May 2026 Business News

Caledonia Counselling 
401 2nd Ave, Upstairs Office 2 250-278-8817

Caledonia Counselling is growing and they are excited to share the news with the community. Founder, Karen Walker, is welcoming two new counsellors to the practice: Sam Usher and Eveliene Eijsermans.
This expansion allows them to better meet the increasing demand for compassionate, professional mental health support in our community. Sam and Eveliene bring fresh perspectives, strong clinical training, and a shared commitment to creating a safe, supportive space for clients.

They offer counselling services for adults, youth, couples, and families, with support tailored to your unique needs. With additional availability, they are now accepting new clients immediately. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, life transitions, relationships, or personal growth, their team is here to help.

If you’ve been considering counselling, now is a great time to get started. Reach out today to learn more or to book an appointment. They look forward to supporting you on your journey. Contact them at @email

Elk Valley & Area Hospice 
1501 5th Ave 250-423-4453

Elk Valley & Area Hospice invites everyone to join them for their 3rd Annual Hike for Hospice on Saturday May 23, 9:30am on the Montane Trail Network. Hikers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. The Hike for Hospice is an opportunity to raise much needed funds for end-of-life care, and grief support for our community. 

Join as an individual, or as a team with family, friends or work colleagues. They invite you to hike in honour, memory or support of a loved one in your life.

Placards and rocks are available to decorate on the day. Registration is free and there will be draw prizes and goodie bags. Please visit their website for more information and to register. elkvalleyhospice.com

Fernie Secondary School 
102 Fairway Dr. 250-423-4471

In 2024, the Fernie Secondary School (FSS) thought it would benefit its student to have a fleet of cross-country ski equipment. The estimated cost was $20,000. 

“It really does take a village to make something like this happen,” said PE teacher Andrew Gulyas who was a big part of this project. With the support of the Fernie Nordic Society, the Abi Moore Memorial fund, the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation, the Fernie Lions Club, EVR, North Coal, PAC, and Fernie Secondary School and consultation from The Guide’s Hut alongside $10,000 in discounts, the program became reality. 

FSS now has its own Nordic gear with boot sizes ranging from 4 to 14, giving everyone at FSS the chance to clip in and give Nordic skiing a try. This equipment also supports programs like the Outdoor Club and creates opportunities for other youth groups to get outside and experience winter.

First Tracks Real Estate Group
livinginfernie.com

Fernie's First Tracks Real Estate Group, led by Phil and Claire Gadd, has been named to eXp Realty's 2025 Top Producers List, ranking #1 among domestic partnerships in Canada by sales volume. It marks a significant milestone for the Fernie-based team, who have built their reputation on deep local market knowledge, transparent communication, and a genuinely client-first approach.

Operating under eXp Realty and serving buyers and sellers across Fernie, Sparwood, Jaffray, and Lake Koocanusa, First Tracks Real Estate Group has become one of the most recognized real estate teams in the Elk Valley. The recognition reflects years of consistent results, and a business built largely on referrals and repeat clients. They are two-time ICON Agents at eXp Realty, and the results speak for themselves across Fernie and beyond.

Fernie Trails Alliance
fernietrailsalliance.com
Fernie Ladies Bike Night returns May 6! If you are female or female-identifying and love to mountain bike, join this fun and supportive weekly ride. Open to all skill levels, the program creates a welcoming space for riders to build confidence, develop skills, and connect with a great community.

Rides run every Wednesday from May through October, meeting at 6pm at the Aquatic Centre Gazebo. Riders split into smaller groups, so whether you’re brand new or experienced, you’ll find a pace and group that suits you.

This inclusive program proudly welcomes LGBTQ2S+ participants, including non-binary and trans riders, and is committed to fostering a positive and encouraging environment for everyone.

The rides are organized through the Fernie Trails Alliance and sponsored by Ridgeline Physio. Participants must have a valid FTA Trails Pass to attend.

Come ride, meet new people, and be part of a growing community! For more information, email  @email.

h squared gallery
598 2 Ave 778-519-5100
h squared gallery presents Angela Morgan's solo exhibition It's in My Nature: Landscape largesse. Artistic divergence.

What happens when we take out the people and the pavement? A cacophony of colour, an emergence of patterns, the magic of movement, and the breathing of the earth.

It's in My Nature is an exploration of our great big world — where landscapes step to the forefront of Angela's canvases. From coastal vibes to prairie scenes, this collection searches Canada's vast beauty through Angela's lens: a celebration of colour, pattern, and the breathing earth beneath it all.

One of h squared gallery's greatest privileges is giving artists the space to explore new frontiers in their work. To be part of Angela reaching beyond the stars — as she has throughout her celebrated career — is an honour they don't take lightly. Captured on canvas. Displayed at h squared. An invitation to celebrate. Opening Reception: Saturday, May 9, 2:30–5:30pm

Local Store
632 2nd Ave 250-423-3322
In the back corner of the Local Store, behind shelves of locally-made hot sauces and preserves, there is a closet with a turquoise door revealing a refillery for Fernie residents. A Local staff member or volunteer is always nearby to assist in answering questions, dispensing soaps, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, haircare, and more. Customers can bring their own container of any size or purchase a reusable bottle. 
With all of the tasty vegetables and meats in the front room, it is easy to miss this cupboard under the stairs. 

When Drift & Sonder closed, the Local Store took over a selection of their inventory to continue providing low-waste options for common household and personal care products. The Local plans to grow the refillery offerings with community demand, and they are always happy to take requests or suggestions of Canadian brands. Happy refilling!

Shades - Through Her Lens Event
SHADES celebrates stories of queer women, femmes, and non-binary folks whose experiences are too often pushed to the edges. Join them in an evening of film and conversation with Black, racialized, and queer women at the centre. In attendance will be Salima Stanley-Bhanji, Co-Founder of Humainologie and Filmmaker, and three featured SHADES voices; Tea Fannie, Livvy Walker, and Priscilla Cherry. 

The event takes place at the Arts Station on Thursday, May 7, 7pm start, doors open at 6:30pm. The suggested entry fee is $5/person. This event is supported thanks to Alpine Pathways Psychology, Elk Valley Suicide Task Force, Dr. Marian Ma, and Fernie Pride Society. 

Tickets available at zeffy.com/en-CA/organizations/fernie-pride-society

Turtle Haven Rentals
250-946-5395

Summer is around the corner and that means it’s time to get on the water!

Looking for a quiet paddle on a turquoise lake with Western Painted Turtles swimming right next to you? Well then, Turtle Haven Rentals has you covered. Paddle boards, kayaks, yellow pedal boats and even a hydro bike are all available to rent. When you can’t be bothered or don’t have the time to inflate/deflate your own paddle board, you can rent one for just $30/hour. 

New this year are day or multiday rentals of fun, light and durable packrafts - an inflatable kayak that packs down and weighs only 10lbs. Perfect for hiking into a beautiful alpine lake or paddling down the Elk River.
Open seven days a week, 11am-5pm at Surveyors Lake in Kikomun Provincial Park. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram @TurtleHavenRentals or call 250-946-5395.