Drivers across several communities in the region now have more ways to pay at local fuel pumps after Legacy Co-op upgraded many of its cardlock locations to accept debit and credit cards.
According to Richard Burym, operations manager for petroleum at Legacy Co-op, the upgrades allow customers to fuel up at any time of day, even if they don’t have a traditional Co-op cardlock card.
“We’ve recently upgraded the majority of our cardlock sites here at Legacy Co-op,” Burym said in an interview. “Some of those sites include our Langenburg Cardlock, Esterhazy Cardlock, Churchbridge Cardlock, both cardlocks in Yorkton and Theodore.”
The improvements are part of a broader modernization effort by Legacy Co-op and Federated Co-operatives Limited to update cardlock systems across Western Canada.
“At this moment in time there’s just over 300 cardlock locations across Western Canada,” Burym explained. “As of May 2025, about 178 of them had the opportunity to accept any type of credit card or debit card, allowing people who may not necessarily have a cardlock card with us the ability to purchase fuel at any time of the day or night.”
The upgraded system remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering additional convenience in smaller communities where payment options were previously limited to cardlock transactions only.
Safety training required
Before customers can use a debit or credit card at a cardlock location for the first time, they must complete a short safety process required under the national fire code.
“Our obligation as an organization to allow for this is to follow the regulatory requirements of the local fire code,” Burym said.
First-time users must go through approximately eight training screens at the kiosk that may take a minute or two to complete. The instructions explain where emergency equipment is located, provide contact numbers and outline safety procedures.
Once the process is completed, the system issues a personal identification number (PIN) that remains valid for 12 months.
“You’ll enter that PIN number every time you come in to use your credit card or debit card,” Burym said. “It verifies that you’re aware of where the emergency response kit is or who to contact in the event of an emergency.
More Fuel Options Available
Customers using debit or credit cards can purchase most fuel products available at the cardlock locations, including regular gasoline, premium gasoline and clear diesel.
The only product not available through the program is dyed diesel.
“We have an obligation to detail those sales to the provincial government for regulatory reporting,” Burym explained. “Because of that we wouldn’t be able to offer dyed diesel on this program.”
Fuel prices are clearly posted at the site for credit card and debit card pricing, both on signage above the kiosk and on the kiosk screen itself, allowing drivers to compare prices before making a purchase.
Competitive Pricing in Local Markets
Burym said fuel prices have been volatile recently, but Legacy Co-op aims to remain competitive while providing high-quality fuel products.
“We operate amongst several fuel resellers in our area,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re competitive in our markets and that we’re providing top tier gasoline and a premium diesel product that customers can rely on.”
The added payment flexibility also allows Legacy Co-op to serve more customers in communities where the co-operative has operated for decades.
“This gives us an opportunity to use our locations effectively for people that may not necessarily have a cardlock card with us,” Burym said. “It adds a little bit of competitiveness in some of these communities.”
Supporting Communities Through the Co-op Model
Burym also emphasized that purchases made at Legacy Co-op locations contribute to the cooperative model, where a portion of profits is returned to members.
“When you’re utilizing a Legacy Co-op location, a portion of the purchases made are returned to our members,” he said. “That equity repayment is determined each year by our board of directors.”
The organization also supports numerous community initiatives, including investments in local stores and facilities as well as donations and sponsorships.
“The more you look, the more you find when it comes to seeing the ways our organization is giving back,” Burym said. “That really wouldn’t be made possible without the support we get from the communities we serve.”
Early Success
The credit and debit payment system was introduced at Legacy Co-op cardlocks in early February, and Burym said the response has already been positive.
“We’re seeing some pretty good success with the uptake of that system,” he said. “It was clear there was a demand for more choice out there, and some people just didn’t have a cardlock card. Legacy Co-op has also made it easier than ever to obtain a cardlock card, simply by visiting their website at www.legacyco-op.crs and applying online. With the new system in place, drivers only need to complete the short training process once.
“As long as you follow the eight-step program and obtain that PIN code,” Burym said, “you’re ready to go”.