It was an overwhelming "yes" from local Co-op members in the Winkler/Lowe Farm amalgamation decision.

In Winkler, the vote passed with 94.6 percent approval and 98.3 percent approval in Lowe Farm. Winkler saw 56 registered voters turn out, while Lowe Farm saw 117.

Winkler Co-op Board President Milt Olfert says the vote was confirmation "we're moving in the right direction. They realize this is a really good venture we're entering into with Lowe Farm."

Winkler Co-op General Manager Evan Toews explains the partnership is a great fit between two like-minded cooperatives. "The commitment Co-op has to their communities will only be strengthened as a result of partnering together."

James Sawatzky, Lowe Farm Co-op Board President, says they were pleased with the high approval rating. "We couldn't have asked for a better result."

"It's very positive, we're very excited," Sawatzky says, adding the agriculture focus of Lowe Farm Co-op fits well with the retail strengths of Winkler Co-op.

The amalgamation means members can use their co-op number at 23 locations in the Pembina Valley including five cardlocks, six fuel retail locations, Co-op@Home, and three Agro Centres among others.

Matthew Almey, General Manager of Lowe Farm Co-op says the timing was right. "It's not that we were needing to (amalgamate) but that we both bring assets and strengths to each other."

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). Established by local farmers in 1941, Winkler Co-op continues to grow 77 years later. Lowe Farm Co-op was established in 1931, making it one of the oldest Co-op organizations in the Province.

The amalgamation agreement will take effect March 24, 2019.

Lowe Farm Co-op staff (submitted).