store was paid off by the end of 1933.
Customers often traded lumber and other goods for groceries. Soon the Co-op had a stock of lumber and being situated on the edge of a forest, going into the lumber business was a natural transition. A lot was purchased adjoining the Co-op's new location to accomodate lumber stock. As lumber sales grew, the need for nails and other building supplies was evident. From this demand the hardware department was born.
There was also a need for a butcher shop in the community. In order to meet demand, a lean-to was built on the existing building and an ice house constructed in 1934. Electricty was available on a limited basis, but modern cooling systems had not yet been invented. While this part of the business was not profitable, the directors were convinced that a wide selection of quality products should be available.
A strong desire to grow the business and expand into a wide variety of areas was evident from the outset. Much had been accomplished but much more was to come.
In the spring of 1936, and agreement was entered into with the Carrot River Valley Refinery to sell gasoline in Codette. A small shed was built to store gasoline drums and gas was sold on consignment.
The Co-op was now prosperous. On the occasion of their tenth anniversary, they had achieved sales of $84,000.
By 1939, the Co-op began receiving supplies of gasoline from the Federated Co-op Refinery. This created a huge savings for members and more profit for the company.
During the war years, it was difficult to keep staff and merchandise was hard to come by, due to the need overseas. The company often had to make extra purchases from wholesalers to secure items that were in short supply.
Metal was difficult to obtain during World War II. After years of trying, the Co-op finally purchased fuel storage tanks in 1944 and in 1945 metal was secured to build a petroleum storage warehouse.
Several expansions were made to the store in the years to follow, as demand for products increased. The lumber business was profitable in the region and when Beaver Lumber Company was offered for sale, the Co-op acquired it's inventory. The total cost was $32,000. This was an excellent purchase for the company.
In 1947, a cement basement was poured under the hardware buildin and then the building was remodelled. The following year, the butcher shop was made part of the main building.
During the 1950's the company ventured into the sale of CCIL farm equipment. The new line of products created another revenue stream for the Co-op. The company purchased Turner Garage and began servicing equipment. At this time the petroleum storage was also moved to this site.
After 25 years in business, the original sales of $12,000 had become $361,000. A total f $63,000 was paid to shareholders in way of interest, dividends or refunds of equity during that period. The initial investment of $655 in 1929 had paid off in amazing fashion.
1958 saw the first payout of equity to members over the age of 70, beginning with an advance of 10% of said equity. This practice continues today.
In 1960, the struggling Nipawin Co-op was reorganized under the management of and as a branch of Codette Co-op. Stock was purchased and when sales exceeded expectations, the board moved to purchase and expand.
The Botting Lumber Yard in Nipawin was purchased in 1960 for a total price of $129,840. This included all stock and real estate. They venture proved profitable.
Around this time, the practice of paying cash dividends to members at the annual meeting began. This encouraged attendance and participation in the meetings. Earnings were good during these years and membership rose substantually to over 2000 members. A milestone was reached in 1967 when sales went over the $1 million mark for the first time.
In 1968, the Codette Co-operative Association amalgamated with the Aylsham, Ratner, Choiceland, Garrick, and White Fox co-operatives to form the Pineland Co-operative Association.
The History of Pineland Co-op - Part 2
Experience had taught the directors that expansion was necessary to survive.
The head office was moved to Nipawin in the '70s and the Home and Agro Centre was built. The future seemed bright but struggles lie ahead.
The 1980s were the most difficult decade ever for the Co-op. Increases in interest rates on borrowed capital, poor economic conditions and the funds needed to upgrade were the culprits. One of the many cost-saving measures saw the managers take a pay cut and less vacation days. The board restructured and after much consultation, several Pineland Co-op locations were closed. Only the Codette, Nipawin, and Choiceland locations remained.
The Nipawin staff chose to strike in 1985. This would be one of the longest labour disputes in Saskatchewan history. Operations continued with replacement staff until a resolution was reached in 1993. The union decertified a year later.
The '80s faded and economic conditions improved. In 1990, the Nipawin shopping centre was renovated and computerized tills were introduced for the first time.
In 1991, the Choiceland Store was renovated to accomodate a postal outlet and the Farm Supply changed locations when White's Lumber was purchased and renovated in 1992.
The Co-op seemed to be turning a corner toward prosperity, when disaster struck. The newly renovated shopping centre caught fire in 1992. Youths playing with matches accidentally started the fire. Garbage bin contents caught fire below a ventilation grill insulated with wood shavings. Within a few hours, the building was a total loss. Only the Co-op's records were salvageable.
A building was rented for administration but a location needed to be found for the store. Several buildings were considered but the board finally settled on the hockey arena. An odd choice at first glance, but it provided floor space, parking, and a great location. Federated Co-op and other Co-ops provided manpower, making the store operational. The 'Co-op Arena' achieved record sales in the first week.
The arena had modern tills, coolers, and a large inventory. Everyone banded together during this time to provide service to the community.
By November of 1992, the Co-op Shopping Centre had moved into a new, modern facility.
Many upgrades were made during the '90s. Including a new chemical storage facility in Choiceland, a new bulk fuel delivery unit and fertilizer blender in Codette, and a new petroleum corporate bulk plant at Pontrilas.
As sales rose, the company was proud to reward its loyal membership. In 1997, a general cash repayment was made to all Pineland Co-operative members, Profitable years continued and the Co-op paid out over five million dollars between 1997 and 2003.
The board of directors moved to form a bulk petroleum department in 1998, enabling orders to be dispatched from one central location. Two tandem trucks were purchased to serve the region. This proved to be very efficient.
The Nipawin Home and Agro Centre became one of the largest home centres in the Co-operative Retailing System when it was renovated in 1999. The project cost just over $863,000 and the store was profitable through the next decade.
Early in 2003, plans were developed for a 32,000 square-foot Marketplace Food Store. It would rival any large-centre grocery store and would be complemented by a Convenience Store, Gas Bar and Car Wash. The following year, the board approved the project.
The Gas Bar and Convenience Store opened in 2004 and the Marketplace Food Store began welcoming customers in early 2005. Total sales at the end of 2005 were $34 million.
Late in 2005, Imperial Oil decided to sell its Saskatchewan fertilizer plants to Agrium. In 2005 Pineland Co-op leased the former Esso dry fertilizer sites in Nipawin and Choiceland, and anhydrous ammonia plants in Choiceland and Pontrilas.
Choiceland saw expansion in 2006. A new 9,000 square-foot Farm Supply Centre, Gas Bar and Cardlock were built near the community. The outlet experienced incredible growth, doubling its sales in the first year.
By the end of 2008, the company's total sales were over $57 million and many milestones had been reached. Standing tall through the decades of prosperous and lean times, Pineland Co-op had achived great success through hard work, vision, and a truly loyal membership.
A History of Aylsham Co-op
The settlement of Aylsham grew significantly in the early 1920s and by 1930 almost every quarter section was purchased. Farming operations increased at an alarming rate. Twine and oil were required in large quantities and this led to discussion about purchasing in car-lots, through a co-operative. This would allow all to share in the savings.
At the first meeting in February of 1930, a board was chosen. T. Craven, Dick Laxton, Peter Gray, J. Erickson, C.P. Hall, J.D. MacFarlane, A.W. Duncan, G. Flowerday and W. Blue were elected. Twine and oil were the only commodities handled during the next six years.
In 1935, the board decided that there was a need for a store building. To accomplish this, more member shares had to be sold. The response was favourable and a building was rented. The store was opened in November 1936, with Russel Sparling as the first manager.
By 1945, the board determined that a new store was necessary and it was operational by 1948. In the late 1950s and early 1960s there was a trend throughout Saskatchewan for people to gravitate to larger centres. Aylsham Co-op suffered somewhat because of this trend. In 1968, the board deemed it in the best interest of the membership to amalgamate with the Pineland Co-operative Association.
The Aylsham Store continued to serve its members until 1988, when the store closed.
A History of Choiceland Co-op
Settlement at Choiceland sprang up out of The Great Depression, as southern parts of the province were hit by drought, resulting in poor crops. Many travelled north, where wood for fuel and wild meat were plentiful.
Co-operation was a must in those days and the Choiceland Consumers Co-operative Association was incorporated in September 1936, with 55 members. The first board of directors consisted of A. Broten, M. Edwards, C. Davis, P. Rotz, C. Weese, A. Sparks, A. Brown, W. Steeves, and L. Lee. Alex Brown was chosen as the president and remained in that role for over 20 years.
Assistance was received from the Codette Co-op in the form of advice and some initial stock. Cliff Mills was named the first manager. The first store was purchased for $250. The Co-op moved to the Robertson building in 1943 and a new store was eventually constructed in 1964 at a cost of $50,000. This store still serves as the Choiceland Food Store and Post Office today.
The Choiceland and Distric Co-operative Association Limited, a petroleum outlet serving Garrick, Snowden, and Choiceland was set up in June of 1946.
In 1959, consideration was undertaken by the members at Choiceland and Snowden regarding amalgamation. This was approved and Snowden Co-op became a branch on January 1, 1960. As there was considerable liability inherited, it wasn't until 1962 that the Choiceland Co-op began the program of paying out total equities to members over the age of 70.
The decision was made to amalgamate under the Pineland banner in 1968. This created a profitable situation for all members involved with the Choiceland Co-op.
Today, Pineland Co-op operates three locations in Choiceland. Choiceland Store with Post Office, Choiceland Corner Farm Supply and the Choiceland Fertilizer Plant make up the group of Pineland Co-op departments.
A History of Garrick Co-op
Due to the foresight of many of the people in the district and the desire to have their own co-operative, the Garrick Co-op was born.
On June 17, 1942, 11 citizens gathered at the Pool Elevator office to organize a local co-operative. The organization was registered as a co-operative in 1942 with Ken Munro, Albin Robstad, J.G. Scott, A. Ansell, W. Seabrook and George Linn as directors. Ken Munro became the first president and Teg Hage the secretary.
In 1943, the board and members bought the store of Sandy Lundmark, which became known as the Garrick Co-op. The price of this already thriving business was $3000 for the lots and store, and $1200 for the stock.
Some of this money was raised by member loans. Members also purchased $10 shares to help raise money for the venture.
Mr. Mills from Codette and Mr. Hallman from White Fox helped the board set up the store for business. The store carried groceries, a small line of hardware, dry goods and other supplies.
In the 1950s, the old pool elevator house was purchased, moved, and fastened to the side of the store. It was to be used as a warehouse.
The first manager for the Association was Mrs. Myrtle Anderson.
In 1968, the Garrick Co-op became a branch of the Pineland Co-operative. In 1973, a new store was built and in 1975 it reached the $100,000 mark in sales.
The Garrick Co-op continued to serve the community until 1981.
A History of the Nipawin Co-op
The Nipawin Co-op was organized in 1935. The first board of directors consisted of Ben Rempel, Jim Krebiel, Gus Bacstrom, Dave Milne, Frank Staffen, Andrew Hornseth, H.M. Peifer, Walter Miers and John McDermott.
Mr. Peeters became the first manager. In the late '30s the war absorbed most capable young men in the service and the older men were employed in the Wartime Prices and Trades Board. Adequate personnel were hard to find.
In 1938, the Nipawin Co-op helped organize a store in White Fox. Problems developed however, as White Fox was struggling to get started and Nipawin was not yet on firm financial ground. The combination weakened both organizations and they separated after 16 years. A decline continued in the early 1950s.
By the mid 1950s, resources were exhausted and the store was closed. In 1960, the store was reorganized as a branch of the Codette Co-operative Association and the Botting Lumber Yard was purchased.
In 1968, the Nipawin branch became part of the Pineland Co-operative Association Limited, whose head office is now located in Nipawin.
A History of Ratner Co-op
Travelling distance for shopping was a problem in the Ratner region. As a result of this dilemma, a group in the area began a Co-operative.
In 1930, a Co-op Store was started in the kitchen of Mr. and Mrs. John Lokken's farm with capital of $675. Mr. O. Bakken, of the Gronlid Store, was named manager. Lloyed Lokken was the first clerk, earning $25 per month.
The original board of directors consisted of Henry Andal, President; Lee Dahlstrom, Vice President; (Big) Harold Hanson, Louis Peterson, D.M. Haagenson and Henry Livingston.
The store hours had almost no limits. One night, Pete Brown and George Heinrichs Sr., who operated a saw mill in winter, came at 11 p.m. for steam cylinder oil. This oil was stored in an unheated oil shed and became virtually solid in cold weather. The oil had to be taken into the store and thawed beside the stove before it could be poured. This took about two hours.
Folks brought butter and eggs to the store in exchange for groceries. Eggs were ten cents a dozen at Ratner, and if shipped to Melfort, folks received only five cents. The operation of the store was a barter business, with eggs, butter, blueberries, and even moccasins taken on trade. Native peoples who commuted between Fort a la Corne and Red Earth traded their moccasins for a two dollar exchange on goods. By 1931, sales were $10,307 with savings of $443.18.
In 1932, the Sandhill Creek Co-op store and warehouse were built in the yard of John Lokken. In 1935, an oil shed was added and in 1938 a 3/4 ton Dodge truck was purchased. Land was purchased for a permanent location and by the fall of 1939 construction was complete.
During the 1940s, fuel became an integral part of the services provided. In 1949, refrigeration finally arrived as SaskPower came to the area. Extra land was purchased at a price of $64 per acre and on the property stood the store, the manager's residence, warehouses, and a bulk oil station. A picnic ground with a ball diamond and a curling rink also stood on the site and were owned by the people of the district.
Numerous changes and additions were made throughout the 1950s. In 1961, the company name was changed from Sandhill Creek to Ratner Co-op in order to be the same as the post office which was on the premises. By 1967, the Ratner Co-op was debt free. In 1968, Ratner Co-op amalgamated with the Pineland Co-op.
Years passed and in the 1983 the store closed. Petroleum delivery continued from the Ratner location until 1989.
A History of White Fox Co-op
The population in the White Fox area grew steadily through the 1930s with the completion of the bridge accross the Saskatchewan River and the extention of the CPR railway from Nipawin to Prince Albert, White Fox had become a shipping point for commodities.
By 1937, efforts were underway to raise the funds required to establish a Co-op store. Key participants were S. A. Collins, J. A. McBain, Garth Bococks, John Crockett, Robert Glenn, J. P. Krehbiel, Alfred Hamrin, Jack Green, Tom Glazier, and Frank Lidster.
Approximately $200 was subscribed in member shares. Several of the founding members were directors for the Nipawin Co-op and it was proposed that this Co-op would open a branch at White Fox. An agreement was reached and the branch opened for business on July 2, 1938. George Hallman of the Codette Co-op was hired as manager.
A building on Railway Ave. was rented and renovated to accomodate new stock. This location operated as a branch until 1950, when it began to operate independently.
Petroleum sales played a significant role in the store's success. By the 1950s a delivery truck was purchased and bulk storage began. For the next 20 years, fuel was trucked to Cumberland House during the winter months. This meant crossing the Saskatchewan River on the ice northeast of White Fox, following a winter bush trail. It also meant crossing the river again on the ice at Pemmican Portage.
Business increased and a new store was built in 1954. It remained the same until the 1968 amalgamation with the Pineland Co-operative.
The White Fox store closed in 1983 and the Service Station/Farm Supply branch was operational until 1989.