Our Origins
The St-Albert journey from its founding in 1894 to the present day is a remarkable tale of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. Today, as it celebrates over a century of cheese production and community involvement, the St-Albert Cooperative stands as a testament to the enduring power of determination, vision, and collective effort.
1894-1939
1894
A group of Franco-Ontarian cheesemakers in St-Albert, Ontario, founded the St-Albert Cooperative Cheese Manufacturing Association, led by Louis Génier and including key figures like Joseph Forgues and Jean-Baptiste Ouimet.
1931
The co-op was sold to a private businessman but soon returned to cooperative ownership in 1939 when the coop members and dairy farmers raised funds to buy it back.
Fromagerie #743
1940-1950
1940 to 1950 was a transformative period for the St-Albert Cooperative Cheese Manufacturing Association, marked by resilience, community support, and strategic financial management.
Evolution and production
The cooperative continued its activities in cheese production, maintaining its role as a central figure in the local agricultural community. The period saw the cooperative managing both the challenges and opportunities associated with cheese production, including the quality of milk and the financial aspects of running the cooperative.
New Factory.
Expanded Innovation.
1950-1970
This period saw the community come together to invest in the cooperative's future, reflecting a shared commitment to local agriculture and economic development.
Key achievements during this decade included the acquisition of modern cheese-making equipment, the expansion of the cheese factory, and the introduction of quality control measures that ensured the production of high-quality cheese.
These efforts were supported by the cooperative's members, who played a crucial role in providing the milk required for cheese production and investing in the cooperative's growth.
As the cooperative transitioned into the 1960s, it built on the foundational work of the previous decade, focusing on growth, modernization, and addressing the challenges of expanding its market reach. This period saw further investments in modernizing the cheese factory, increasing production capacity, and enhancing quality control processes.
Living
With Quotas
1970-1979
The 1970s introduced the concept of milk quotas, significantly impacting the cooperative's operations. This period saw the cooperative adapting to new regulatory environments and market conditions, striving to maintain production levels and meet demand.
The cooperative continued to innovate, with further modernization in production processes and facilities, ensuring quality and efficiency in cheese production.
FUTURE-FACING IMPROVEMENTS
The cooperative's governance and management practices also evolved, with changes in the board and executive management aimed at navigating the complexities of the new quota system and ensuring the cooperative's long-term viability.
GROWTH
THROUGH TREPIDATION
1980-1989
The 1980s were a period of significant transformation and strategic growth for the St-Albert Cooperative. Leadership under Jacques Richer (1980-1982) and Claude Génier (1983-1989), with Raymond Lafrance as the manager until 1988, marked a time of dynamic change and expansion.
The cooperative celebrated the "million milestone" in 1983, with profits reaching $1,005,245, symbolizing the successful financial and operational strategies implemented during this period.
Significant changes in branding and market positioning were made, including the transition from "Plan Laitier Coopératif" to "Fromage St-Albert Cheese," reflecting a broader vision and embracing a more market-oriented approach.
The introduction of the character "Fromageon" and educational initiatives like the creation of a video cassette to teach children about cheese production underscored the cooperative's commitment to community engagement and education.
Visits from prominent figures
Visits from prominent figures, including the Premier of Ontario, highlighted the cooperative's importance in the regional and national dairy industry, further solidifying its reputation and influence.
Community focus
& growth
1990-2012
1994
In 1994, St-Albert marked its centennial milestone, continuing its trajectory of growth and recognition. With a steadfast focus on innovation, community engagement, and maintaining high standards of cheese production, the cooperative solidified its role as a leader in the industry.
1995
In 1995, Réjean Ouimet, a descendant of one of the founders, took over as general manager, heralding a period of modernization and growth.
2009
The cooperative expanded its reach by acquiring Fromagerie Mirabel in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, in 2009. That same year, it announced an expansion funded partly by the Ontario government, aiming to double its production subject to Canadian Dairy Commission quotas.
The Fire
2013-2019
A pivotal moment in its history occurred on February 3, 2013, when a devastating fire destroyed much of its facilities, causing tens of millions in damage, including the loss of over $3 million worth of cheese and numerous historical archives.
The aftermath saw a temporary cheese curd shortage in Ontario, leading to a unique online black market for St-Albert's cheese curds. While the cooperative's workers found temporary employment in other fromageries, reconstruction began promptly.
2014
By 2014, the cooperative had emerged from its ashes with modern facilities and increased production capacity, marking its 120th anniversary with a renewed focus on producing the best cheddars and dairy products in the country.
2019
The co-op celebrated its 125th anniversary, marking over a century of cheese production and community engagement. It was also the year of the inauguration of the 17th Francophonie monument, which was built next to the cheese factory, to celebrate the Franco-Ontarian origins of our village.