Boundary Co‑op: A Community-Owned Success Story in Boissevain-Morton

Boundary Co‑op has deep roots in our region, with a history that reflects decades of cooperation and community spirit. The story began in 1945 with the formation of the Boissevain Consumers Cooperative Ltd. In 2011, Boissevain and Deloraine amalgamated to create Boundary Consumers Cooperative Ltd., followed by the amalgamation of Hartney in 2012. The organization continued to grow when Killarney Cartwright Co‑op joined in 2019. Each step in this journey has strengthened the Co‑op’s ability to serve local residents while staying true to its member-owned foundation.

Today, Boundary Co‑op provides a wide range of essential services. The food store, gas bar and convenience store, Home & Agro Centre, bulk fuel delivery, and the cardlock station south of town all play important roles in meeting the daily needs of people across the region. Because the Co‑op is owned by its members, it can offer a broad selection of products at fair prices while reinvesting profits back into the community. It also creates meaningful employment, offering opportunities that range from entry-level positions to upper management roles.

The Co‑op model exists in Boissevain because residents chose it. Community members wanted access to essential goods at reasonable prices and wanted a say in how those services were delivered. That commitment continues today, with approximately 7,400 active members who support the Co‑op simply by choosing to shop locally.

Boundary Co‑op is also known for its strong community involvement. It contributes to local programs, events, and organizations through sponsorships, donations, and in-kind support. It organizes the Parade of Lights, serves as one of the title sponsors for StreetFest, reads to students during “I Love to Read” month, and raises funds for local groups through Fuel Good Day and other activities. Bursaries offered through Boundary Co‑op help support local students as they pursue their education. These efforts reflect the Co‑op’s belief that strong communities are built through shared investment and shared success.

Like many rural businesses, Boundary Co‑op has faced challenges. Inflation has affected the cost of goods, tariffs have influenced pricing in the Home and Agro Centre, and the pandemic required quick adaptation to new regulations. Staffing and recruitment remain ongoing concerns, and the shortage of local housing adds another layer of difficulty when attracting new employees. Despite these challenges, the Co‑op continues to look ahead with optimism and sees opportunities to expand its business lines and evolve with community needs.

Boundary Co‑op is one of the largest employers in Boissevain-Morton, with a total staff of approximately 180 people. It contributes to the local economy through job creation, property taxes, and ongoing investment in community initiatives. Profits stay local through strong annual equity returns, and the Co‑op collaborates with other businesses whenever possible, including partnering with Boissevain Bakery and East 40 Packers to provide local products.

Looking to the future, Boundary Co‑op’s goal is to remain the retailer of choice in the communities it serves. This means continuing to offer quality products at reasonable prices, providing excellent customer service, and staying responsive to member needs.

When asked what advice they would give to someone starting a business in Boissevain, the Co‑op emphasizes the importance of filling a real community need and delivering products or services with consistent quality. Above all, Boundary Co‑op values its role as a community partner. The team feels deeply connected to the people they serve and takes pride in maintaining strong relationships with members. Being part of the community is not just part of the business model—it is part of Co‑op’s identity.