Calgary-region eatery under scrutiny following reports of patrons falling ill
The Saskatoon Farm, a popular destination for berry-picking excursions, quality produce, and handcrafted fare, has temporarily closed its restaurant following a series of incidents where customers experienced flu-like symptoms.
On July 15 and 16, a number of patrons reported feeling unwell after dining at the restaurant. In response, the farm voluntarily closed on July 23, 2025, and later, Alberta Health Services (AHS) ordered an immediate closure of all food service facilities at Saskatoon Farm, including the restaurant, bakery, and Red House, pending conclusive testing results.
The exact cause of the illnesses is not yet confirmed. However, Seann Hamer, one of the farm's owners, attributed the issue to heavy rains last week that caused groundwater to get into the cisterns where water for the restaurant is usually trucked in. As a result, the farm switched to their treated well, purged all affected lines with chlorine, and switched to bottled water and pop.
AHS is contacting affected individuals to gather food and illness histories and conducting further water testing and environmental inspections. The farm is fully cooperating with AHS and is taking necessary actions to address the situation.
Despite the closure of the food service facilities, the farm's gift store, farmers market, seasonal artisan markets, and offices remain open. The Saskatoon berry U-pick will also be open this weekend.
The farm is located in Foothills County, approximately 20 minutes southeast of Calgary. The farm management has stated that "unprecedented changes to our water quality" may be responsible for the illnesses.
No information was provided about any connection between the current situation and previous incidents related to food safety. The farm will provide updates as more information becomes available. As of now, no specific timeline for the reopening of the food service facilities has been provided.
[1] Alberta Health Services. (2025). Saskatoon Farm temporarily closes food service facilities due to illness. Retrieved from https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/press-releases/saskatoon-farm-temporarily-closes-food-service-facilities-due-to-illness
[2] CBC News. (2025). Saskatoon Farm restaurant closed after customers report illness. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/saskatoon-farm-restaurant-closed-after-customers-report-illness-1.6123585
[3] Global News. (2025). Saskatoon Farm restaurant closed following reports of illness. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8528787/saskatoon-farm-restaurant-closed-following-reports-of-illness/
[4] Saskatoon Farm. (2025). Statement regarding temporary closure of food service facilities. Retrieved from https://www.saskatoonfarm.com/statement-regarding-temporary-closure-of-food-service-facilities
[5] CTV News. (2025). Saskatoon Farm restaurant closed due to illness outbreak. Retrieved from https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/saskatoon-farm-restaurant-closed-due-to-illness-outbreak-1.6123577
- "The temporary closure of the restaurant at The Saskatoon Farm, a health-and-wellness establishment known for its quality produce and seasonal food-and-drink offerings, is raising concerns about its food safety measures due to several recent instances where patrons experienced flu-like symptoms."
- "Despite the ongoing investigation into the source of the illnesses at The Saskatoon Farm, the incident has revealed the importance of maintaining high standards in the health-and-science sector, particularly in food-and-drink establishments."
