The Upper Columbia Cooperative Council (UCCC) provides technical support to our member co-ops, cultivates public awareness, and helps new co-ops find their way.

We are conveners and connectors, working in partnership with the BC Cooperative Association and our member co-ops to support and strengthen co-ops in the South East corner of British Columbia.

Start a Co-op

Start aCo-op

We’ll help you decide if a co-op is right for you, explore the process and create a plan forward. You’ve got the commitment and dedication – we’ve got the expertise!

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Grow aCo-op

Even the most successful co-ops have room to improve, whether in member services, financial management, board development, or strategic planning. It might be time to get some advice on your co-op’s next steps!

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Grow a Co-op
Join a Co-op

Join aCo-op

There are 52 credit unions and cooperatives in Southeastern BC, offering an incredible array of services. Use our online directory of member co-ops to find out how you can live and work more cooperatively!

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Learn

The Co-op Council offers training and networking events throughout the year for our members and the public.Visit our facebook page to find upcoming events and the latest news.

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Training & Networking

We provide technical support to our member co-ops, cultivate public awareness, and help new co-ops find their way.

Member Highlights

Kootenay Co-op Radio

Kootenay Co-op Radio was started by a small group of volunteers in December 1996 and incorporated as a non-profit service co-operative in June 1998 in Nelson. Intermittent broadcasting in the Nelson region began in February 1999, with a 28-day special event broadcast license, and finally went on the air full-time the following autumn after being granted a permanent CRTC license in August 2000.  On November 6, 2000, the station began broadcasting about 18 hours a day at a power of 75 watts. In November 2004, KCR expanded its range and began broadcasting in the Kootenay Lake region, north of Nelson, on a new FM frequency, 96.5 FM. In fall 2008, KCR began broadcasting in the community of New Denver at 107.5 FM.  Kootenay Co-op Radio aims to entertain and inform listeners through its commitment to innovative broadcast journalism and high-quality programming.  KCR uses its facilities and the initiative and skills of its members to create a medium for the balanced expression of the varied perspectives of their community.

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Kootenay Country Store Co-op

The mission of the Kootenay Country Store Co-op is to serve their members and community and strengthen their local food system by providing the highest quality, local, sustainable, and organic products at reasonable prices, in a welcoming environment, with exemplary customer service.  The Store values are: to favour local and regional growers, processors, and producers who are committed to sustainable practices; source organic products when feasible and available; provide fair compensation and a meaningful, just work experience for all employees; promote community dialogue and empowerment through education about food, health, the environment and social justice; a commitment to philanthropy, and supporting local organizations that enrich the community; and balancing social justice, environmental stewardship and financial responsibility.

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LINKS Housing Co-op

LINKS is a non-profit housing co-operative and collectively, the members pay the mortgage of the Cooperative. Co-op members have security of tenure. This means they can live in their home for as long as they wish if as long as they follow the rules of the co-op and pay their housing charge (rent). All the affairs of the Co-op are democratically controlled on the basis of one member, one vote. Monthly housing charges cover only the cost of operating the Cooperative and will not increase to cover a landlord’s profit.

As members do not own their individual units, there is no down payment required when moving in (or equity paid when moving out). A Co-op provides a community atmosphere where neighbours know each other and work together to make sure their homes are secure, affordable and well maintained.

People of all incomes, occupations and backgrounds live in the Cooperative. These diverse and vibrant communities are the unique strength of the co-op housing movement.

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