Since 2015, Co-op has invested $8.1 million into communities across western Canada with a program called Community Spaces. Past recipients within the North Central Co-op Association trading area include the High Park Playground Redevelopment in Stony Plain, Nature’s Wild Backyard at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, EMSA West Soccer Park in Edmonton, and the Community Food Centre Garden at the Jasper Place Wellness Centre.

This year, North Central Co-op is incredibly proud to announce that we have another recipient that has been selected to receive funding for their upcoming project!

Co-op is providing $146,700 to help build a commercial community kitchen in downtown Edmonton for nutrition programming, literacy opportunities and community gatherings. The space will bring both new and established community members of all faiths and cultures together to learn about food safety, share cultural practices, practice English and build relationships.

“Nutritious meals are a critical necessity in anyone’s life, providing nourishment for growing physically and intellectually, and strengthening relationships within families, social groups, and community. EMCN is truly honored to have been awarded $146,700 through Co-op Community Spaces to build a brand-new Community Kitchen offering newcomers to Edmonton a welcoming and inclusive space to build confidence, learn, connect, and experience different cultural practices,” said Marla Welk, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Director of EMCN.

Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify, and improve spaces across Western Canada. In 2019, the program is providing $2 million to 26 community projects from Vancouver Island to Manitoba. Since 2015, Co-op has donated $8.5 million to 114 projects.

“Co-op Community Spaces aims to bring people together, creating places for everyone and building a lasting legacy that benefits our community into the future,” said Dean McKim, CEO of North Central Co-op. “We’re happy to be a contributing partner on projects like this. They reflect the spirit and dedication of the people within our community.”

For more information about Co-op Community Spaces or to view the complete list of 2019 funding recipients, visit www.communityspaces.ca.