The Nanton Grain Elevators are a remaining row of 3 historically (Province of Alberta) designated wooden frame grain elevators dating back to 1927. The site was the center of trade and commerce up until the early 2000’s. With the decommission of the McLeod subdivision railway line the elevators were slated to be demolished. A few concerned towns people formed a society and raised money to purchase the buildings and land. Since 2004, the elevators have operated as a small local museum but have had no financial investment into the buildings. With the installation of the new board in 2020 it was quickly realized that a long term plan needed to be set into place to properly maintain and restore the buildings. Provincial designation of the 5 structures on the site was completed in 2022 and the board has been working on raising the 2 million needed for restoration and maintenance of the Alberta Wheat Pool twin elevators and 1.2 million to plan the repurposing of the Pioneer elevators and Annex.

The most urgent funding is needed for the restoration of the Alberta Wheat Pool elevators. The building envelope has about another 3 years before complete failure and the internal structure is effected. Just painting the exterior will not solve the problems. Foundational work is needed for the ramp ways. Engineering studies for the upper levels and possible reinforcement. Repair and replacement of the building envelope and painting is paramount and most urgently required. Installation of a fire suppression system is urgent.

The Pioneer elevators are also in dire need of basic restoration work, but as the intent is to repurpose them into a cultural (event) centre the goal becomes the planning, budgets, and architectural documents are vital. This makes us a “shovel ready” project and allows us clear vision to move ahead with fundraising the construction portion of the project. To temper this, an emerging need for replacement of the drive shed doors is becoming evident and could have integrity failure within two years.

Conceptual documents for the long term planning and needs are available on request.