Calgary Co-op Begins Recovery Efforts at its North Hill Centre

April 29, 2003 Calgary, Alberta - Calgary Co-op has received approval from the city to enter the North Hill Centre Co-op to begin recovery efforts following the partial collapse of the roof on Saturday, April 26.

Structural and environmental assessments have been completed, indicating it is safe for recovery efforts to begin immediately. Salvage efforts are already underway, and products destroyed during the collapse are being removed from the centre. Primary areas affected are the bakery/deli, basement and warehouse, which suffered water damage. Temporary power is being provided through back up generators until city services and other contractors can restore power and water.

Calgary Co-op has also contracted Devitt Forand to begin reconstruction efforts on the northwest corner of the building. Plans are to erect barrier walls so that construction can begin, and we are optimistic that the centre will be able to re-open in the near future.

Calgary Co-op is holding a media tour of the interior of the North Hill Centre today from 12:30 noon to 1:30 pm. This is the only opportunity media will have to view the inside of the building before reconstruction begins. A representative from Calgary Co-op will be at the entrance to the North Hill Centre, located at 540-16 Avenue NE, to meet any media.

Calgary Co-op also reports that:

• All North Hill Centre employees have been re-assigned to other Calgary Co-op locations until the centre re-opens, while other employees will be instrumental in recovery efforts at the North Hill Centre.
  
  
• The gas bar at this location should be open in a few days once power has been restored.
  
  
• Communications to our customers continues through:
  • Direct mail drop within the community
  • Advertisements
  • Web site updates
  • Media coverage
    
    
• The regularly scheduled Thursday busing service for seniors has been redirected to the Forest Lawn Calgary Co-op.
  
  
• A daily shuttle bus service for customers will continue until the end of this week. Customers will be picked up at the North Hill Centre parking lot and taken to and from the Forest Lawn Co-op, for their shopping convenience. This service is provided on the hour from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and again at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
  
  
• Medical prescriptions originating at the North Hill Co-op have been transferred to the Forest Lawn Calgary Co-op. The pharmacy number is 299-4467. Customers can obtain and pick up their prescriptions there or at any Calgary Co-op location.
  
  
• Customers can obtain groceries at other Calgary Co-op locations or they can order groceries from Calgary Co-op through Pic'n'Del on-line at www.picndel.com or by telephone at 585-3046.

Alberta-based Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America with assets of $252 million, sales of $730 million, 380,000 members and 3,700 employees. In addition to its head office in Calgary, Alberta, Calgary Co-op operates eighteen retail shopping centres in Calgary, Airdrie and Strathmore, Alberta.

For more information:

Milford Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
Telephone: 403-219-6025

Donna Burn, Director, Member and Public Relations
Telephone: 403-219-6025, ext. 6258
Cell: 816-7419