Heritage Co-op to invest more than $1 million in Minnedosa expansion

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Published on Friday, February 12, 2016

Submitted by Vern May

The Neepawa Banner

Building on their existing relationship here in Minnedosa, as well as looking at opportunities for growth, Heritage Co-op has identified a significant expansion plan here in the community for 2016.  The development of a new administrative office on Main Street will see 10 local positions retained and open the door for some new jobs over the next two years.

As the company has grown during its many years in Minnedosa, the current administrative offices on the second floor of the food store (built in 2000) have adjusted to accommodate a growing number of staff.  From an operations perspective, this has created the need for more space.  Over the past year, a number of sites have been considered, including locations in Brandon and other communities, and only recently was a firm location identified.

“Since we opened our Administration Office here in Minnedosa 15 years ago, our annual sales have climbed from under $30 million to over $150 million,” says Lorne Zacharias, general manager.  “That growth has had an impact on the administrative role and the need for more space is no longer something we can delay.  We need to expand, but also want to remain connected to downtown.”

The recent purchase of the stone building which has housed Flowers on Main has been confirmed and a building inspection has revealed that the costs to renovate the existing structure would be significantly greater than that of new construction.  In addition, the two buildings currently housing Brio Massage Therapy and John’s Tax Service have been purchased and will become a part of the project as well. Design work is currently underway and Co-op hopes to see shovels in the ground for the new building by the fall of 2016.

While the proposed new two-storey office building is in the preliminary design stage, Zacharias is hopeful that some of the distinctive elements of the current structure may be incorporated into the new space.  From a community renewal perspective, Co-op relishes the opportunity to participate in refreshing the look of the downtown core with this expansion, while also including some potential lease space available to existing businesses affected.

“We are a part of the community and this project needs to reflect that in as many ways as possible,” adds Ken Jenner, board president. “While it represents the face of our brand, it also needs to consider the overall fit with the neighbourhood along with our administration needs – both now and into the future.”

As formal design plans are confirmed, Jenner says they will be shared with the community and updates on the status of the project will be forthcoming in the new year.