New Okotoks food market sources everything from Alberta

A new market in Okotoks sources everything from Alberta.

A new market in the heart of Olde Towne Okotoks is quickly becoming a popular spot for locals looking for the freshest food.

“It’s more than just a trend to shop local,” said Sheep River Market owner Sean Beacom.

“I think people understand that when people buy local from local producers, all of the money you spend stays in your local community.”

Golden berry in December

And it was that idea he cooked up as a chef for 20 years, prior to opening the store at 52 North Railway St.

“I found these products were really hard to access in a regular grocery store for the average consumer,” said Beacom.

“A golden berry, in December, this is being grown in Okotoks. But where can you find this? No one else is selling this.”

Beacom says the historic building also carries tradition, as he is located across from the old train station, turned Okotoks Art Gallery.

He wants to continue the legacy.

“Being in the sixth oldest building in Alberta is a concept we don’t forget,” he said.

“This was the original post office, for this area on the wagon trail, before there was a road from Fort MacLeod to Calgary.”

Showcasing local producers

Beacom adds that showcasing local producers is something shoppers have been leaning in on more, due to skyrocketing food prices across the country.

“Most commercial grocery stores, if there’s a local food, it’s almost tokenized and in a little section,” said Beacom.

“Whereas the whole premise of this store, is everything in the store was produced, grown or raised in Alberta.”

Despite everything being sourced in Alberta, Beacom says the meats are even closer, just minutes from the store.

“All of our meat is coming from farms all within 50 kilometres of this store. We have local beef, bison, chicken, lamb, elk,” he said.

Beacom adds that some of the meat is sourced from about 10 kilometres away.

Pamela Jonassen recently returned to Okotoks after moving away.

She says she has become a regular at the store.

“A lot of big box stores came in, changed a lot of things,” she said.

“I’m just doing my best to support local.”

She even has a store favourite.

“Their chicken is absolutely the best I’ve ever tasted.”

The store has been open for about a month and is ready to welcome even more customers in the new year.

Beacom says he urges all to shop local.

“It doesn’t seem like it should be a revolutionary thing, because 100 years ago, I think most stores would have had everything grown locally or from local producers, and we’ve just gotten so far away from that,” he said.

The Sheep River Market will be open Dec. 30 and Dec 31 before reopening on Jan 7 following the holiday season.