Co-op Connection Tour: Connecting Community Challenges with Co-operative Solutions

Sep 3

This fall, the Alberta Community & Co-operative Association (ACCA) is hitting the road with the Co-op Connection Tour, a province-wide series of in-person lunch & learn gatherings. Sponsored by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Co-operative Energy (ACE), the tour will bring together local leaders, entrepreneurs, co-ops, credit unions, and community advocates for open conversations about the challenges facing Alberta communities and how co-operatives can help.

Why the Tour Matters

Across Alberta, communities are facing pressing issues: affordable housing shortages, food insecurity, gaps in elder care, and local business closures. These challenges are real, but so is the spirit of collaboration and resilience in our province.

The Co-op Connection Tour is designed to create space for grounded, local conversations. At each stop, participants will:

Name what is not working in their region
Explore examples of co-operative solutions already making an impact in Alberta
Connect with local co-ops and credit unions
Walk away with tools, resources, and clear next steps to explore community-owned solutions

This is not a lecture—it is a conversation. The best ideas do not come from outside experts, but from the people who live and work in the places they care about most.

Where We’re Going

The tour will travel to nine regions across Alberta this October, including Peace Country, Rocky Mountain House, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Camrose, and Spruce Grove, with more stops to be confirmed soon. Each gathering will highlight the leadership and innovation already present in the community, while opening the door to new partnerships and co-op development.

Who Should Attend

The Co-op Connection Tour is for:

Local co-operatives and credit unions
Community organizers and elected officials
Economic development leaders and municipal staff
Entrepreneurs, service providers, and changemakers

If you are building stronger communities or curious about how the co-operative model could help address real challenges where you live, this tour is for you.