(Almost) Everything You Need to Know about Becoming a Mid Island Co-op Member

What is a co-operative?

A co-operative, or co-op, is a business or organization that is owned and guided by its members. 

How many Co-op® locations are there?

There are many Co-op® retailers across Western Canada and seven on and around Vancouver Island: Mid Island, Peninsula, Port Alberni, Ucluelet, Tofino, Sointula, and Hornby.

Each Co-op® retailer may have multiple locations. Mid Island Co-op has over 40 locations.

Who can become a member?

Individuals over the age of 16 or businesses.

How much does a Mid Island membership cost?

Membership is a one-time share purchase of $10, making you a member-owner of Mid Island Co-op. This gets you a lifetime of membership benefits with no additional fees or renewal process.

How does a Mid Island Co-op membership work?

When you become a member, you will receive a number you can use at any Mid Island location. Eligible purchases may earn equity and cash back based on the Co-op's annual financial performance. The more eligible purchases made using your membership number, the more equity and cash back you may earn when a patronage allocation is declared at the end of the Co-op fiscal year.

At the end of the fiscal year, based on Mid Island Co-op's financial performance, you may receive a portion of your purchases back as a patronage allocation.

Members also have voting rights and a voice in how the Co-op operates.

What are equity and cash back?

Equity is the member’s share of profits reinvested into your Co-op and the community to ensure growth and sustainability.

Cash back is the portion of profits returned to members directly in a cheque form annually.

How are eligible purchases categorized?

The categories for allocation percentages are: Petroleum, Cardlock, Bulk/Home Fuel Delivery, Liquor, and Grocery

What determines how much cash back and equity members receive?

The amount allocated to members each year depends on the Co-op's financial results. Once the fiscal year-end audit is complete, the Board of Directors reviews the audited financial statements and approves the patronage allocation percentages based on recommendations from management. This ensures allocations are made responsibly while supporting the long-term success of the Co-op.

For the 2025 fiscal year, allocation percentages were:

Fuel & Cardlock: 3.5%
Liquor: 3.0%
Grocery: 3.0%
Home Heating & Bulk Fuel: 3.5%

Are patronage allocations guaranteed?

Patronage allocations are not a guarantee and are based on Mid Island's financial standing after the most recent fiscal year.

If there is an allocation, how much goes to equity and how much is cash back?

For 2025, patronage allocations were split as 40% equity and 60% cash back. These amounts can change from year to year.

Is there a limit to how much a member can earn?

Member equity can grow to a maximum of $1,800. After reaching this balance, eligible patronage returns are paid to you as 100% cash back.

When can equity be accessed?

Equity can generally be withdrawn only under specific circumstances outlined in Mid Island Co-op's bylaws
•  Age 67 or older
•  Moving outside the Co-op's trading area
•  Settlement of a deceased member's estate

What are the other membership benefits?

Other benefits include owning part of of a proud Canadian company, voting in the AGM with the option to run for the Board of Directors, and exclusive insurance coverage and savings through our partner, The Co-operators.

Who owns Mid Island Co-op®?

We are member-owned by over 88,000 members from the Cowichan Valley to Port Hardy.

Can memberships be used at other Co-op® locations?

Each Co-op has different membership rules, benefits, and patronage allocations, which means memberships cannot be used between Co-ops. You are able to hold multiple Co-op memberships.

Can memberships be shared?

A membership can only be in one person's name because it is a share in the Co-op. Family members in the same household may use the membership number when making purchases, but any equity and cash back earned will be credited to the shareholder only.

Why would I want my own membership?

Having your own membership allows you to earn equity and cash back in your own name and gives you your own voting rights as a member-owner of Mid Island Co-op.

Where can I use my Mid Island Membership?

Your membership can be used at Mid Island Co-op 17 gas bars, 18 liquor stores, 3 food markets, 8 cardlocks and for home heating delivery. A full list of locations is available on our website. 

Do I need to provide my Social Insurance Number?

We collect your SIN because you are a member-owner and may receive equity and patronage allocations as part of your ownership. A T4A could be issued if your total allocation is over $100.

Your Social Insurance Number is required under the Income Tax Act for tax reporting purposes. Similar to some financial investments, cash back or equity distributed to Co-op members is considered taxable income. 

If you choose to sign up online, your SIN will be required to complete the process.

Membership Month Contest

Now that you have the knowledge, you're ready for the contest! This month, we're giving away over $5000 in prizes to celebrate our 88,000 Mid Island Co-op members. Answer the trivia questions and you'll be entered to win:

— A trip for two to the west coast, including accommodation and dining ($3000 value)

— A $1000 Mid Island Co-op Gift Card

— One of two $500 Mid Island Co-op Gift Cards