Okotoks and Foothills 2022 Best of the Foothills

John Barlow was elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the federal riding of Macleod on June 30, 2014, in a by-election resulting from the retirement of former MP Ted Menzies. John was re-elected on October 19, 2015, to the riding of Foothills. He was appointed as Critic for Interprovincial Trade as well as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources in October of 2016.
Prior to being elected to office, John had a distinguished career in journalism. After spending several years in Calgary working for various publications, including an internship at the Calgary Sun, John was eager to return to his rural roots and moved to High River. There, he spent three years at the High River Times, before going on to work at Great West Newspapers and Okotoks Western Wheel.
He is proud to work hard on behalf of his constituents and is honoured to attend events on Parliament Hill and in the riding of Foothills. With deep ties to his roots in Southern Alberta and a strong commitment to the residents he represents, John splits his time between Foothills and Ottawa.

Classic Source for Sports, who has been proudly serving the Foothills region for more than 30 years, is excited to get people interested in disc golf.

Brandon, Social Media Manager, explains, “Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in North America. It’s affordable and accessible, and there is a disc golf course in Okotoks!”

What is disc golf? It is an accessible game designed to bring people together and give them a low-cost, fun and easy way to get fit outdoors. Physical and mental muscles are flexed as each player strives for the goal – to get the disk into target. Think of it like golf, but with disks instead of balls and throwing instead of hitting with a club. Much like golf, the fewer the throws it takes to hit the target, the lower the score.

Learn more about disc golf and find everything you need to play it at Classic Source for Sports.

“Our store is committed to the highest quality customer service and we take pride in helping our customers and our community,” says Brandon.

Stop in today and help them celebrate their 2022 Readers’ Choice gold for best sporting goods store.

Since 2001, the James C. Lozinsky Law / Lozinsky Flett offices have offered a wide range of legal services to the Alberta Foothills. We offer mediation, notary services, cover all areas of Family Law, and specialize in Corporate Law, Real Estate, and Will & Estate management.

Whatever our clients' needs though, we always approach their case with a particular focus on the individual. Our clients want cost effective solutions. They want a lawyer who is easy to talk to and empathetic to their situation. They want to have a pleasant and productive working relationship with their lawyer. We understand that our clients' legal problems are important to them, and they need someone in their corner they can trust. Our clients’ comfort, dignity and respect are always our top priority.

We serve clients from all through the Foothills area, including Okotoks, High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Millarville, Calgary, Blackie, Priddis, Longview, Lethbridge, Cochrane and Canmore.

We're dedicated to finding the most efficient and effective way of reaching our client's goals. Court proceedings can be long and expensive, so when claims can be settled fairly through negotiation or mediation we'll take that route to get you results as quickly as possible. If that's not an option, we won't hesitate to go to trial on your behalf to achieve the best possible result.

94 Take the Cake in Okotoks is where to go when you need a delicious custom cake make with the best ingredients. Cake artist Sherry will make your next wedding, birthday, graduation, anniversary or “just because” cake an occasion to remember. She has an artistic background that pairs perfectly with her passion for baking. Previous custom work from 94 includes a fashionable black and white chocolate cake, elegant and towering wedding cakes, cookies where children use icing (as paint) to complete the design and much more. Visit the gallery on the bakery’s website to see these creations.

In addition to custom cakes, patrons can come here to relax on the patio with a cup of coffee and a fresh cupcake, pastry, cake pop, muffin, piece of pie, scone, quiche… let’s just say, whether you want sweet or savory, it’s in the display case; and it’s all made from scratch with love. That’s not all – 94 Take the Cake also caters, puts your custom business logo on desserts, teaches cooking classes and hosts birthday parties.

The bakery itself is incredibly unique. Local artists used black and white paint to turn the shop into a 2D “colouring book.” The look is engaging; patrons and tourists love to share photos of it on Instagram. When the “colouring book” concept was finished in 2020, it even caught the eye of Global News.

94 Take the Cake is celebrating a Readers’ Choice Gold award. Come in for sweet or savory treat, explore the custom cakes and find out why this location is Okotoks beloved – and unique – bakery.

Chef opened the doors of Pizzaberg Cafe in the spring of 1990. Before she created her first dish, she vowed to only use the finest ingredients, and prepare each dish with an infusion of passion and creativity. Critics have been raving ever since. Diners agree...Pizzaberg Cafe is Okotoks's best.

Pizzaberg Cafe is committed to serving only the finest foods, made with the freshest ingredients. All of our dishes are made from scratch. Our inviting decor and professional servers create a memorable Italian dining experience.
Pizzaberg Cafe is located in the Town of Okotoks's Southridge Village Mall, Pizzaberg Cafe serves up Okotoks's finest Italian fare with exciting dishes and unique ambiance. At Pizzaberg Cafe, every dish is created using only the fresh, finest ingredients. We serve only the finest meat and seafood, freshest vegetables, and bread that are baked fresh daily. Our award winning menu and attention to detail create a truly enjoyable dining experience. We use only the finest ingredients. Every dish is made to order. Come & taste the difference at Pizzaberg Cafe.

Alberta Dance + Drama Academy is excited to enter its 31st season. Owner and CEO Erica Hendry has led the Academy for 16 years.

“Learning in the arts offers wonderful life skills such as communication, cooperation, empathy, concentration, memory and so much more!” says Hendry. “Children will take these lessons with them as they grow.”

Dance and drama also offer physical and mental refreshment, creative expression, socialization, and confidence building.

Hendry continues, “We present two musicals a year. In addition, our two year-end recitals allow us to professionally showcase everything your dancers and actors have learned this season.”

Students of the Academy have a range of learning options that include in-person, virtual and hybrid. A low preschool rate of only $40/month (plus GST) is offered, along with 10-week sessions for those looking for a shorter time commitment.

Alberta Dance + Drama Academy is pleased to have earned several Readers’ Choice awards, including:
• Best Dance Class – Gold
• Best Customer Service - Silver
• Best Business Owner - Silver
• Best Established Business – Bronze

Visit them online to learn more about lessons and camps, to learn about the Academy birthday party package or to book a free discovery class.

Are you looking for a townhome? Partners Development Group is committed to using the best and most durable materials along with Green Certified building practices, so you can have an energy efficient home that lasts. Additionally, no condo fees, or fee-simple options, make these townhomes even more affordable. Cale Marklund, Marketing Manager, encourages interested homeowners to visit the latest showhome at 57 Iris Crescent in Okotoks to see the craftmanship and hear about the options.

“Buying your home is the largest purchase you will ever make. When you buy a Partners home, you’re buying a home that will stand the test of time and provide every comfort you could ever want,” says Marklund. “We’re proud to build homes to suit every life stage and lifestyle. Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to get into the market, someone looking to upsize for a growing family or someone looking to downsize to something more appropriate for your lifestyle, we have the right home in the right community for you.”

Partners Development Group is pleased to have earned a Bronze Readers’ Choice award and will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023.

Baked fresh daily by bakers with passion.
At COBS Bread, we celebrate fresh. Whether you’re picking up a scratch-baked loaf of bread for the family or a decadent treat for yourself, you can always be sure that the day you walk into our bakery is the day we baked it.

It’s how we promise that every slice, every bite, and every taste of what we do will be a celebration of fresh, just for you.

Quality ingredients and scratch baking techniques create that warm, buttery smell and happy feeling when you walk into a COBS Bread bakery. You’ll never have to worry about added preservatives in our bread. It’s as important to us as kneading dough or pre-heating the oven. From bun to crumb, this is as pure as it gets.
Through our End of Day Giving program, our bakeries connect with our larger communities by helping every bread find a home after our doors close. It makes us a real part of the communities in which we operate, provides bread to those who need it, and helps reduce food waste.

With over $300 million worth of product donations to date, we’re always looking for ways to give back to the incredible people in our neighbourhoods.

Exquisite Electric’s motto is to “provide the best in home and business electrical services.” Five star Google ratings and a gold Readers’ Choice award prove they are living up to this value.

“Our number one priority is to provide the best customer service,” says Dustin Prete, co-owner. “We are here for all of your home or business’ electrical needs.”

Residential and commercial services include emergency callouts, home automation/smart home installations, general services, specialized lighting, electrical inspections, surge protection, electrical upgrades, repairs, preventative maintenance plans, exterior lighting and LED upgrades. No matter what you require for your home or business, once call to Exquisite is all you need.

In addition to service, Exquisite is passionate about consumer education. This is why their website contains a blog with insights, safety tips and hacks for your home.

This family owned and operated business is ready to serve. Projects big or small, they are standing by to take care of all your electrical needs. For honest and upfront pricing, guaranteed workmanship and teams that treat your property like their own, contact Exquisite Electric today.

A getaway from the everyday, Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground features the perfect escape from city life. Ideally located just 15 minutes from Calgary and Okotoks, guests enjoy camping or day trips in this nature-filled facility. A range of campground sites include fully serviced to rustic, each with a firepit and picnic table. Flush toilets, showers and coin laundry are on site.

In addition to a beautiful beach, guests enjoy a playground, horseshoe pit, sports equipment and treats/essentials from the camp store. The friendly on-site staff are known to host events, such as live bands, on the long weekends.

Manager Stacey Thachuk says, “We are a natural campground with many trees and are located right alongside the Highwood River, which is great for swimming! Our goal is to provide a fun, safe, family-friendly atmosphere. We are coming up on 20 years of owning and operating Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground in 2025, and we are honoured to be celebrating a Readers’ Choice bronze award this year in the ‘best place to camp’ category.”

This is a great place to spend relaxing time alone or with your family. Reservations are highly recommended. Learn more on Nature’s Hideway’s Facebook page or book online on their website.

The Okotoks Food Bank has been in service to the community for 37 years.

Pamela McLean, Executive Director, says, “Don’t go to bed hungry. Don’t let your children go to bed hungry. Don’t let your pet go to bed hungry. The Okotoks Food Bank provides emergency food service for local people in need and we will always find a way to help you.”

Services are available for Okotoks locals through the food hamper program, while those in the outer southern Alberta region can access the Help Yourself Shelf program.

The Okotoks Food Bank raises funds and procures food through a variety of channels including cash and non-perishable item donations.
“In 2020, we celebrated our 35 years of service by creating a beautiful cookbook with the help of local celebrity chefs, and it continues to be a good fundraiser for us,” McLean adds. The cookbook is available for purchase at 11 local retailers in Okotoks, two in Black Diamond and one in High River.

For outstanding commitment to service, The Okotoks Food Bank has received a gold Readers’ Choice award for seven consecutive years. Learn more on their website. The organization is also active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The new management team at Thai Express x La Diperie in Okotoks at 34 Southridge Drive welcomes you! Whether you have been here before or have yet to explore the menu, come on in and enjoy delicious authentic Thai food and tasty sweet treats.

There are plenty of choices to suit every taste. Why not start with classic spring rolls, filled with fresh vegetables and ready to be dipped in peanut sauce? Perhaps steamed dumplings are what you crave… or their saucy counterpart, fried chicken dumplings. After a starter, you are ready for fried rice, stir fry, noodles, soup or salad – get all this and more made with authentic Thai preparations. Finish the meal with a delicious dessert like white chocolate cheesecake with pineapple.

This is great food, made with the best ingredients, created authentically in traditional ways and provided with outstanding customer service. The new management team looks forward to meeting you and learning your favourite menu items. Order in the restaurant or online and be sure to sign up for the rewards program.

The British Chippy in Okotoks is where you need to be anytime you want authentic fish and chips. But wait! There is a twist! This is a traditional fish and chip shop that focuses on an organic approach.

“It is organic and it is all made from scratch,” says Simone Hodgkinson. She and Gary Hodgkinson moved from Manchester to Calgary in 2001 and come from a long line of fish and chip shop entrepreneurs. Gary’s great grandparents opened their first fish and chip shop in England in 1915, and it’s been a family business ever since. That tradition continued when Gary and Simone moved to Canada and opened their own shop in 2009.

“Our food is authentic,” Simone continues. “We use our grandmother’s British recipes but only use wild-caught, sustainable fish. Our potatoes and oil come from local farmers and we never use colourings or artificial flavours. We remain a family business with family traditions and values. This is real food, prepared the old fashioned way!”

The British Chippy is pleased to celebrate Readers’ Choice Awards for best fish & chips in Foothills and best fish & chips in Calgary.

Classic Cycle Okotoks is owned and operated by Classic Source for Sports. This family owned and operated business knows bikes inside out. They ride them, service them and sell them. Conveniently located near the BMX track and offering a full-service year-round shop in addition to brand name bikes, parts and accessories, Classic Cycle Okotoks is a one-stop location for all your cycling needs.

One of the biggest trends in cycling is e-bikes, and Classic Cycle Okotoks has e-bikes in stock from Norco, Devinci, Charger and Fluid.

“E-bikes are the most popular bike in the industry right now,” says Social Media Manager Brandon. “They are incredible versatile and can be used by anyone for almost anything you can imagine!”

Not used to riding an e-bike? No problem. Classic Cycle Okotoks is happy to help.

“We offer e-bike rentals and our shop is friendly and accommodating. We encourage our customers to stop by anytime for sales, service or even just to chat,” says Brandon.

Indulge your passion for cycling all year long with bikes, e-bikes, parts, accessories and service from Classic Cycle Okotoks. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to help you discover or indulge your love of cycling.

Infinite Chartered Professional Accountants is dedicated to simplifying your financial life, whether you need help as an individual or a business.

“We provide full cycle tax accounting and wealth planning,” says Andrew Darrach, Partner.

David Thompson, Partner, adds, “We keep you up to date on filing requirements, provide support and information for your business’ challenges and help plan your future success strategies. We see you as more than just a tax return.”

In addition to the services of accounting, business advisory and wealth planning, Infinite offers secure file upload for clients. The firm also maintains an educational blog to help readers learn more about money, saving, investing and maintaining financial independence through life’s many changes.

Adam Stepa, Partner, points out, “We ensure that we respond quickly to clients and we believe that is something that sets us apart. If a client has a question or need, we know those needs cannot wait. We respond within a day, or the same day as much as possible. We ensure someone can quickly address the question if the client’s accountant is away that day.”

The firm’s customer-first approach is reflected in the 25+ years of service in Okotoks and area, and in 5-star reviews on Google and Facebook.