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Columbia Ice: Keeping Acheson Cool, One Cube at a Time

Nestled in the industrial heart of Acheson, just west of Edmonton, Columbia Ice stands as a local gem in Alberta’s ice supply scene. This small, family-oriented business has been chilling drinks, supporting events, and even aiding construction projects for over two decades. In a province known for its extremes—blistering summers and bone-chilling winters—Columbia Ice has carved out a niche by delivering frozen reliability to businesses and residents alike. Let’s dive into the story of this Acheson-based operation and why it’s more than just another ice supplier.

A Cool Start in 2002

Columbia Ice kicked off in 2002, founded by Peter Boyco as an offshoot of his liquor distribution business in Edmonton. The idea was simple yet brilliant: provide premium packaged ice to gas stations, liquor stores, and resorts around the capital region. Alberta’s hot summers and bustling festival culture made it a ripe market, and Boyco saw an opportunity to fill a gap with quality and service. Starting small, Columbia Ice quickly gained traction, proving that even the humblest commodity—ice—could become a cornerstone of customer satisfaction.

In 2011, the company changed hands when Ernie Graveline took the reins. Under his leadership, Columbia Ice didn’t just grow—it transformed. Graveline oversaw the construction of a brand-new ice factory in Acheson, boosting production capacity to meet rising demand. Today, the company remains a proudly Canadian-owned operation, rooted in the community it serves. A different owner as Ernie recently passed away.

More Than Just Party Ice

Columbia Ice isn’t your average ice supplier. Sure, they deliver cubed for backyard barbecues and big events—think Edmonton’s Ufest or a wedding under the prairie sun—but their reach goes further. They supply ice to local bottled water companies, ensuring clean, cold hydration, and even partner with construction firms to slow the rate concrete cures during scorching summer days. Whether it’s a bag of cubes for a convenience store or bulk ice for an industrial site, Columbia Ice tailors its service to fit Alberta’s diverse needs.

What sets them apart? Their commitment to being “the little guy.” Unlike some industry giants—like Arctic Glacier, once a Canadian titan now under American ownership—Columbia Ice prides itself on treating every customer like a neighbor. Their website boasts, “Some other ice companies act like they’re too big to take your business seriously. But we’re a little guy, just like you.” It’s a refreshing ethos in an age of corporate consolidation, and it resonates with Alberta’s spirit of supporting local.

Acheson: The Perfect Home Base

Acheson, part of Parkland County, might not be the first place you’d think of for an ice empire, but it’s a strategic spot. Just 20 minutes west of Edmonton, it’s close enough to serve the city’s bustle while tapping into the industrial and rural markets of the surrounding area. The township’s proximity to Treaty 6 territory—specifically the traditional lands of the Enoch Cree Nation—adds a layer of cultural awareness to Columbia’s operations, which they acknowledge with respect on their site.

The Acheson Industrial Park, where Columbia Ice resides, is a hub of small and medium-sized businesses, making it an ideal fit for a company focused on local partnerships. From here, their delivery trucks fan out across Edmonton, Calgary, and beyond, ensuring no one’s left without ice when the heat hits.

A Community Player

Columbia Ice doesn’t just sell ice—they build connections. Their support for local festivals, businesses, and even grassroots events reflects a belief that “when one of us wins, we all win.” It’s a philosophy that’s kept them thriving in a competitive market. A Yelp review from a customer who ordered 15 bags for a large event praises their punctuality and professionalism, noting how delivery staff hauled the ice right to the venue—a small touch that speaks volumes.

The Bigger Ice Picture

Columbia Ice’s story unfolds against a backdrop of Alberta’s evolving ice industry. Once dominated by players like Arctic Glacier, which started in Winnipeg in 1882 and grew into a North American giant before its 2012 sale to American firms, the market has seen shifts. Columbia Ice represents a counterpoint—a local, agile operation that’s stayed true to its roots while giants faced financial upheaval or changed hands.

In Acheson, Columbia Ice isn’t just keeping things cold; it’s keeping a tradition alive. They’re proof that a small business with big heart can hold its own, delivering not just ice but a sense of community in every bag.

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