Written by Hayden Michaels Westcentralonline.com

Pioneer Co-op and Palliser Plains Co-op are moving forward with plans to merge, pending membership approval.

A series of information sessions will be held in advance of the vote. Meetings will take place in Shamrock, Central Butte, Tugaske and Craik to outline the proposal to Palliser Plains Co-op members, who will vote on the merger on Oct. 28.

Pioneer Co-op members will cast their votes on Nov. 4.

Larry Kozun, CEO of Pioneer Co-op, said both co-operative boards have been working together on the proposed merger since 2024.

“With the merger, we’re looking for efficiencies, and it should improve earnings,” said Kozun. “Nothing will change in terms of dividend cheques, and [dividends] will improve.”

If approved, the merger would expand Pioneer Co-op’s operations to 23 communities with 43 retail locations, including grocery stores, fuel stations, home centres, agricultural services and other offerings.

Should the merger proceed, Palliser Plains Co-op members will have the option to retain their existing Co-op numbers—adding a new prefix—or merge their account with their Pioneer Co-op membership, if applicable.

Cardlock users from both co-ops would gain access to all locations operated by either organization.