Minco Gas Co-op Celebrating 50 Years

Minco Gas Co-op Celebrating 50 Years

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Minco Gas Co-op is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Grant Withers has been a part of its history for the past five years, first serving as a gas utility operator and now as its manager.

Both he, and Joe Sydora, Chairman of the Board, talked about some of the history and changes during a recent interview at the company’s office in Innisfree.

Minco Gas Co-op is one of 52 throughout the province and it was recently recognized for 50 years of pioneering work and dedication to providing natural gas services by the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops Ltd.

The official date of incorporation was June 13, 1972. Withers explained that the idea for gas co-ops was picked up from the rural electrification associations organized in the 1950’s. “The large natural gas companies began installing pipelines around the province but could not serve individual farmers due to the high cost of installation.

In 1973, Utility Minister Roy Farran set up the rural gas program and formed Gas Alberta to act as a broker to buy gas for the co-ops at bulk rates. Rural Albertans were encouraged to form co-ops, apply for franchise areas and construct natural gas distribution systems.”

The Alberta Government also assisted with capital funding and technical assistance. And so, the early formation of Minco Gas Co-op Ltd. was formed at an organizational meeting on April 19, 1972. Withers stated that, “Meetings were held throughout the county to see how much interest there was in forming a natural gas distribution system.”

Grant Withers, left, and Joe Sydora.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

To that end, Minco’s franchise area was formed. It reaches from Vegreville to Vermilion and North to Highway 631 and south to Township 484. Innisfree was chosen as the site of the office because it was centrally located.

Interestingly, the office was built in 1946 and served as a John Deere farm implement dealership and was donated to the Minco Gas Co-op in July of 1974 by the Village of Innisfree.

Construction of the distribution system began southwest of Vermillion in December of 1974 and its first customer, the Vermilion Auction Mart, was turned on in January of 1975. A lot has changed over the years and now Minco currently serves 1,265 members.

Withers said because of the hard work and dedication of staff they have become a successful co-operative. Staff currently consists of a manager, two office staff and three service personnel. “As a co-operative we strive to provide outstanding service and the lowest possible rates for our members,” added Withers.

The distribution area is divided into eight zones which are represented by nine elected board members. Sydora has served as Board Chair for over a year and has been a member for approximately eight years. He pointed that all co-oops go through a central buyer which allows them to have better buying power and in turn offer better rates to its members.

Minco has undertaken extensive expansion of its infrastructure over the years and strives to offer the best possible service to its members. The 50 year milestone is proof positive that member run co-operatives have many benefits to offer and will continue to play an important role in years to come.