What started as a way to support small-scale farms and local food producers has flourished into a thriving social enterprise, strengthening local food security and providing year-round access to fresh, sustainable products. Wildsight Elk Valley’s Local food store has been making a significant impact on the community since its launch in 2020, and after four years, its growth continues.
Located in the heart of Fernie on 2nd Avenue, Local bridges the gap between producers and consumers, ensuring that food grown and made in the region is readily available. The store offers a diverse selection of locally sourced goods, including eggs, vegetables, meats, fresh bread, honey, snacks, and prepared meals.
Wildsight Elk Valley has just released Local’s fourth Annual Impact Report, detailing the store’s successes in 2024. The numbers speak volumes: since opening its doors, Local has paid out over $1.12 million to small-scale farms and food producers, with more than 40% of that money staying within the Elk Valley.
With increasing awareness of the importance of a strong Canadian food economy, community support for Local has never been higher. Over the past year, the store has served an average of 1,000 customers per month, demonstrating the growing demand for fresh, locally sourced food.
Local’s Feed the Need fundraiser also saw continued success in 2024, raising more than $7,200 to support low-income households. This initiative provides Local store gift cards to families in need through a partnership with the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre.
“Feed the Need is making a real difference in our community,” said Layne Leskosek, Outreach and SAS Coordinator for the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre. “The joy and relief we see in participants when they pick up their cards—it’s about more than food. It’s about supporting dignity, well-being, and community resilience.”
Donations to Feed the Need can be made in-store at the Local checkout or online, with tax receipts available.
Wildsight Elk Valley extends its gratitude to the volunteers, vendors, donors, and customers who make Local a success—whether by shopping, donating, or spreading awareness about the importance of a resilient local food system.
Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, Wildsight Elk Valley remains committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable food culture in the region. With continued support, Local will keep connecting Fernie to fresh, high-quality, locally produced food for years to come.
