Landmark Building
CENTRAL ALBERTA DAIRY POOL CONDENSERY
Gaetz Avenue and 5400 Block, Red Deer
Built in 1936
'); "Central Alberta Dairy Pool Condensery")
Development of a local dairy industry began in 1893 with the formation of the Red Deer Dairy Association. Over the years, a number of attempts were made to establish successful creamery operations and, by 1912, a new plant was constructed in Red Deer by A.H. Trimble. It was soon taken over by the newly formed Laurentia Milk Company which pioneered the production of homogenized milk and cream.
In 1924, the Central Alberta Dairy Pool was organized by the United Farmers of Alberta at Alix. The Pool expanded rapidly over the next decade and, in 1936, a milk condensery was built in Red Deer. Premier William Aberhart officiated at the September opening of the facility, indicating its importance to the province. Since the late 1930s, milk products from the plant have been marketed under the \"Alpha\" name, replacing the original “Alpine\" label.
For years, the Alpha Dairy plant has been a familiar landmark in Red Deer. The original Central Alberta Dairy Pool condensery is still visible at the centre of the complex, although dominated by the additions built in 1942 and 1953. The combined structures attest to the long standing and significant role the dairy industry has played in the Red Deer district.
The Landmark Buildings and Places Database draws on the series of walking and/or driving tour booklets produced by Alberta Culture (now Alberta Culture and Community Spirit). The Heritage Community Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry through permission to reprint these materials online. Extracted from Red Deer Historical Walking Tours. Red Deer Historical Preservation Committee and Alberta Culture and Multiculturalism, n.d., with permission from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. Visit the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for more information.