We Are Local!
Imagine local food, year-round in the heart of downtown Fernie. An inspiring place where you can learn about your local farmers and food producers. A spot to stock up on delicious seasonal produce, while also strengthening the local food system. It’s like an indoor farmers’ market, twelve months a year. That’s Local!
Why Local?
Fernie imports almost 100% of the food sold in its grocery stores. Our famous mountains and cold climate conditions mean we only have 90 frost-free days to grow food. Fernie is also isolated, with a single road in and out, so weather events like floods or avalanches can cause delays. This means our community is more vulnerable to food instability. The demand for local food is growing, but many small producers struggle to find a reliable way to sell their products.
Wildsight Elk Valley works to increase local food access. Wildsight opened Local in December 2020, and helps to strengthen our food system by supporting small farmers and food producers all year round.
Local aims to:
- Increase year-round access to local food for Elk Valley residents and visitors
- Provide a low-barrier entry for local producers
- Cultivate a thriving, knowledgeable local food culture within the Elk Valley
Local provides a way for farmers and local food producers to sell their products and for customers to access local food. Local offers:
- Storefront – Retail location in downtown Fernie selling local food
- Online Market – Online store and payment system
Local is a social enterprise of Wildsight Elk Valley Branch, a not-for-profit based in Fernie, BC. Wildsight works to protect wildlife, water and wild places in the Elk Valley region of British Columbia.
Where is Local?
- Our retail location is at 632 2nd Ave
- Check out the online store by clicking the “click to shop online” at the top of the page
- Join the Fresh Picks Club to support Local and gain special access
How can I get the latest Local updates?
- Like Local on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Join the Fresh Picks Club
- Sign up for the Wildsight Elk Valley Branch e-blasts
Learn more about Local
- Join the Fresh Picks Club to gain 24 hours first access
- Volunteer with Local
- Sell your local food product with us
