The St-Albert Agricultural Cooperative
The St-Albert agricultural cooperative was officially founded on July 28, 1942, with a charter allowing 400 shares of $25 each.
In 1949, the cooperative installed its first feed mixer and grain roller. A small 30×16 ft building was approved in 1955 and completed in 1956 to house a grain cleaner. Soon after, a sack sewing mill was added to ease operations. In 1960, a molasses mixer and another feed mixer were installed. By 1963, the mill was modernized at a cost of $5,125. A corn crusher and a cob grinder were added in 1967 and 1968, along with renovations to the facility.
That same year, a nearby plot of land was purchased to allow for an eastern exit, and a delivery truck for feed was added.
On October 9, 1977, a fire destroyed the cooperative’s facilities on Principale Street. Despite the setback, the St-Albert agricultural cooperative bounced back. A new site was acquired, and the team rebuilt without debt. On November 18, 1978, the new 6,000 sq. ft. facility was inaugurated, with the capacity to hold 550 tonnes of bulk products.
By 1992, the co-op celebrated its 50th anniversary, counting 391 members and 8 employees. In 1993, the hardware store was expanded by 3,000 sq. ft. to serve St-Albert and nearby towns such as Crysler, Moose Creek, and Berwick.
In 1998, seven local cooperatives merged to form “Coopérative Avantage.” More than 1,400 members gained stronger purchasing power. However, a failed merger in 2000 led to financial losses and closure. With help from La Coop fédérée, a group of 100 farmers acquired some of the assets to preserve the cooperative model.
On May 21, 2001, a new temporary model called “Centre Agricole Coop AgriEst” was created. It operated under La Coop fédérée, pooling assets and member shares to rebuild equity. This model lasted 16 years.
On April 1, 2017, members voted to join Uniag Cooperative, which now manages seven locations, including the rebuilt St-Albert site.
In 2024, during the 150th anniversary of the St-Albert parish, the St-Albert agricultural cooperative remains a major economic player in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. It now includes over 930 agricultural members, 570 auxiliary members, and generates nearly $250 million in annual revenue.