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January 2026 Board Update
Happy New Year to our members and Hornby Island Community! 2026 is going to be an exciting year for the Co-op and we have lots of exciting things to share with you on this monthly update.
New Building & Information Session
As noted in last month’s update, the Board has approved the construction of the new building. Work has already started in the gas bar parking lot preparing some of the underground infrastructure. Effective January 12, 2026, construction will move to the parking lot behind the store. This means that access to the back parking lot will beclosed. Handicap and elder parking will still be available in front of the post office and for those that park in the gas bar parking lot, should you need help getting your groceries to the car, our Co-op staff will be happy to assist you. Below is more information from AFC Construction on key dates on what is happening.
Key Project Timelines:
Phase 1: New Store Construction – January 2026 to March 2027.
New Store Operations: – The new store scheduled to start operations in April 2027
Phase 2: Demolition of existing Co-op – Scheduled for April 2027
Important Dates & Activities:
January 12, 2026: Access to the North side of the Gas Bar parking lot will be temporary closed until May.
Week of January 19: Trenching for the new watermain and sewer lines at the Gas Bar parking lot. Please follow signage as traffic pattern will change throughout the week to accommodate construction needs in this area
January 26, 2026: Access to the parking area behind the existing Co-op will be permanently closed for the duration of the project.
Week of January 26, 2026: Noticeable work for the installation of new sewer lines and grease interceptors will begin within the Ringside Market for approximately one week. During this time there will be no access to the Ringside.
Parking, Access & Safety
All site access and movement will be provided as follows:
Customer Parking: Customer parking remains available in the designated area at the Gas Bar site.
Senior/Accessibility Parking: Senior and Accessibility parking remains in the same location in front of the existing Co-op at Shields Rd.
Public Loading: A dedicated 10-minute parking zone for public loading will be added near the senior parking area in from of the existing co-op.
Pedestrian Access: A dedicated pedestrian path from the Gas Bar to the Co-op will be maintained throughout construction.
Signage: Please follow all "Construction Zone Ahead" and traffic management signage posted around the site and Shields/Central Rd intersection.
Gas bar operations: There will be limited affect on Gas Bar Operations.
Temporary short closures may occur during heavy construction/equipment movements and trenching periods; crews and signage will direct traffic in real time.
If you would like to receive more information on the final design of the new building, please join us for a Public Information Session on January 25th at the Hall from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. The Board of Directors, Construction Manager, and Project Architect will be in attendance to provide information about the new building; explain project details, anticipated schedule, sequencing and phasing of construction, site impact and organization, and anticipated impact on circulation, store operations, parking and Gas Bar operations. Refreshments will be provided so please come and join us as we are very excited to share the plans with you and feel its very important for the community to be well informed of what is happening with our store.
New General Manager Update
The posting for a new GM went up in early December and closed on December 12th. A Recruitment Committee of four Board members with support from our FCL Business Advisor and HR Talent Acquisition is currently in the process of first round interviews. The committee is quite pleased with the calibre of resumes and believe that the ability to provide temporary housing was a big part of that. More to come in the next update but know that things are progressing!
A shout out to the Co-op Management and Staff
We received the note from Dave on what the Co-op has accomplished in 2025 and we thought our membership should hear it. As a Board we are proud of the team and what they have accomplished and what we have accomplished together. Some highlights include:
Late in 2024 we ratified a 3-year collective agreement with wage increases and other benefits for staff that took effect in 2025.
Significant increase in store wide communications and the use of Communication Binders so everyone can stay informed.
Employee Handbook was updated and rolled out to staff.
Performance Reviews completed – for some this was the first time they had had a review and for others it was the first time in five years. Good to be back on track!
Employee Engagement survey conducted and action items are underway.
Bethany promoted to Admin Manger (Congratulations Bethany!)
The team managed through a government liquor strike.
Added a second 10% off day for winter.
First Senior’s Day introduced.
The Co-op donated $30,000 to support various island causes.
Lowered the membership fee to $70 to make it more affordable to be a member.
The Hornby Co-op turned 70! Big party in the Ringside!
EV charging was added at the Gas Bar.
We increased our Co-op private label offerings which provide quality products at a lower cost. Feedback has been great.
The Apple Press came back!
Our financial reporting has improved with Mid Island and equity cheques and staff profit sharing was issued in July (not October).
Those are just a few things that the Co-op team has accomplished in 2025 and we expect we will have even more to share in 2026. Thanks to Dave Own and the team for all their hard work and dedication.
Have a question for the Board? Board members will be on the porch of the Co-op every second Saturday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Come by and say hello, ask a question or just have a chat. We want to hear what you have to say. You can also reach us at board@hornbyislandcoop.com
Alison Manning
On behalf of the Hornby Island Co-op Board
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