Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
**Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre**

Location	Nanton, Alberta, Canada
Type	Agriculture museum

The Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre is a special place in Nanton, Alberta, Canada. It has old grain elevators that have been fixed up. These elevators show how farming and grain storage used to work in Alberta. The centre helps people learn about the history of farming in Nanton and all of Alberta.

History of the Grain Elevators
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History of the Grain Elevators

Building the Elevators

Two of the main elevators, known as the "northern twin elevators," were built in 1927. They had a classic design with an office building separate from the main elevator. These elevators stopped being used in 2000. They were part of a company called the Alberta Wheat Pool.

The third elevator, the "southern elevator," was built a bit later in 1929. In 1956, it got an extra storage area called a "balloon annex." It was also updated a lot in 1981.

The Railway Connection

These elevators were once connected to the Canadian Pacific Railway. Trains used to carry grain from the elevators on the MacLeod subdivision line. However, this railway line was closed down in 2002, and the tracks were removed.

Saving History: The "Save One" Society

A local group, called the "Save One" historical society, was formed to protect these elevators. They wanted to stop them from being torn down. This group worked hard and raised enough money in three years. They were able to buy all three elevators and the land they stood on.

Restoring the Elevators

The society then started a big project to restore the elevators. They even put new railway tracks back in place. The elevators were repainted in their original colours. These included the colours of the Alberta Wheat Pool and Pioneer companies.

Today, these restored elevators make up the Elevator Discovery Centre. In 2022, they officially became a provincial heritage site. This means they are an important part of Alberta's history.