By Shelley Winger
Redwater IGA’s new owners are settling into the community with a focus on building
relationships, supporting local initiatives and continuing the hometown feel of the
grocery store.
Kristina Dekorver, who recently took over ownership of the store, said the opportunity
appealed to her because it offered more than running a grocery business.
“It really came down to the opportunity to be part of a close-knit community,” she said. “I
grew up in Canmore, where our local IGA was more than just a grocery store—it was a
place where people connected and you could see the role it played in everyday life.”
Dekorver, her husband Ryan and their two children are making Redwater their home.
While she is new to the community, her husband’s family has deep roots in the area. His
grandfather, Reg Austin, served as mayor of Gibbons during the 1980s, and the Austin
family farmed between Gibbons and Redwater for many years. She said those family
connections made the decision to come to Redwater even more meaningful.
“In a town like Redwater, the grocery store naturally becomes part of everyday life,” she
said. “It’s where people see familiar faces, stop to chat and stay connected.”
Since taking over the store, Dekorver has already introduced several updates, including
refreshing the front end of the store and adding kid-sized shopping carts, which have
proven popular with young shoppers.
Rather than making sweeping changes, she said she has spent much of her time on the
sales floor talking with customers and listening to their ideas.
“That feedback is guiding what we look at next,” she said. “It’s not about change for the
sake of change—it’s about building on what already works and making thoughtful
improvements that reflect what the community is asking for.”
She also hopes the store can continue supporting local organizations and provide
employment opportunities for area youth.
As her family begins its new chapter in Redwater, Dekorver said the welcome they have
received has already made a lasting impression.
“We’re so excited to be here and become part of the community,” she said. “My focus is
simple: build trust, build relationships and ensure Redwater IGA is a store people feel
good about shopping at and proud to have in their community.”