An icon in the Red Deer River valley is getting some well needed TLC.
The iconic Dorothy grain elevator, that has been photographed numerous times, is getting some repair work done. In a press release from the Special Areas Board, who are stewards of the elevator, they share the details of the work being completed. “Work to repair the Dorothy Elevator began earlier this month, including the installation of a new roof, repairs to the cupola structure at the top of the elevator, and work to refurbish portions of the exterior. This work is expected to be completed June 2025, ahead of the busy summer tourist season in the Drumheller Valley.”
“The Dorothy Elevator is one of the most photographed historic elevators in the province,” shares Shaune Kovitch, Chair of the Special Areas Board. “This iconic structure is an important part of our history, and the Board is proud to do our part to make sure it continues to stand the test of time. These repairs will make sure this popular attraction stays an important stop on the Dinosaur Trail and remains a part of the Special Areas story.”
The grain elevator was built by Alberta Pacific Grain Company back in 1928 along what was then the Rosemary Sub of the Canadian Pacific Railway that traversed the Red Deer River valley from East Coulee to just west of what is now the Highway 36 bridge. The elevator was closed in 1951 and the rail line was officially abandoned June 30th, 1977.
Image by Carrie Mashon
The elevator sustained significant damage to the cupola structure at the top of the elevator in the summer of 2015 and last year had more of the roof blow off to the adjacent Highway 570.
MAST Construction is the contractor hired to complete the rehabilitation work. This company has done a number of grain elevator rehabilitations including the elevators in Rowley. The Dorothy Community Association contributed funds towards the repair. If you would like to make a donation towards further work at the Dorothy Elevator, reach out to the Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta through their website.
Special Areas advises the public not to trespass and obey all posted signage around the grain elevator. They also ask the public to use caution if stopping to take photos, by turning off into Dorothy instead of stopping along Highway 570.
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