By Matt Nemeth

‘It’s definitely a huge benefit’: Province increases funding for small Alberta breweries

Mar 30, 2017 | 5:45 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — It’s one of the fastest growing industries in Alberta and it’s set to receive more money this year from the provincial government.

“The Alberta Small Brewers Development Grant is expanding from $16 million in 2016-2017 to $25 million in 2017-18,” finance minister Joe Ceci announced Wednesday at the first annual Alberta Craft Brewing Convention in Red Deer.

After opening its doors in December the Medicine Hat Brewing Company now has 12 different beers on tap, 10 of which they’re selling in cans.

“It’s been great,” said owner Warren Vancuren Thursday afternoon. “We’ve had a great following, huge support from the community, and we’re just starting to stretch out from Medicine Hat.”

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Vancuren says the grant funding they receive each month from the province basically offsets the $1.25/L tax on beer that was brought in by the NDP last summer.

“It’s definitely a huge benefit,” he says. “There’s not a huge profit in this business to start with so that definitely helps out.”

The small brewery owner believes the province is adding more money to the grant program because there’s been an explosion of craft breweries in Alberta recently; from around 30 three years ago to over 50, with another 30 or so in the planning stages. And rather than be wary of the added competition, Vancuren welcomes it.

“Everybody collaborates…we’re a big brewing family.”

Though details are scant at this point, another craft brewery is set to open in Medicine Hat soon.

The province meanwhile says it’s also working on a similar grant funding program for small distillers, wineries, and meaderies, so more incentive for Alberta liquor companies seems to be on the horizon.