{"id":6519,"date":"2023-09-04T09:00:28","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T13:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/?p=6519"},"modified":"2025-02-03T10:26:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T15:26:04","slug":"the-history-of-ottawas-creamery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-history-of-ottawas-creamery-6519\/","title":{"rendered":"The History of Ottawa\u2019s Creamery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In the first half of the 20th century, a creamery was established in Ottawa. Within a short period, it gained a solid reputation. Each year, the factory produced several thousand litres of homogenized milk, hundreds of thousands of kilograms of butter, and vast amounts of processed cheese. The products of the Ottawa Creamery were widely enjoyed and became a favourite among the residents of Canada\u2019s capital. Furthermore, the factory became a leader in dairy production not only in Ottawa but across the country. More on <a href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/uk\/\">Ottawa1.one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2e052ac4485\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2e052ac4485\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-history-of-ottawas-creamery-6519\/#The_Founding_of_the_Creamery\" >The Founding of the Creamery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-history-of-ottawas-creamery-6519\/#Cheese_Production_at_the_Creamery\" >Cheese Production at the Creamery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-history-of-ottawas-creamery-6519\/#The_Creamerys_Products_at_Exhibitions\" >The Creamery\u2019s Products at Exhibitions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-history-of-ottawas-creamery-6519\/#Expanding_into_New_Markets\" >Expanding into New Markets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-history-of-ottawas-creamery-6519\/#Establishing_a_Dairy_Farm\" >Establishing a Dairy Farm<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-history-of-ottawas-creamery-6519\/#What_Happened_to_the_Creamery\" >What Happened to the Creamery?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Founding_of_the_Creamery\"><\/span>The Founding of the Creamery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ottawa Creamery was founded in 1922. The factory was located on York Street, near the famous ByWard Market. It all started when a local resident, Charles Labarge, created a cooperative called Mouan\u00e8re Butter Churn. Within a short time, the creamery became a leader in its industry. Its products were supplied across Canada. Annually, the factory produced over 900,000 kilograms of butter. Additionally, it engaged in poultry farming and the production of eggs and cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cheese_Production_at_the_Creamery\"><\/span>Cheese Production at the Creamery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout its operation, the founder Charles Labarge continuously experimented with cheese-making. This led to the creation of a subsidiary, Ch\u00e2teau Cheese Company, in 1925. This company specialized in producing and selling cheese products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ch\u00e2teau cheese was a pasteurized soft cheese made from cheddar. It closely resembled Velveeta cheese. Ch\u00e2teau could be sliced like any other cheese or spread on crackers or bread. One of the most popular dishes using Ch\u00e2teau cheese was Welsh rarebit. In addition to the classic version, the creamery also produced a spicy variant with pepper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cheese production in Ottawa was a truly innovative process in the early 20th century. The entire production at the Ottawa Creamery was fully mechanized\u2014from cheese-making to the final step of loading finished products onto railcars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the Ottawa Creamery was the first to produce cheese in various sizes. Previously, cheese was sold only in large two-kilogram or heavier blocks, which were not convenient for consumers. Not all Ottawa residents could afford such large and expensive portions. The creamery revolutionized the market by introducing smaller, more affordable cheese portions of 200-300 grams. To achieve this, the Ottawa Creamery imported special equipment from Switzerland, allowing for the production of small cheese blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ch\u00e2teau cheese quickly won over Canadian consumers. It was delicious and versatile, making it a staple in many households. The Ottawa Creamery\u2019s products were sold across Canada, available in restaurants and hotels nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxdyd81usztdxffr5qufprxvbqzf9rrepkrd1-rpud3eduwlzs_zgn8ttavnct7j5g8kxzrggotmjtddqay7vdz7bm5i9q4zpyb-k5czqtkhrwqgi5rooyd1f7-skdzomxrp0iojoqkeyellhqtv55beqxi3ypj5jjsbd.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Creamerys_Products_at_Exhibitions\"><\/span>The Creamery\u2019s Products at Exhibitions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1925, the creamery\u2019s products debuted at the Central Canada Exhibition. Visitors could sample the Ch\u00e2teau cheese invented by Charles Labarge. It was of exceptional quality and improved with age, thanks to being wrapped in wax paper. The exhibition also showcased cheese spreads produced at the Ottawa Creamery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxf8n8fb7skvbeaomq_mw_cfv4819l9-ygnjxd__zu-rpbe3cz8khkgpmnulhey7txbfflqiqeshyogronstgq4hwiisjqcb3jfa_6rqtbkxwb6hyhpsd-fne_o84iawssw77gr3keyellhqtv55beqxi3ypj5jjsbd.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expanding_into_New_Markets\"><\/span>Expanding into New Markets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ottawa Creamery was so successful that its management sought new markets for its products. Germany became its first international market. Soon after, Ch\u00e2teau cheese was exported to England and even France\u2014the cheese capital of Europe. The creamery also entered the United States market, despite high tariffs. Nonetheless, Ch\u00e2teau cheese gained popularity among Americans, prompting the Ottawa Creamery to open a cheese production facility in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxcdutcu_lqeh1kqs2tqoxfykjhphw1nyvp5vzgchn2091sq5s5tmbfgtvoshiox0s8dj1obqa0695y2os91tc9haqazlflw9cacbwfzqcfy9of0ctkvpjomxcdzc5vsrq2zgkgkygkeyellhqtv55beqxi3ypj5jjsbd.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>By the 1930s, Ch\u00e2teau cheese was available worldwide. Advertisements appeared in Havana, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, and the cheese was sold in India, West Africa, and the Bermuda Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxflekg6hv8pcohbuxzcu9jjxs31h8iv8-llsfg_i9jebcqrppabcdk5f1wademjuteomgaift4u8zhagle50dblmrbz0l41y-mnqzcn3atlliemjiqxmb3lxvhpa3h8w74mlcw6zgkeyellhqtv55beqxi3ypj5jjsbd.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 1920s, Ottawa gained global recognition thanks to its cheese industry. People around the world spoke about the capital of Canada as the home of the finest cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1926, the creamery\u2019s cheese sales generated just $17,000 in revenue. However, by 1928, sales had skyrocketed to $230,000 per month\u2014a remarkable success story for the high-quality dairy industry in Ottawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Establishing_a_Dairy_Farm\"><\/span>Establishing a Dairy Farm<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1927, Charles Labarge expanded the Ottawa Creamery by founding a dairy farm called Laurentian Dairy. This venture also proved highly successful. It became Canada\u2019s first dairy farm to retail homogenized milk. Additionally, the creamery introduced home milk delivery, bringing fresh milk directly to residents\u2019 doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxfuhqk6kursorl6xhi-aimw5omb7cglbtnuzhy6fdinfh9suoelvx-ijpmsujbkdmquk0o-qhszmpsodn51rps4hox-ydcjdcuj3_3d9geto0ctig3uerngcx2xpm4fjqrhizqdqakeyellhqtv55beqxi3ypj5jjsbd.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The dairy farm developed a specialized homogenization process, preventing cream from separating in the milk. The farm\u2019s advertising slogan was: \u201cThe last drop of milk is as creamy as the first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ottawa Creamery was constantly innovating. It developed protein-fortified milk, specially formulated for infants with sensitive digestion. This prescription-only milk was designed as a medical food, free of sugar, whey, and other common additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happened_to_the_Creamery\"><\/span>What Happened to the Creamery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxdhwe3vew_isbc1hvauh28-z6n02evetq_phtetp21xmbyars7uhpz08mgqhh91brmficm07ybqra6sxbckcofqep2qu-f1hhn9wbysbgohqnliok9iidbk6ydcqq12ssjop03bzqkeyellhqtv55beqxi3ypj5jjsbd.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1928, the Ottawa Creamery was acquired by the large American dairy company Borden for $3 million. The new owner, Gail Borden, retained all employees, including Charles Labarge, who continued managing the factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a time, the factory thrived, but like many historic businesses in Ottawa, it struggled to remain viable into the late 20th century. The Ottawa Creamery closed in the 1980s, and its assets were sold off.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the first half of the 20th century, a creamery was established in Ottawa. Within a short period, it gained a solid reputation. Each year, the factory produced several thousand litres of homogenized milk, hundreds of thousands of kilograms of butter, and vast amounts of processed cheese. The products of the Ottawa Creamery were widely [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":469,"featured_media":6520,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1168],"tags":[3618,3602,3599,3597,3601,3603,3613,3628,3276,3288,3624,3627],"moimportance":[78,81],"motype":[1158],"moformat":[93],"class_list":{"0":"post-6519","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-jobs","8":"tag-chateau-cheese","9":"tag-cheeses","10":"tag-the-establishment-of-a-creamery","11":"tag-the-establishment-of-a-creamery-in-ottawa","12":"tag-the-establishment-of-a-dairy-farm","13":"tag-the-establishment-of-a-factory","14":"tag-the-ottawa-factorys-entry-into-new-markets","15":"tag-what-happened-to-the-factory-in-ottawa","16":"tag-work-in-ottawa-in-the-20th-century","17":"tag-work-in-the-20th-century","18":"tag-work-of-charles-labarge-in-ottawa","19":"tag-work-of-the-dairy-farm-in-ottawa","20":"moimportance-golovna-novina","21":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","22":"motype-eternal","23":"moformat-longrid-korotka"},"modified_by":"Katya Koshevaya","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6519","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/469"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6519"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6519\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6541,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6519\/revisions\/6541"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6519"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6519"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6519"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=6519"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=6519"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=6519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}