The members of the Portage la Prairie Co-op have spoken, and their votes gave a resounding yes to the amalgamation with the Homestead Co-op.

By a vote of 97 percent, the motion was passed and as of February 3rd, 2019 the two co-ops will merge into Homestead Consumers Co-op. Portage Co-op General Manager Kevin Dales tells us how he feels about the vote.

"Proud to be a part of the process," says Dales. "I think the members spoke tonight with their overwhelming vote. They see the realization of today's world and we're going to move forward in that manner so it's a very good feeling."

The amalgamation is in response to other supermarket giants merging and pushing smaller businesses out of communities. The merger will result in members being able to utilize their Co-op numbers across the territory of both Homestead and Portage Consumer Co-ops in order to build equity. Portage Co-op Board of Directors President Lorne Hulme gives his opinion of the results.

"I'm pretty pleased with the support," says Hulme. "You never know how these meetings are going to go. It seems that the majority of people here were in favour of the amalgamation and I think that also tells you that people here can see forward that a larger, stronger co-op is in everybody's best interests."

Portage Co-op Gas Bar Employee Cole Johnston adds his view on what the amalgamation means for him as an employee.

"What this amalgamation means for me is a stronger and better future," notes Johnson. "It'll be easier to tackle competition and bigger companies by moving up the chain and better buying power. Mainly a stronger future for us."

With the vote, members will be able to use their Co-op number at 16 locations in seven communities across central Manitoba.