The history of the Portage Co-op dates back to October 15th, 1928
and was originally a buying club for carload lots of such items as
kerosene, twine, coal and bulk oil with the main objective of
controlling the retail prices of the products handled.
The Portage Co-op went thru many changes over the years and on
March 9th, 1941 both the Portage and Oakville Co-op’s amalgamated.
In 1947 the members saw the beginning of the Co-op implements and a
new farm supply building in the east end of Portage with a service
station at the west end of Portage.
In 1955 the Saskatchewan and Manitoba Co-op wholesalers became
the Federated Co-operative Limited. It wasn’t until 1959 by demand
and support of its members that a new $400,000.00 shopping center
be built. The shopping center provided space for the Credit Union
and Co-op insurance helping to round out the services now available
for the Co-operative channels.
In 1968 the Portage Credit Union erected a new building in down
town Portage. Their premises were converted to a cafeteria to add
to the one stop feature of the shopping center. In 1971 saw the
consolidation of all the Portage operations at the west end and the
sale of the of the east end property. A new building and farm
supply facility was erected adjoining the present shopping center,
more than doubling the size of the existing building. The new
addition provided an enclosed and heated lumber storage area.
On July 12, 1977 the board of directors approved another 56,000
sq. Ft. expansion to the existing building, which gave much needed
extra space to the food department, expanded the cafeteria and
provided additional space for house ware appliances and
administration offices.
To bring the building site up-to-date the lumber section of the
store was closed in 2007 to allow valuable space for the new food
store construction which was opened in the spring of 2008. What a
great place to shop.
Some information about the local Co-op.
Ten dollars buys you a Portage Co-op Membership. You immediately
begin sharing in the company’s success. At the end of the year, if
the financial statement shows earnings, you as a member will share
in the profits, according to how much you have purchased at the
Co-op!
Co-op’s new modern market place store features a fresh
deli/bistro, in-store bakery, produce, meat, grocery and health and
beauty departments. Also on site is a 6 pump gas station which in
the near future will be expanding and featuring a car wash.
Cache contains Logbook and FTF cert. only so bring your favorite
writing stick.
