What is a Co-op?

A co-operative is there to serve its members and the community where they live. Any enterprise can be co-operatively structured—there are co-ops in every sector, including food, agriculture, funerals, film-making, art, ambulance services, banking, insurance, etc. A co-op is run by and for its members. Each member has one vote regardless of how many shares or bonds they have purchased or how much they use the co-op. The members own the co-op, and participate in planning and strategic decision-making about the future of the co-op.

For a more in-depth overview, please read "What is a Co-operative" by ON Co-op Association.

WHAT IS THE WEST END FOOD CO-OP?
The West End Food Co-op has been formed as a multi-stakeholder co-op involving workers, producers, artisans, non-profits, shoppers, community partners and more. This model has been used with tremendous success in Quebec (called “solidarity co-ops”, there are now hundreds of these formed since the legislation passed in 1997). The WEFC represents one of the first multi-stakeholder 
co-ops in Ontario.
You can get involved by joining as a member; donating towards the work of getting the store open; or buying community bonds to provide equity in the Co-op and a better food system for your community.

QUICK CO-OP FACTS

•   The co-operative model has proven to be stronger and more resilient than conventional business models.

• Although co-ops are formed to benefit members and the community they are in, they have also created important and powerful businesses in many sectors, including financial services, housing, food, insurance, health care and forestry.
  

• In fact, Mountain Equipment Co-opand GayLea are both co-ops. Desjardins Credit Union is the sixth largest financial institution in Canada.

• in the Maritimes food co-ops control over 12% of the grocery share in the whole region.

• Globally 800 million people are members of co-operatives.

FURTHER RESOURCES

Ontario Co-operative Association
Canadian Co-operative Association