Co-ops are formed

to meet a need in the community.

Co-ops are owned

by the people & families who use them and therefore benefit from them.

Co-ops are owned

by people living in your community - not shareholders or corporate business, who expect to profit from you.

Members decide

how the co-op is operated and directed - by electing from among the members- their representatives on the Board of directors and by attending Annual Meetings.

All members have one vote

one vote- regardless of the number of shares they hold.

Co-ops can only thrive

If they are supported by their members & families - members are a co-op's reason for being .

How does a co-operative serve you, your family and your community ?

What is a co-operative?

A co-operative, or co-op, is an organization owned by the members who use its services. Co-operatives can provide virtually any product or service and can be either a non-profit or for profit enterprise. There are over 10,000 co-ops (including credit unions) in Canada providing products and services to over 10 million Canadians.

How do co-ops differ from other businesses?

Co-operatives are community based organizations whose primary purpose is to meet the needs of their members, where as the purpose of most businesses is to maximize profits. Co-ops use the one member / one vote system. This helps the co-op serve the common need and thus ensures that members - not profit- control the business. Any profits are shared among its members and are often invested in expanding member services.

How would a co-operative membership benefit me?

A co-operative is a powerful and democratic way to put the decision making into the hands of those who need and use the services. They are managed locally and invested in locally. Surplus profits are returned to the members and therefore, remain within the community.

What is the Valley Funeral Home Co-Operative Ltd?

We are an Annapolis Valley based co-op that has recently invested in building a modern new funeral home ( Annapolis Valley Funeral Home ) located at 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr. in Coldbrook (Exit 14). This contemporary facility offers a full range of funeral products and services. Funeral services are available to co-op members as well as the general public. A full time Funeral Director will assist families with their funeral arrangements or with pre- arrangements, from traditional rites to personalized ceremonies.

Can anyone belong?

While most members live within the geographical area served by our facility, primarily the Annapolis Valley, we also have members as far away as Halifax, Truro, Chester, New Ross, Annapolis Royal, Digby and Weymouth.

How can I become a member of the co-operative?

Membership in the co-operative is through the purchase of ten shares valued at $50.00 each. These shares are redeemable (on services) and transferable (beneficiary) and gives the member access to our full services at member prices that reflect substantial savings. Children under 13 whose parent(s) are members receive a basic funeral service at no cost.

What is the next step to becoming a member?

Speak with one of our co-op members listed below, who will answer any questions and assist you in completing a membership application or just down load from this site.

Canadian C-operatives have combined assets of over $ 167 billion.