OLDS — Renovations currently underway at the Westview Co-op Food Store in Olds could be complete within six to eight months, according to Westview Co-op general manager Mike Isaak.
When the $4.5 million to $5 million project, which got underway in October is completed, staff and customers will see some major changes, he said during an interview with the Albertan.
Shunda Construction of Red Deer is the contractor. Isaak said he’s not sure if any local subtrades are involved.
The renovations include system upgrades that will reduce energy consumption by 300,000 kilowatts per year.
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system has been upgraded to a model that uses 2.5 times less energy while operating at 1/20th the noise without losing operational effectiveness.
Other changes include a switch to LED lights that are expected to use up to 40 per cent less energy and last 13 times longer than old halogen fixtures, significantly reducing landfill waste.
“We know that our success and the health of our communities are mutually dependent,” Isaak said in a news release.
“In our decision-making, we consider the social, economic and environmental impacts so we can meet the needs of today without compromising future generations’ ability to meet the needs of tomorrow.”
Additionally, dairy and meat products will be showcased in new refrigeration units with reach-in doors that reduce energy usage by 75 per cent.
But that’s not all.
Isaak told the Albertan that the produce department will be relocated and the current two entrances will be reduced to one which will open directly onto the parking lot.
The deli department will be fully renovated, “so there’ll be probably a portion of time when the deli department would be shut down,” Isaak said.
The bakery department will be upgraded as well.
In addition, the tills will be moved a bit and some of the aisles relocated.
Also, all the flooring will be replaced and there’ll be all new décor.
“Basically, every department is going to see some sort of a change,” he said.
In the news release, Mark Jones, the co-op's food store manager in Olds, said Westview Co-op is part of the Loop program, which is aimed at reducing the amount of food waste generated at the store.
“Instead of sending unused food to landfills, it’s given to farmers for livestock," he said.
“We also strive to source sustainable products from Western Canadian producers, which allows us to further support our friends and neighbours.”
When it’s all said and done, Isaak said the renovations might even result in the hiring of a few extra employees.
He said the project has been planned about five years, but other things, like expansion, acquisitions and amalgamations as well as COVID restrictions put the project on hold.
Isaak said the space vacated when McDonald’s moved westward to the Cornerstone area is not included in these renovations, although the co-op does own that area, he confirmed.
Isaak said some ideas for that space are being considered.
“Right now we’re entertaining a couple of things," he said. "At this point we’re investigating and costing and seeing what could be done with that space.”
Isaak said to his knowledge, the last time the store was renovated was in 2010.
“It’s long overdue, I guess I would say,” he said.
