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Co-op Redevelopment Project
After years of consideration and studies the Hornby Island Co-op Association Board of Directors made the decision to build a new store.
Over the last many years, the Co-op Board of Directors has weighed the various options on rebuilding or renovating our beloved Co-op store. To determine the longevity of the existing building, an assessment was completed by a structural engineering firm after issues were identified in a visual inspection completed in 2018. The structural review identified significant deficiencies in the structure of the building. The Board and Management have worked with several respected professionals during this long process, including Chiu Hippmann Engineering Inc, and FCL Project Management.
Initially the focus was to preserve the existing building and complete the necessary renovations and structural upgrades. However, after reviewing the feasibility studies and feedback received, we returned to the drawing board. It was determined that renovating the existing building would not be practical or economically viable and would necessitate shutting down or relocating operations during the rebuild, while only achieving 75% of the current structural code requirements. The Co-op is an essential service on Hornby and limiting or temporarily curtailing its presence was not in the interest of the island community.
The Board chose to pursue the replacement of the existing store. This new store will achieve significant improvements to safety, security, operations as well as employee satisfaction. It will be efficient, economical to operate, focus on sustainability and celebrate community.
In 2022 the Board solicited Proposals for Construction Management services to build a new store. Three very qualified firms submitted proposals and AFC Construction was awarded the contract based on the most competitive fee and ability to perform on Hornby Island.
In 2023, with the assistance of AFC Construction under contract as Construction Manager, a Request for Proposals for the design was initiated and 4 qualified proposals were received. The Co-op Board of Directors engaged Leckie Studios Architecture to proceed with the design and costing of a new Co-op building. The work was framed with the following general objectives:
● The new building to be built in two phases and approximately the same size as the current facility but all retail operations to be on one level.
● It will be built in the asphalt parking lot as close to the property lines as possible.
● The building will be designed to last 100+ years; and
● The existing building will remain in place and operating throughout construction, thereby insuring uninterrupted service to all customers.
● The new building will be designed to preserve and enhance the Ringside Market and surrounding area.
Through 2024 and 2025 a design and costing process was conducted and in November of 2025, the Board of Directors made the decision to proceed with the project based on a Class B budget. Since then, design has proceeded and a final Class A budget incorporating cost savings measures was completed.
On January 5, 2026, the project started with civil work in the Gas Bar lot and Ringside necessary to start the construction of the building itself. Work continues with an aggressive schedule to close in the building by the end of June. The work will then focus on the interior of the building through the busy tourist season of July and August, with the exception of exterior wall cladding on the south and east elevations, and all exterior work will recommence in September.
Phase 1 includes moving into the new store and operations anticipated to commence in Spring 2027. Once the store has moved into the new building, Phase 2 will begin with the existing store torn down and exterior work including canopies completed in late spring of 2027.
The Co-op Staff and Board of Directors are excited to see this important endeavor underway and look forward to completion in the first half of 2027.
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