Calgary Co-op Breaks Ground On New Midtown Market Shopping Centre

November 5, 2003, Calgary, Alberta - The Calgary Co-operative Association Limited will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. to mark the beginning of construction on its new Midtown Market Centre. The ceremony will take place at 1127 - 10 Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta. Local dignitaries for the City of Calgary will join us for this special event.

According to Milford Sorensen, chief executive officer for Calgary Co-op, the construction of Calgary Co-op's newest shopping centre will contribute to the revitalization of the Connaught and Beltline communities by providing area residents with grocery and pharmacy services. This centre also replaces the old Calgary Co-op Centre located at 1st Street SE, which was sold in 2001 and demolished in 2002. "The new Midtown Market is part of Calgary Co-op's five year development plan to build new shopping centres in communities that want and can support our services, and that offer long-term opportunities for community involvement and growth," says Sorensen.

The Midtown Market will feature all the quality and convenience of other Calgary Co-op centres, with more focus on the urban market surrounding the new centre. Services will include grocery, pharmacy, as well as unique features, such as a fresh sushi bar, wood burning pizza oven, fresh seafood and quick take-home meal options. Petroleum services will continue to be available at the Calgary Co-op gas bar, located at 1111 First Street SE.

Calgary Co-op is delighted to be moving forward with construction of the new centre, which will open in fall 2004. Calgary Co-op is still in negotiations with a residential apartment tower developer, who may be a future partner on the Midtown Market site.

Locally owned and operated, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America, with assets of $252 million, annual sales of $730 million, 380,000 members and 3,600 employees. Calgary Co-op currently operates eighteen retail shopping centres in Calgary, Airdrie and Strathmore, Alberta, and a head office in northeast Calgary.

For more information, please contact:

Milford Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
2735 - 39 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7C7
Telephone: 403-219-6025

Donna Burn, Director Member and Public Relations
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
2735 - 39 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7C7
Telephone: 403-219-6025, ext. 6258; Cell: 403-816-7419

Darwin Flathers, Vice President, Capital Investment and Development
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
2735 - 39 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7C7
Telephone: 403-219-6025