Hornby Island Co-op Store: Latest News

SURVEY 2012

2012-01-30T19:48:00.000-08:00

HORNBY ISLAND CO-OP UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS
SURVEY 2012

We would like the opportunity to serve our membership and community better and would greatly appreciate your feedback. Bring your completed survey to the Customer Service counter by February 16th, and you can enter to win a $25 Co-op Gift Card.

Click Here to download the survey.

SMALL APPLIANCE RECYCLING PROGRAM

2011-10-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

Beginning on October 1, 2011 most small appliances being sold in BC are required to have an eco fee added to their selling price. You will notice it on your till receipt as a separate item. For more information on this Provincial program, check out their site...

www.unpluggedrecycling.ca

2011-06-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

June 9, 2011

Dear Hornby Island Co-op,

I am writing to you from my office at the BC Co-operative Association. Here, I am the Director of Youth Programs, and Camp Director for The YES Camp (formerly Camp Rainbow).

The YES Camp’s focus is on community building and self-esteem building with young people. We concentrate on leadership, communication skills, self-awareness, co-operation and the formation of healthy relationships. We offer teens the chance to interact with each other in a supportive, respectful and positive way.

When I was 14 years old, you sent me to Camp Rainbow - and it changed my life forever.

I was a student at Lake Trail and was participating in the crazy 2 buses-2 ferries-2 hours commute. The social culture that I was a part of was not a healthy one, but I was not aware of how unhappy I was. My participation in The YES Camp showed me what kinds of relationships were possible in the world. I learned to expect of my friends the care, kindness, respect and appreciation that was shown to me at camp.

I continued on in the camp program with support from New Horizons, Heron Rocks Friendship Centre and Union Bay Credit Union. After many years of volunteering and working for The YES in the summers, in 2009 I was hired as the camp director.

I now have the extreme pleasure of watching 250 youth from BC come through this amazing program each year. It is a life-changer. The messages I hear back from parents are often tear-jerking. Their children come back from this program bright eyed, inspired and with big dreams for their lives and the world.

The Camp is run by the BC Co-operative Association and supported by the Credit Unions and Co-ops of BC. It is from this rich co-operative history that the Camp has taken its core values and operating principles. Hornby Island is an amazing example of a community that is also rich with co-operation and reciprocity. I have true respect for the institutions on the Island that facilitate this culture, the Hornby Co-op being a major player.

I would like to sincerely thank the community of Hornby Island for sending me to this program. It has been something that the Co-op has supported for many years, and still supports. Three youth from Hornby will be attending this summer – yea!

I don’t know where I would be without The YES. My best friends are staff members, many of my best skills were developed at camp and many of my favorite memories are camp ones.

There is no work that I do in the world that makes a bigger impact than the work that I do here.

My sincere, heart felt gratitude for your support and for sending me on a path that has been so utterly fulfilling, thrilling and fun.

Chelsea Lake

NOTICE TO MEMBERS

2011-06-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

re: CHEQUING CHANGES

As of June 13, 2011 we will be processing all cheques at the customer service counter. The 50 cent processing fee applies to all cheques except those issued by H.I. Co-op. This policy includes travelers cheques and postal money orders. Cashiers can accept cash, plastic, and gift certificates at the tills.

We are implementing this policy now to reduce stress on the cashiers, and eliminate opportunities for fraud. Training for our summer cashiers will be simplified and there will be fewer chances for errors to occur in processing members’ cheques. We feel that this will help us to move customers through the tills more quickly and efficiently.

THE HORNBY ISLAND CO-OP 56th AGM

2011-04-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

THE HORNBY ISLAND CO-OP 56th AGM
SUNDAY, MAY 29TH, 2011
10:00 a.m. Hornby Island Community Hall

Dear Members,

At our AGM this year we have reasons to CELEBRATE and some reasons to be wary about our future economic outlook. To start with the positive, it is most appropriate we salute our wonderful Co-op EMPLOYEES, our supportive MEMBERS and the successful completion of our fabulous new GAS BAR.

Organizations often claim that “employees are our most important asset” and that is certainly very true for our Co-op. We are “powered” by 42 employees and contractors. Many have been with the Co-op for a long time. Some will be familiar to you and are “the face” of the Co-op, but others are contributing behind the scene in a variety of ways. All are key to the past and future success of our Co-op and we sincerely thank them and celebrate their dedication.

Another important ingredient in our success is our growing membership that now exceeds 1400. Like our employees, the Co-op would not function without the support and encouragement of our members. That probably is “an adventure into the obvious” but we should pause to celebrate our member’s contribution not only to the Co-op but to the community – thank you!

Included with this letter is an information brochure celebrating the successful completion of the new Gas Bar. While it was a long and sometimes frustrating journey, it was most rewarding to see it come to fruition about a year ago. As this really represents a significant achievement by the Co-op and the community, we should celebrate and recognize this success.

While celebrating we must also consider the economic reality and challenges ahead of us. Sales increased a modest 2% last year, about the level of inflation.
Thanks to the ongoing, diligent efforts of management and staff, gross margins increased by almost 4%. Our operating expenses were well controlled but we incurred a significant increase in maintenance cost and also depreciation associated with the new Gas Bar. As a result, our net savings declined by 38% to $92,796.

For 2011/12 we face the challenge of paying for the Gas Bar, which we can do and dealing with a number of costly maintenance items for the store – never a shortage of challenges! As the outlook for this year is “more of the same”, we need to find ways to boost sales, grow margins and continue to control costs.

Thank you and we look forward to your continued support and encouragement.

HORNBY CO-OP DYNASTIES

2011-04-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Come and help us celebrate so many good things.

#1. HORNBY CO-OP DYNASTIES. There are at least six families who have provided stability to our retail outlet in the past and are still contributing to the unique and friendly Co-op store atmosphere. The list of great family 'teams' among the staff and management could be much longer than this space allows so I will concentrate only on the current scene.

In alphabetical order:

Bassets: Way back there was Giles as Hardware Manager, and now his son Emile is in Produce.

Horners and Harkers: Sue in Produce with daughter Amber Harker at the gas bar. Sue's brother Jim who has cleaned the co-op for 25 years, and his daughter Matisse (Hardware), whose mother Valery Pagnier, fresh from Paris, was always an asset at the till.

MacKenzies: Yes,there was Parker and Bethany and now there is their son, Levon (at the till and dressed in black).

Millans: Remember Garth as Hardware Manager and truck co-ordinator, now his daughter Amanda graces the Administrative Department.

Parkers: Sisters Becca Dunne (at the till) and Juanita Selby (till and deli) both contribute to a welcoming, and often humorous, ambience that greets people on entering the store.

Smiths: Brian, whose talented offspring, Breagan and Hailey, received what he says was invaluable initial work experience as students, and there is of course his sister Honey-Bee also in Hardware.

#2. SUMMER STUDENT WORKERS. The Co-op is proud to have given introductory training to young school going workers such as Team Manager, Phoebe Long's daughter Ananda. Some of these helpers have returned for subsequent summers and some have gone on to work among the general staff at the Co-op - such as Haley Nawrot at the till on weekends. All of these bright young people have been a great asset for the Co-op.

#3. We can certainly celebrate the forsight and endeavors of the founding and early Co-op members. Let us not forget Hilary Brown, Moffat and Lorna McPherson, and let us thank Muriel Rogers, (with one of the lowest of active member numbers ) when we see her at the store and still involved in her own '10% off' Co-op members' monthly shopping day.

#4. THE LOVE AND ROMANCES that have often led to wonderful partnerships and numerous little future Co-op workers must surely provide great work incentives for recruiting staff. Hornby Island Co-op could lay claim to being the best dating service in BC, but don't let us elaborate on that theme.

#5. DONATIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT. At the AGM President Bill Adams will talk about the $9,000 that the Co-op contributed in 2010 to sponsorships and member relations programs such as bursaries and study camps.

#6. We can definitely celebrate last year's healthy financial bottom line on which the Management Team have worked their magic and their expertise.

#7 Last but not least let us celebrate the loyal members who do most of their shopping at the Co-op and always fill their vehicles with Hornby gas.

Ann Newdigate scribe and board member.

Sharing your member number

2011-03-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

It has, for a long time, been a common practice for some members to share their membership with friends and family. We have always felt that those who “share the breakfast table” should be able to share a membership number for patronage i.e. when purchasing.

Recently I was asked to review the patronage for our members and, as in past years, there are some memberships which have inordinately high purchases in a year. Sometimes this can be explained by a construction project, or a wedding, or some other unusual expenses for the household.

If it comes to light that there are non-member households using an unrelated member’s number for purchases, we are to inform the member that this practice is unacceptable. In fact, the Co-op could be accused of tax evasion, because we are allowing inflated member purchases to go unchecked. We pay income tax on any profits on non-member purchases. Also, our legal advisor has warned that the member is putting him/herself in a vulnerable position and could be open to accusations of coercion and suchlike.

So, any members who are sharing their numbers, PLEASE consider the ramifications for yourself and for the Co-op. Remember, it is easy to transfer some of your equity to open a new membership for a friend or family member.

Thank you for your consideration. - Sheila, Admin Manager

March 2011 Co-op Corner

2011-02-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

CO-OP CORNER

Federated Co-operatives Ltd.(FCL), the organization that makes it possible for small western Canadian co-ops to survive, has a pyramidal structure. At the base are 250 retail co-ops, 2 affiliate and 17 Associate members grouped into 15 districts. Each co-op sends one or more delegates, depending on membership numbers, to FCL’s AGM. Then those delegates elect their district’s one regional FCL director. Area #4 (BC coast, Vancouver Island, lower mainland, Kootenays) includes one Credit Union and 19 retails. Doug Potentier, a director with Peninsula Co-op, (Victoria and Sydney) represents #4. Peninsula, having over 50,000 members that includes Duncan, therefore have the most FCL delegates. Vancouver Island co-ops strategically formed their own organization - VICSCA (Vancouver Island Central Services Association). Hornby’s VICSCA representative is David Eldred. VICSCA is entitled to send its own delegates to the FCL AGM, thus increasing Area #4’s voting power. Three VICSCA delegates are rotated annually among the 9 smaller co-ops and this year Hornby gets one and so I will accompany our regular delegate Rudy Rogalsky.

VICSCA’s main function is sharing information among members and seeking benefits e.g. shipping, bulk pricing, patronage issues, member benefits while traveling, point of sale technology, and just generally advantageous initiatives. David Eldred and I attended the VICSCA AGM Feb 5 in Parksville. Seventeen directors and management came from: Sointula, Campbell River, Comox, Mid-Island (Nanaimo), Port Alberni, Ucluelet, Tofino and Peninsula. Only Hornby, Peninsula, Ucluelet, Sointula and Tofino could continue to maintain general food and dry goods stores.

Besides Hornby’s Phoebe Long, Sointula has the only woman manager - Tosha Nelson is third generation from there. It was apparent that many of the successes, issues and problems we experience are shared by other VICSCA co-ops. Sointula had a good year fuelling boats for the excellent Sockeye run, and have liaised profitably with Alert Bay First Nations. Ucluelet has water issues, while Alberni is dealing with intensive fuel and soil monitoring. Ray Dol from Alberni, and Vice Chair of VICSCA, was the contractor who did the very meticulous clean up of old fuel tanks here. Following the retirement of Alberni’s manager the manager from Ucluelet will divide his time between those two co-ops. Tofino struggles with finding affordable staff housing (especially in summer) and have sold a strata condo that was not fulfilling expectations. Comox is anxiously aware of possible negative impacts from box stores. Mid-Island (Nanaimo) has acquired a highway cardlock outlet at Chemainus and a “Serious Coffee” franchise there. They have contributed generously to Nanaimo Recycling Exchange to acquire a GreenMax Expanded Polystyrene Compacter that reduces EPS (aka Styrofoam) into dense blocks of waste material which are sold to manufacturing firms and reprocessed. Mid-Island have also initiated a preloaded Green Fund Loyalty fuel card offering savings on member purchases with a commensurate percentage going to the green fund. Peninsula has different issues from those of small co-ops – e.g. they have restructured their Board of Directors’ voting system and will employ scrutineers.

I should emphasise that even though literage here is not nearly high enough to be profitable for FCL investment, when Alan Fletcher was Hornby’s rep, working closely with the team manager, they negotiated an over $300,000 loan and an equal outright grant. Thus Hornby could restructure, improve, and perform sustainable land practices while providing above-ground, cleanly contained year round fuel. So please always try to buy gas on Hornby. There is only a few cents difference (down or up) from elsewhere - FURTHERMORE, MEMBERS ALSO RECEIVE PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS AVERAGING 2-3% ON FUEL PURCHASES.
Ann Newdigate for Board of Directors.

February 2011 Co-op Corner

2011-01-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Photo: Bob Cain

TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO,
when Hornby Island Co-op looked like this, two wonderful people started working there. It is our good fortune that they are still doing that. Here Jim Horner and Sheila Macpherson each write about their 25 years.

---

25 years ago: Jim and daughter, Matisse,
who currently works in Hardware.

Photo: Bob Cain

JIM HORNER'S WORDS:

Wow, 25 years of pushing a broom around the floors of our beloved Co-op store! My loyalty to our community store began basically the day I first set foot on Hornby Island, Labor day weekend 1977, when we stopped at the store to ask directions to a rental advertized in the Courtenay Green Sheet. Davina Barrett and Annie Fearman were so friendly and helpful I had a good feeling about the store and the island right from the beginning.

8 years later when I started working for Mick Vet who had taken over the cleaning contract from Diane Taylor, Rusty Harrison was managing the store which was only a couple of years old then. The warehouse and post office had yet to be added to the building; the gas pump stood where the post office now is, and the produce area was the lunch/coffee area. I remember the stock from the old store being spread out strategically in a somewhat unsuccessful attempt to make the hugely increased shelf space look full; a problem no longer (ha ha). So now its 2011, and I'm buying my beer from the baby who's arrival Valerie and I were anticipating when I first pushed a mop over the Co-op floor!
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SHEILA MACPHERSON'S WORDS:

Rusty hired me to work the Sunday shift as a cashier/clerk on the grocery floor. Helen Onorah trained me to work on the till which was electric but had a hand crank attachment in case of power outages. Nothing was computerized.

When a temporary position opened up in the Post Office, I was fortunate to get the job for a regular 3-day week, operating out of a nook where the magazine rack now stands. That job also included dispensing fuel and propane alongside the parcels and postage.

Later I moved upstairs to help with the bookkeeping in the office, which is now the staff lunchroom. Payroll records were cumbersome, not yet computerized, and the membership files were still in giant ledger books with hand-written entries for patronage dividends.

Ah, those were the days' The work is still challenging, never a dull moment, and I love the variety of personalities that walks through the front doors.

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The amazing thing about the Hornby Co-op has been the ability of management and staff to be so adapatable. For the Co-op to have survived and grown, and grown and grown, and yet to continue to provide winter service and also be a crucial resource in the bursting summer months is pure magic. Perhaps this success is because at heart our Co-op, a savvy retailer, is basically a family business.

The Board of Directors wishes to thank and commend Bob Cain for providing an extraordinarly photographic archive. To see more of his work visit: rcainphoto.com/blog

Ann Newdigate for the Board of Directors.

Deliveries and Specials

2010-11-28T12:56:00.000-08:00

During our winter season we have fresh food specials and deliveries as follows:

Cardboard House Bakery Bread: arrives Monday and Thursday morning.

Denman Island Bread: arrives Monday Wednesday and Friday.

La Boulange Bread: arrives Tuesday and Friday late afternoon.

Commercial Breads: arrive Monday and Thursday late afternoon.

The Meat/Deli department offers a selection of fresh meat and fish arriving Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Winter Rotisserie Schedule:

Monday: Breaded Chicken Breast Fillet Pieces.

Tuesday: Pork Bites.

Wednesday: Hot & Spicy or Honey Garlic Chicken Wings.

Thursday: Surprise, Surprise.

Friday: Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Pieces.

Saturday: BBQ chicken.

Fresh produce arrives Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday. We carry as much local produce as we can.

Feel free to call us at 250-335-1121 to check on arrival times for our products. Remember, for your convenience or a unique occasion, we can special order anything from turkey to Champagne.

2010-11-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

TANGIBLE ORNAMENTS AND INVISIBLE ORNAMENTS
AND SEASONS GREETINGS

(Ornament: (a) a thing used to adorn eg. a small trinket, vase, etc.
(b.) a quality or person conferring adornment, grace or honour.)

(a) The hardware department has stocked up on very tangible seasonal holiday ornaments and small, well priced gifts, and has tried to have as few plastic things as possible. Team Manager, Phoebe Long, boasts that she has done absolutely all her Christmas shopping there for the last 15 years and we, the islanders, could significantly support Hornby Co-op by following her example.

(b) Then there are the invisible ornaments - the independent contractors who confer grace and honour - the people who work outside the staffing and managerial structure to keep the buildings and grounds in the condition that makes going to the Co-op a sociable and an aesthetic experience. At the gas bar there has been a major change because Alex Allen, while still an honourable ornament, is no longer a contractor but has joined the managerial team, and hired JF Regnier and Amber Harker as his assistants.

Barb Biagi, occasionally helped by Colleen Work, is the contractor responsible for keeping the grounds clean, and had this to say: “i LOVE how the Co op places so much importance on the beauty of the grounds. i am VERY proud to keep it looking clean & tidy there. It*s hard getting up so early, & cleaning up after everyone all the time, but the hardest part is that i can*t escape cigarette smoke, no matter where i*m working there.”

Patrick Kennedy, after 14 years, says that he still loves his job as contractor to clean 5 nights a week inside the building, while Jim Horner alternates with him on the other nights. They are assisted with all that invisible ornamentation by Colleen Work on an occasional basis.

Ron Emerson has the contract to cart off the Co-op’s garbage and recyclables and he is assisted by Rudy Moonshine. Ron’s other contract - to sort and deliver mail - is directly with Canada Post, and for assistance he hires some of the most beautiful people on the island. Canada Post rents the space where the other beautiful, efficient, and helpful people work in the Post Office and Suzanne la Rose, Regan Fahey, and Donna du Plessis - are Co-op employees.

The amazing, but not always invisible (because she works days), Cathy McElroy is the independent contractor for maintenance of the grounds and buildings, and is assisted by Albini Lapierre. They both perform the tricky and hazardous job of changing art shows because, as contractors, they are insured through the Co-op policy. And because they are kind enough to do it.

Elizabeth Macdonald, strictly not a contractor but self employed, does the outstanding landscaping and hires helpers when need be.

Glen Morrison, also not a contractor, but a crucial Co-op employee, and a jewel among ornaments, drives the truck to fetch all the merchandise thus saving us numerous trips to town. Usually four times a week and sometimes seven in summer, he is backed up by Brian Kittleson.

Now at the year’s end the Board of Directors also extends best wishes for the holiday season to the other grand ornaments - the membership and islanders. May the New Year be kind and generous to us all. And please celebrate with us on Friday, December 24th at the store, when maybe a Santa with a Manhattan accent will spread good cheer.

Ann Newdigate for the all the other Board of Directors: Bill Adams, Dave Eldred, Alan Fletcher, David Hall, Richard Laskin, Rudy Rogalsky, Margaret Sinclair, and Donna Tuele

2010-11-06T10:30:00.001-07:00

co-op corner
Most of the mess and noise around the Co-op should be gone and the greening started by now. At this point we can report that, according to Levelton, (environmental geotechnical engineering company) a rigorous consulting company, the decommissioning of the old gas tanks and the monitoring of the surrounding soil was mostly very successful. Two tanks have been bought by the Fire Department for $1 each with a written indemnity absolving the Co-op from future environmental liabilities and will store only water for fire fighting. Fire Department will pay $100 each to have these brought back from Ray Dol, the decommissioning contractor in Port Alberni, who did an extremely professional and efficient job with a minimum of disruption while taking out and purging the tanks. The third tank has been acquired privately under similar conditions and is for liquid fertilizer. All three will sit for a year before being used. The fourth, the tank with the small leak, has yet to be disposed of appropriately. The bulk of the contaminated soil has been trucked out but the process is far from completed because there is still low level contamination in the north hole which will require ongoing further drilling and monitoring. Having gained this experience it will be apparent that installing the new tanks above ground was a prudent decision. Ray Dol and Levelton are to be congratulated for both doing a very thorough and fine job!

It is a tough fact that the Hornby Island Co-op has been committed to some major expenses recently and all details are made available publicly to the membership at the annual general meeting. It is to the credit of the Finance Committee, the Federated Co-op Ltd (FCL), the management team, and Alan Fletcher’s experience and generosity with his time, that our little retail system has been able to remain solvent and to retain the full complement of staff and the eight regular contractors. However, yet another major expense (in addition to ongoing old building maintenance) is looming and this too will be disruptive. Hornby Island Co-op has no option but to have the point of sale check-out computers replaced and upgraded although the current system does not yet have any problems. It is obligatory for us to upgrade in order to be compatible with FCL’s system and to enable them to do the computing that is specific to the very nature of a co-operative: transactions at an FCL co-op store check-out-till involve using advanced technology for automatically processing membership purchases and applying these proportionately to the subsequent patronage disbursements to each member. This upgrading is planned for late November and, at this stage, we can only hold our collective breath and hope that it does not exceed the estimated $60,000.

One of the HI Co-op’s invaluable independent contractors is Cathy McElroy who is responsible for the many aspects of maintenance. Her most recent prowess can be seen in the new paint job that has spruced up the old store building. It is a real art (and she is an artist with her own fine art painting practice) to choose colors that should offend no-one and yet not be seen as dull, dull and dull. The mellow greeny grey with aubergine trim are just right. Another pleasing customer touch is that bench outside the new gas bar which allows us oldies to have a seat while waiting for the gas guy in charge of unlocking to return from propane filling.

Ann Newdigate for the Hornby Island Co-op board of directors.

CO-OP CORNER : SUMMER OF 2O1O

2010-10-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

With the summer of 2010 behind us it is now possible to assess how our new well performed. The news is good and the water is potable. The well met all the Co-op’s summer needs including that of the new gas bar and the always heavy ringside use. As a result there has been no need to purchase water and so the saving has been considerable.
To date the total cost of this water self-sufficiency, from drilling, repeated testing, clean up, piping, electrical and UV treatment, is about $19,000. It is not yet possible to know how quickly the groundwater will be replenished and so there are plans for considering a second reservoir with provision of a slow drip process to secure a good back up source.

At the time of writing, the Co-op is bracing for the further, but necessary, disruption caused by de-commissioning the old gas bar and removing four underground fuel tanks. This is something that has to be done for legal and environmental reasons. Of course, we apologize for the inconvenience and noise it is causing. Work on this started September 13th and will involve Shields Road being dug up and impassable for brief periods of time with heavy equipment everywhere. Until the tanks are excavated and exposed there is no knowing how long it will all take. After the initial excavation the environmental people will come, after the tanks are pulled out, and will do an assessment of the soil. If the damage is light or even moderate the Co-op will get the go ahead to complete the process, but a heavy reading will mean extensive disruption. $108,000 has been budgeted for the clean up and if the damage is extremely high, and all the soil has to be trucked out, then there is an insurance policy to cover the additional costs. After everything is finished and done with then the Co-op can move on and improve the landscaping, provide handicap access, and generally envision the best use for this much needed "new" space.

The issue of alcohol and drug abuse during the summer and especially the August long weekend is a topic that the "community" and the Co-op board are taking very seriously.
At the Co-op's August Board meeting the problems were discussed and are summarized in the following motion that was passed:
The Board is committed to the Co-op co-operating as part of a community wide unified approach re alcohol sales’ impact during long weekends.
On September 13th the Co-op board and management participated in a very positive and action oriented "community" meeting to explore solutions.

Compliments for the role of the staff in general during this last summer are still coming in.
So, in this issue the Board would like to acknowledge particularly the core staff - the year round group who are not managers or summer people - who know where to find things, answer funny questions, maintain polite friendliness, and are generally the public face which makes people shopping at the Co-op so happy.

Finally, even more good news is that the summer brought in eleven new members indicating that the Hornby Co-op continues to attract valuable support from the next generation of islanders and summer visitors.

Ann Newdigate for the Hornby Island Co-op Board of Directors.

Co-op Corner

2010-06-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

With the new gas bar being a visible reality, now we must thank the community minded people who contributed to its realization. A big thank you is due to the Scott family for selling the land at an affordable price, also to Board Member, Alan Fletcher, who volunteered expertise and precious time overseeing this sustainable building. Michael McNamara, provided much design time, and Phoebe Long, Team Manager, went beyond basic duties for project co-ordination and liaison with Federated Co-op Ltd. And of course we thank Federated for backing us when fuel sale literage did not exactly meet profitable investment criteria. Their grant and loan of approximately $373,500 each on accessible terms, combined with management’s fiscal responsibility, have made reasonably early debt settlement feasible. There are many more to thank, but especially the construction volunteers. (One off-island supplier even donated delivery time.) Finally, let us thank the Co-op’s membership for support through the long preparatory years, and also trades’ people who went the extra mile for us. The building is a tribute to the generosity of Hornby’s community who collectively constitute the year-round infrastructure that makes this not only a special environment but a viable place to live. We need to remember how much we benefit from sustained work done in the health area, specifically the new clinic, home support, Fire Department, first responders, HIRRA teams, recycling system, school people, arts communities, and many more. We can all congratulate ourselves but should not take anything, or anyone, for granted. In that spirit, with the 55th AGM on May 30th, it seems appropriate to report on often unseen services, donations, subsidizings, and sponsorships that mother co-op, as it is often called, puts into this island economy. The list of Co-op contributions is more extensive than one realizes and so it is appropriate to name them:

Free post. Medications pick-up. Notice board space. Benches for community based social interactions Covered porch for ticket and raffle sales, etc.
Till-side information about births and deaths, community mishaps, achievements, and other general information. Cheque cashing. Banking facilities. Special orders service.
Ringside maintenance, insurance and landscaping, and leases to other merchants and restaurants. Public toilet and telephone. Sales outlet for local produce. Centre for sale of newspapers. Copy machine. Regularly changing exhibitions without taking commission from artists. Generator providing service during power outs. Roasted chickens and othe food take outs.
And most NB a monthly 10% day discount for members.

Crucially, Co-op provides a pleasant public place, inside and outside, for folks to communicate, do business, or just socialize and enjoy each other. This kind of gathering place is often cited by town planners as essential for a healthy community. Among the services for 2009 that the Co-op retains despite no profit are:

Post Office - $12, 262 loss; Hardware - $3, 272 deficit; Gas Bar - $19, 947 loss.
Donations, subsidies, and goods-in-kind made last year:
HI. Recreation Programs. Fall Fair. Christmas Hamper Program. H.O.P.E. Kitchen.
Till Donations Program. New Clinic Fund. Kids Culture Fund. H I. Festival Society HI. Theatre Society. McPherson Bursary. HI. Amnesty. HI Preschool.
International Dance Council – Hornby Dancers. Hornby Community Radio Society.
Kids Fiddler Camp. Athletic Association. HI. Rec Committee.
Youth Development Fund. Cops for Cancer – Tour de Rock Sponsorship.
Community School - HI. Educational. Society and HI, Parent Advisory Committee. Vanier Robotics Club – Max Svatos – National Competition, Charlottetown, PEI.

Not a bad record but the board always wishes it could afford to give even more support.

Submitted by Ann Newdigate for HI Co-op Board.

Sustainability and the New Gasbar

2010-06-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I was speaking publicly regarding the future of the gas bar site including the location of the future site of the new store. A local resident was shocked that the existing store would not be used indefinitely: “Why would we build another store? The coop has always been there.” We identify our existence and history with buildings that are relevant in our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately the Hornby coop store was not built to have the structural integrity nor had the planning for future use .Which is disappointing for the community as our heritage will disappear when the building fails and is removed.

But why do we build buildings to last 25 to 30 years? Why don’t we look after them to last longer? In other countries (with similar climates) wood buildings last 500 to 800 years. In North America we build disposable buildings so what does that say about our culture, our message to our children and how we care about our future?

The Hornby Gas Bar is a green sustainable project on many different levels.

Land Use and Location

The project started 6 years ago with the procurement of the property and presentation to the community. Originally the piece of property was in the ALR, but due to location, soil conditions and drainage problems the classification did not make sense. Having the land adjacent to the existing coop store allows for seamless transitions of land use for the coop gas bar as well as the future coop store site. Having commercial buildings clustered together allows for rural area to remain undisturbed and it minimises the need for transportation between commercial services. And finally this site has the greatest possibility of continuing the sense of place for people to congregate and feel comfortable.

Siting and structural design efficiency

During the concept stage of the project great consideration was given to future use of the site beyond the use as a gas bar. Siting of the future coop store, walking and bicycle traffic, ground water issues and location of drainage system and bioswales . Then building siting variations were considered with land use and environmental impacts.

Design of existing traffic patterns and future traffic patterns were also considered and implemented. Erosion and sediment controls were implemented with filter systems upstream from the bioswale. Erosion & sedimentation control during construction reduced site disturbance. Where outside lighting is required, all task lighting conforms to “dark skies” standards.

Having the fuel tanks above ground also gives us flexibility in the future as well. It will allow us to remove them when not needed or modify them without having the additional hazard of them leaking under ground.

Energy Efficiency

The Hornby Gas Bar building is heated and cooled with an efficient air source heat pump. The building has several measures to reduce energy use. The building envelope has low-e windows. The walls are filled with R24 insulation and have very low thermal bridging. With the addition of sod on the roof and large overhangs the interior space is protected from solar heat gain during hot summer days minimising the need for cooling. The building is designed to easily incorporate renewable energy systems at a later date. We plan on preheating the domestic hot water with a roof top solar panel.

Water Efficiency

An important objective of the design team was reducing water consumption and storm water run-off and protecting the ground water quality. Water consumption at the gas bar is minimised by using an ultra low flush toilet. The green roof slows down the (rain) water run-off allowing for greater ground water retention. The (well) water extracted from the site is returned either to the bioswale or to the septic field after use and slowly dissipates into the ground. Any water that may come in contact with a potential fuel spill at the pumps or at the tanks is collected into a drain system that is then collected in an oil water separator tank that has membranes separating out the petroleum products from the water before the water is returned to the bioswale.

Material Efficiency and Resources

The methodology of construction of the gas bar was new to standard industry practices because we did a combination of community volunteer labour with contracting trades to fill in the additional work not completed by the volunteer force. We decided to include Pacific Homes and Island Timber Frame in the process. Both companies specialise in prefabricating building components of walls and timber structures. Two of many advantages to prefabrication are the reduction of construction waste to less than 10 cubic yards and the fact that materials stay dry and clean which prevents mildew within closed in structures. Both manufacturers also use local materials that are 100% recyclable including the insulation. All the wood framed walls and trusses are made of eco-certified lumber.

The most substantial advantage to the prefabrication was the smoothness of erecting the structure. A total of two volunteer days were needed, with local trades completing the remaining work in-between the volunteer weekends.

Indoor Air Quality

We have attempted to use only low-emitting (low-VOC, VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS which refers to the off gassing of toxic fumes) products such as paints and finish materials. A very durable product Marmoleum, made of linseed oil, wood dust and jute, was used for the floors. Because the building envelope is well insulated a high thermal comfort – warm in winter and cool in the summer - is ensured.

Operations and Maintenance

No matter how sustainable a building may have been designed and constructed, the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the building during its life time determines its true sustainability. Responsible operation of the heating and cooling system and water consuming fixtures as well as proper maintenance of HVAC, roof and storm water systems andbuilding structure will affect the life span and need for replacement and repair. Although the construction phase has sustainable practices, it is important for the operating gas bar to continue on with care for the integrity of the structure as well the surrounding environment.

Community Sustainability

We think of green buildings or sustainable buildings as those buildings set out by LEED standards but as time moves forward it has become evident that buildings that are sustainable and community sustainability run hand in hand. In other words our communities are our buildings. Not only do our buildings represent our history by their age but the history that each individual in the community has around buildings. For example, The Hornby Community Hall was falling into disrepair 25 years ago, with a mixture of community volunteers and paid project managers the hall was rebuilt to what it is today: a beautiful organic structure full of warmth. It is because of community involvement that the building continues to be cared for. It has become an integral part of Hornby identity and history, and it is Community Sustainability.

With the Hornby Gas Bar it also was the board’s intent to build with the Community in mind along with sustainable principles. We hired a local project manager, (Tor Nawrot) who managed the project and distributed the subcontracts to the Island community where possible. Apart from all the standard green features the gas bar project had an amazing experience with volunteers’ involvement. During the first of two “barn raising days’’ the crew was made up of 20 islanders generating a great cooperative team spirit that was evident even to the passing coop shoppers. A crane operator stopped by after he dropped off a container and saw what we were doing and how much joy we were having and volunteered his crane services for the next work day. At the end of each work day the kinship and sense of accomplishment was incredible. Two weeks later a painting contractor approached me on the ferry commented on the gas bar project and wanted to volunteer his painting crew for the Hornby clinic.

I volunteered on many building projects over the years but one in particular stood out for me. Many years ago Chris Gerow organized a framing “barn raising” for his mother, Helen’s, house. At that time I worked in Victoria as a contractor and came up to Hornby for the day event with all my tools. Along with 20 other islanders we framed her house in a day. It was one of my favourite work days in 30 years of construction!

There is something about coming together with fellow islanders who have chosen to volunteer their time and skills to build something: a home, a hall, a gas bar, that makes for a greater sense of accomplishment. I believe this type of community participation develops great sustainable communities.

Cheers, Alan

2009-10-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

November Coop Corner

HORNBY ISLAND CO-OP AS PATRON OF THE ARTS. continued.

The account of Hornby Island Co-op’s support for the arts became too long for the October First Edition and had to be split. This was in fact a good thing because now
Coop Corner can deliver breaking news about the future of art on the walls. The bad news is that Tina Harrison decided that she can no longer facilitate the project. The good news is that she will spend more time in her own studio. More good news is that Elizabeth MacDonald will take on the job but, for insurance reasons, she is not allowed to climb the ladder to hang big pieces at the top of the wall. Now assistant Maintenance Contractor, Albini Lapierre, will undertake this high risk venture. Thank you Albini, and especially thank you Cathy McElroy for having gone up that ladder and assisted Tina for all these years. Again thank you Tina.

We already have much for which to thank Elizabeth. She is being featured here because of the collaborating she has done with HI Arts Council to add to the painting of the realistic seascape that transforms the Fire Department water tank in the new parking lot. She has, since the summer graffiti, repaired and sealed the image at her own expense. The first stage of this project was paid for by the Arts Council while Co-op provided paint and brushes. Stage two will be painted on the tank’s southern round end, and is to be funded by Co-op while, this time, Arts Council pays for materials and brushes. Elizabeth’s excellent eye for beauty is supported by her knowledge of the principles of basic design - texture, line, shape, colour, darks and lights, repetition etc. Combine these with her horticultural expertise and the result is the attractive ongoing landscaping she is doing to prepare for the new gas bar and C store. These will soon be a reality.

Last month the Co-op displayed a very special artwork on the wall above the candies - a prime viewing spot. The photograph, “Daybreak in Prague”, won Co-op member Gerald Hodge a place in the BC Automobile Association calendar. But equally impressive is the fact that it won him and Sharron Milstein an all expenses paid Mediterranean cruise from Nice to Istanbul in September. Congratulations to this handsome, not really retired, town planner.

Through the years Co-op has also made many donations of cash or inkind to arts organizations. Recently this included a contribution towards the purchase of the beautifully refurbished Bechstein grand piano by the Festival Society. With expert advice from Jane Koop on selecting the piano, the tenacious Gary Duke led a successful fund-raising effort. The magnificent piano, crafted in Berlin in 1924, was delivered this past spring and was used extensively over the summer. Islanders were lucky to hear Jane Koop’s concert in October, and to see her give the piano an affectionate pat. The Blues Society and many other performers have benefitted, and will continue to do so, from this addition to our community.

Finally, the Co-op also supports local musicians with the sale of tapes and cds, local writers by selling their books, and more help for visual artists by carrying cards with their painted images and photographs. The business of sales for these items is added to the responsibilities of the Grocery Manager, Carole Shura. Because there is not really any room for books and music displays in the current building these can be found at various locations around the store.

Ann Newdigate on behalf of the Hornby Island Co-op Board.

2009-10-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

HORNBY ISLAND CO-OP AS PATRON OF THE ARTS. (Part one)

Historically the Co-op supports the arts in many ways including
providing jobs, and steady incomes, for many artists. In fact it has
been artists on staff who are responsible for the ever changing display
of work hanging on every available wall. There had been sporadic “art
shows” for years. These proved so popular that, when a decision was
made to make them a regular feature, the excellent artist(and grocery
manager) David Kilmartin, became the first co-ordinator. When David
left for a few years, Tina Harrison took over while in charge of
pricing and margin control. She has co-ordinated shows for 8 years.
This exacting task must, for insurance reasons, be done by a member of
staff or a contractor. After Tina retired from regular work it was
possible to extend her coverage as an ex-staffer, and to pay a small
stipend. But, because she is not covered to go up ladders to hang
work at the top, this challenging activity is done by the maintenance
contractor, and artist, Cathy McElroy.

Tina explained the logistics of installing art on walls not designed for
exhibiting. Mostly shows change every month. Islanders can apply for
solo exhibitions, and can participate in group shows. These are not
juried because Tina includes all work that is submitted although she
can not predict how much will come in. Thus work hangs in every single
spot. She hangs large, bold work high where it can be viewed from a
distance. Work goes over magazines, above the bread, over the chips
and in the stair well. Small, delicate, or detailed work requiring
close up viewing hangs above shopping carts. Installing in available
spaces is typically not simple, and group exhibition may take five
hours to complete. In addition Tina spends many hours on telephone
discussions with artists.

Tina aims to be inclusive, and is emphatic in her invitation to
artists that have not shown work before because she keeps exhibitions
fresh, varied, lively, and engaging. The artwork should not already
have been shown on Hornby, must be ready to hang, and frames should
have wire for support. One of the exciting aspects of art at the Co-op
is that established artists also submit work. This eclectic mix
provides interesting viewing, and has even included paintings by the
legendary Jack Shadbolt.

At the end of a show walls are repaired before beginning the next
installation with the fine tuned process of finding appropriate and
compatible relationships between the various works. Artists must
provide details about medium, title and date. They may state a price
and if there are interested purchasers the Co-op directs them to the artist
who transacts sales themselves. If a sale materializes, the Co-op does
not take a commission and is therefore probably the only venue in
Canada where artists receive full sale price.

Each piece is assigned a large sized number fixed beside it. This is
correlated with other information typed up by Tina and placed above the
newspapers stand. The following morning when shoppers arrive they
find a seamless transition, as though by magic, from one show to the
next. Islanders and visitors have come to expect art at the Co-op and
may take it for granted because the backbreaking, physical, but also
detailed organizational, work is not visible. Much experience, art
expertise, and time goes into putting these shows up. May we hope that
there will always be a staffer or contractor with the guts and smarts
to continue the art on the wall tradition.

(to be continued)

Ann Newdigate for the Co-op board.

July Corner

2009-06-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

Beginners Guide to the Hornby Island Co-op.

Co-op Directors welcome all who come to Hornby in the summer months -
whether it be their 100th or their 1st visit - and whether they have
that precious asset - a Co-op number or not. This is no ordinary
Co-op. It is unique except for similarities with Sointula and Tofino
Co-ops. All are located in isolated, beautiful areas with small
permanent populations. Full time residents here number under 1,000
and only the mail person knows how many remain during the dark,
creative months. At Summer’s peak it is said that there are at least
7,000 on Hornby. The implications for the Co-op of this population
explosion are, on one hand, an acute need for training temporary staff,
and, on the other, that the store can substantially increase sales.
That the organization does both successfully is because of the amazing
management team and dedicated staff.

Store policy is to carry island productions - produce, meats,
chocolates, books, cards, breads, healthy dips, soap, salves, jigs,
maps - and it has been said that what you cannot get here you don’t
need. In fact one can get anything from baby aspirin to tiaras. If
something is needed and not available it can usually be special
ordered. Twice a week the Co-op truck picks up prepaid medical
prescriptions from Courtenay.

A number of essential services are done by independent contractors.
In particular the Gas Bar and C Store are in the expert hands of Alix
Allen who ensures that gas and propane prices are as low as possible
(sometimes lower than elsewhere) even after additional ferry and
transportation costs.
The Post Office, has been computerized by Canada Post, and the Co-op
now assumes the financial risk. Landscaping by Elizabeth MacDonald,
who also beautifies the proposed gas bar area, has turned the extended
parking lot into a parkland.

The Ringside Market stores on Co-op property, are owned by independent
merchants, and provide a central meeting place for socializing,
acquiring fresh local meals, coffee, books, crafts, smart clothing and
for outdoor sports expertise. The Quilters Guild displays the annual
community quilt there and are donating this year’s raffle funds towards
the proposed new Hornby health clinic. Cleaning of building and
grounds is contracted to beautiful gnomes who do their magic in the
early hours before anyone is around.

Every month a Co-op FLYER goes with the mail to all households. This
is no ordinary flyer and, apart from information about specials,
operating hours, system changes, it carries advice about things like
dealing with slugs and mice, some seasonal recipes, and often witty
advice about driving that may, on occasion, be levelled at drivers who
transgress.

There are special services available only to Co-op members such as
cheque cashing privileges and a monthly shopping spree which gives 10%
off most items. If any visitors plan to come back to Hornby, which
they surely will, then taking out a membership has these advantages,
including the prestige of occasionally having a cashier remember your
number. There is a website (www.hornbyislandcoop.ca) with
information for planning that helps visitors know what to expect in the
way of provisions and services. H.I. Co-op, like all enterprises, is
vulnerable during this economic downturn, and so anyone taking out a
membership will be helping to ensure that “mother co-op” can continue
to function and be an active provider of essential community support.
Making purchases at the Co-op, whether for gas, organic asparagus, or
whatever, helps keep this fragile asset functioning effectively year
after year for subsequent visits.
Ann Newdigate for the H.I Co-op Board.