May 14, 2003 – Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canada's largest consumer co-operative and its largest retailer of outdoor recreation gear, will open its eighth store on May 15 at the Marché central. With MEC's worldwide reputation for quality gear, passionate staff and social and environmental responsibility, the Montreal destination store promises Quebecers a whole new outdoor recreation experience.

“Quebecers love the outdoors and we believe that Mountain Equipment Co-op has something new to offer them in terms of value, selection and expertise,” said CEO Peter Robinson. “The Co-op already has more than 85,000 members in Quebec, even without a store in the province. Now that we're opening our doors here, we anticipate thousands of new members will join in the coming months.” The store also marks an environmental milestone in Quebec. The 45,000-square-foot (4,180m 2 ) retail building is the first in the province to meet Natural Resource Canada's C-2000 standard. Incorporating geothermal energy, radiant heating and cooling and a natural ventilation system, the store will be at least 50 per cent more energy efficient than conventional retail buildings. Other 'green' features include a system that reuses roof water runoff for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, and the reuse of salvaged building materials. Bridgehead, a company that sells organic shade-grown coffees and teas that meet fair-trade standards, will also operate a cafe in the MEC building. The store reflects MEC's highly regarded commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

The company only sources its products from factories that meet stringent labour, health and safety standards, recycles 72 per cent of its waste and offers its employees a progressive work environment. Last year, the Co-op distributed more than $650,000 in Canada through its Environment Fund, including a grant to protect a portion of Quebec's Mount Sutton corridor. Patrick Tremblay, manager of the Montreal store, said “I was originally attracted to MEC on the basis of its reputation for good-quality gear. But I've seen this same passion applied to its environmental and social programs, as well as its respect for Quebec language and culture. The new store showcases this all in one place.” Mountain Equipment Co-op is Canada's largest consumer co-operative. Founded in Vancouver, B.C in 1971, MEC has more than 1.8 million members across Canada and around the world.

May 14, 2003 – Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canada's largest consumer co-operative and its largest retailer of outdoor recreation gear, will open its eighth store on May 15 at the Marché central. With MEC's worldwide reputation for quality gear, passionate staff and social and environmental responsibility, the Montreal destination store promises Quebecers a whole new outdoor recreation experience.

“Quebecers love the outdoors and we believe that Mountain Equipment Co-op has something new to offer them in terms of value, selection and expertise,” said CEO Peter Robinson. “The Co-op already has more than 85,000 members in Quebec, even without a store in the province. Now that we're opening our doors here, we anticipate thousands of new members will join in the coming months.” The store also marks an environmental milestone in Quebec. The 45,000-square-foot (4,180m 2 ) retail building is the first in the province to meet Natural Resource Canada's C-2000 standard. Incorporating geothermal energy, radiant heating and cooling and a natural ventilation system, the store will be at least 50 per cent more energy efficient than conventional retail buildings. Other 'green' features include a system that reuses roof water runoff for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, and the reuse of salvaged building materials. Bridgehead, a company that sells organic shade-grown coffees and teas that meet fair-trade standards, will also operate a cafe in the MEC building. The store reflects MEC's highly regarded commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

The company only sources its products from factories that meet stringent labour, health and safety standards, recycles 72 per cent of its waste and offers its employees a progressive work environment. Last year, the Co-op distributed more than $650,000 in Canada through its Environment Fund, including a grant to protect a portion of Quebec's Mount Sutton corridor. Patrick Tremblay, manager of the Montreal store, said “I was originally attracted to MEC on the basis of its reputation for good-quality gear. But I've seen this same passion applied to its environmental and social programs, as well as its respect for Quebec language and culture. The new store showcases this all in one place.” Mountain Equipment Co-op is Canada's largest consumer co-operative. Founded in Vancouver, B.C in 1971, MEC has more than 1.8 million members across Canada and around the world.