Who We Are

Together in health since 1981.

Sol Natural Food was founded in 1981 by two women from the bilingual community of Aylmer. Sharing an interest in a wholesome lifestyle, they guessed right in offering these goods to our town.

5 years later, the manager James McConnell, his spouse Monique Enright and a part time employee, Jean-Guy Beaudry, joined forces with a college friend, Marie Couture and her brother Guy and friend Patrice Martel. The six young people (average age of the group was 25) decided to purchase the small business. Since day one, SOL has thrived and has received many awards from the local business community.

In May 2007 Sol moved to a larger location, with better parking and a terrace, where one can enjoy a light snack or lunch.

The secret to the success of this retail store is easily recognized upon entering. It is found in the warmth of the relationship with its customers, many of whom, throughout the years, have become friends.

Children of customers, who have enjoyed the instore play area, have since grown, and on some occasions, have graduated to become part of the staff!

Customers, who have traveled, have often commented on how much variety is offered, and how pleasant the shopping experience is at SOL.

Marie Couture one of the store’s owners has taken the concept of knowledgeable staff to a higher level, by becoming a certified Naturopath. Her sound advice and caring, has created a following, with our best customers, and has provided a strong example for all of the dozen or so staff members.

SOL, is a family run and owned business and a strong member of Aylmer’s (now amalgamated to Gatineau) community. Like any thriving business in a small town (37.000 pop) we have sponsored many different community events.

The main focus of our community support has often been with the young, with health being the primary concern.

For example, the ENTRE-NOUS Community Centre has a Young Chefs teaching program. Sol supplied throughout the year over 500 $ in food, so the young participants, could learn how easy and economical it is to cook in a healthier way.

LES SAVONS DE L’ESPOIR a local leukemia family support group makes goat’s milk soap. Volunteers and family come to the farm, for a bit of a break from the strain of such a devastating disease. All proceeds form the sale of these soaps goes directly to LEUCAN. The list goes on.

SOL Natural Foods has not only been
involved on a local level, but also is very proud of its membership with the
pan-Canadian HEALTH FIRST NETWORK, and was instrumental in getting
the group to become fully bilingual with le RÉSEAU PREMIER EN SANTÉ!

Vision Statement

At SOL, we believe that what is good for us is good for the environment.

This vision promotes health for all: each individual’s, future generations' and our beloved earth.

It is rooted in our social and environmental awareness, through the sale of local, fair trade, and organic products.