Enriching Lives and Communities

South Country Co-op Works On Building NEW Community Investment Fund

Over the past several months, South Country Co-op has been exploring new ways to make a meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve. We’re excited to share a new pilot program we’ve been developing—one designed to protect, beautify, and improve spaces across our trading area.

This initiative focuses on supporting local projects that bring people together, celebrate our shared heritage, and help our communities thrive.

Pilot Investment #1:The Nanton Grain Elevators & Rail Lands Rehabilitation Project

As part of this new program, South Country Co-op contributed $16,000 to support the Nanton Grain Elevator Preservation Society in bringing a historic federal issue grain car home to their site.

The Nanton Grain Elevators are among the last remaining wooden grain elevators in the region, dating back to the late 1920s. These iconic structures once stood at the heart of prairie communities, where rail lines connected farmers to markets across Canada and around the world.

Through their ongoing Rail Lands Rehabilitation Project, the Society has been restoring the site—including rebuilding 1,000 feet of original track—to preserve and share this important piece of Alberta’s agricultural history. Adding an authentic grain car helps complete the story and allows visitors to experience what life was like during the height of the grain trade.

October 24, 2025: Our High River and Claresholm South Country Co-op Agro teams joined the Nanton Grain Elevator Board to celebrate the project’s success with snacks, stories, a tour and a shared sense of pride in preserving local heritage.

Pictured from Left to Right: Judy Dahl, Erin Shields, Brad Berger, Paula Cox, Nicole Bokvist, Dave Mitchell, Cory Hawk, Darrell Robertson and John Berger.