(Image Credit: Olds College)

By Josh Hall

ALBERTA SMALL BREWERS ASSN. 'SADDENED'

Olds College suspends brewery program, cites downward trends within industry

Feb 9, 2026 | 10:21 AM

Olds College has announced it is suspending its Craft Beverage & Brewery Operations Diploma, adding that its on-campus brewery will close this June.

Suspension of student intake for the program began in February 2025, but the college is now citing downward trends in the craft beer industry as the reason for a significant decrease in program enrolment, and therefore the complete program shutdown.

Students currently enrolled are in their final year, and will graduate.

“We’re deeply sorry to announce the official suspension of the Craft Beverage and Brewery Operations program, and close the Olds College Brewery in June due to the downward trend of the craft beer industry and low enrolment,” says Dennis Beaudoin, Dean, School of Trades & Skills, Olds College.

“After carefully weighing enrolment trends and the needs of our workforce, this decision is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability, strength and focus of Olds College. We remain committed to growing programming at Olds College, specifically in Alberta’s agricultural industry to address the skilled labour shortage.”

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The Olds College Brewery opened in 2013.

Closure will also impact jobs, with nine staff members affected.

The college notes it is exploring opportunities that might better serve future students interested in pursuing careers in the craft beverage sector. For example, Industry Training & Continuing Education (ITCE) at Olds College currently offers two continuing education courses, Introduction to Craft Beverages and Brewing and Craft Distilling, that will both remain unaffected.

“While we remain committed to our institutional priorities and providing high-quality education, the decision to suspend the Craft Beverage and Brewery Operations program and close the brewery is a difficult one,” says Dalin Bullock, Vice President, Academic, Olds College.

“Decreasing enrolment trends have led us to this point, but we do not overlook the impact this closure has on our community and the pride we took in our brewery. We thank everyone who has supported this program and the brewery over the past 13 years. Our focus at the college right now is supporting everyone during this transition.”

Additionally, officials acknowledge the brewery is currently housed inside Wilson Hall, which is an important legacy to Erma and Roy Wilson.

They say the college’s leadership team is working to ensure their profound dedication and contributions to the institution remain a top focus on campus.

Brewery sales will remain available through June 2026.

The Alberta Small Brewers Association (ASBA) says the news is saddening.

“It is one of only a few brewery programs in Canada, so it is sad to see the choices in education for those entering the industry becoming fewer. Olds, and the brewery program have been a great partner to the industry and the association over the years, including a significant project over the last couple of years, benefiting many of Alberta’s, and Canada’s breweries,” says Blair Berdusco, executive director.

“The industry in Alberta is maturing. We see almost an equal number of openings and closings. Especially when compared to other provinces, Alberta’s industry is faring better, with an increasing market share for craft products.”

She says while there are struggles with cost of goods, interprovincial trade barriers, and Canada’s most competitive market, there are many breweries growing their production volumes, and seeing success with other beverage types. 

Berdusco says if anything, breweries are opening at a slower rate.

There are 143 microbreweries in Alberta, with the ASBA representing about 70 per cent.

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