Calgary Co-op Celebrates Grand Re-Openings at its North Hill and Deer Valley Centres

September 29, 2003 Calgary, Alberta - The Calgary Co-operative Association Limited will be celebrating the grand re-opening of two of its newly renovated centres this week. The grand re-opening ceremony for the Deer Valley Calgary Co-op Centre will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29 at 1221 Canyon Meadows Drive S.E. The grand re-opening ceremony for the North Hill Calgary Co-op Centre will take place on Tuesday, September 30 at 9:00 a.m. at 540 - 16 Avenue N.E.

The renovations to the North Hill Centre were necessary following the collapse of the northwest corner of the roof on April 26, 2003. The roof collapse caused significant damage to the bakery, deli and administration areas of that centre, and the temporary closure of those departments. The centre re-opened on May 14 with partial services, and without a bakery and deli section due to the damage. Reconstruction at the centre is now complete, and the centre is celebrating the re-opening of those departments with a week of sales and contests for its customers.

"The roof collapse was unprecedented in the history of Calgary Co-op, and we will always be grateful no one was injured in the incident. The roof collapse caused several hundred thousand dollars in damage. The damaged areas have now been fully reconstructed and the entire building has been structurally reinforced, " says Darwin Flathers, vice president of Capital Investment and Development for Calgary Co-op. "The grand re-opening is being held to thank our customers and the community for their patience and support during reconstruction."

Built in 1981, the Deer Valley Centre has undergone a complete interior renovation. Renovations include new interior décor package and flooring, new pharmacy and dispensary, new full-service butcher shop, an expanded fresh produce section, energy efficient frozen food and dairy cases, and a new candle shop. Existing areas such as the natural food section, bakery and grocery aisles were also upgraded during the renovations.

The redesign and renovation of this centre represents part of Calgary Co-op's five-year strategic development and enhancement plan to upgrade its existing locations. "The centre remained fully operational during the renovation and the grand re-opening celebration is to thank our members for their loyal support during this major renovation project", says Flathers.

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 information, please contact:

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

Darwin Flathers, Vice President, Capital Investment and Development
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
Telephone: 403-219-6025