Effective Nov. 4, 2019, Calgary Co-op acquired the retail business of Community Natural Foods. Calgary Co-op plans to operate Community Natural Foods as an independent, wholly owned subsidiary.

A well-established organic and natural food retailer, Community Natural Foods was started in 1977 by the Wilkes brothers. It soon grew out of its original location on 11th Avenue SW, moving to its current 10th Avenue Market and Café location. It expanded in 2000 (Chinook Station Market) and again in 2013 (Crowfoot Market).

Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America with locations in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks and Strathmore.

Gowling WLG was counsel to Community Natural Foods in this transaction with a team led by Robert Hagerman and that included Steve Will and Steve King (corporate) supported by Angela Darrah and Josie Chahal (corporate services); Darren Taylor (real estate); and Jennifer Koschinsky and Will Cascadden (employment); assisted by students-at-law Dane Patton and Drew Hubka.