Client Feature: Gail Jaburek- Owner of Old Town Cabins

Divine Kitchen
Aug 1
3 min read

Updated: Aug 21

How Gail Built a Riverside Escape for Families in Slave Lake

After more than three decades in Slave Lake, local entrepreneur Gail has transformed her love for the outdoors and community into a hidden gem just minutes from town—Old Town Cabins, a peaceful riverside retreat where families can reconnect, recharge, and create lasting memories.

Gail first fell in love with the natural beauty of the area while doing landscaping work in the Slave Lake's provincial park. When the opportunity came to purchase land by the river nearly 15 years ago, she saw the potential to create something meaningful—a private park-like destination where people could enjoy the peace of nature, the thrill of fishing, and the joy of gathering together.

“I started Old Town Cabins 8 years ago, one cabin at a time saving up until I could afford to build another one. Developing the area slowly” Gail recalls. “As more people discovered it, I saw how much they enjoyed being here—hosting family get-togethers, fishing, relaxing. That’s when I knew it could be something more.”

Today, Old Town Cabins features multiple RV sites and three deluxe cabins, each offering two or three bedrooms and full air conditioning, thoughtfully added to meet the needs of visitors during hotter Alberta summers. The location has become a favourite for family reunions and group gatherings looking for privacy and tranquility.

“I originally thought it would just be families visiting to fish, but now I get large reunions who return year after year. They thank me and book again for the next season. That makes me feel incredibly proud.”

Gail’s deep roots in the community and entrepreneurial resilience were instrumental in the development of Old Town Cabins. But like many rural business owners, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Finding contractors that would complete the job as lined out is one of them.

How Community Futures Helped

Thankfully, Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region has been a consistent partner along the way. Through the Women’s Economic Recovery – Capital Growth Initiative and other support programs, Gail accessed the funding she needed to continue growing her business:

In 2025, she received a CGI loan to support key infrastructure improvements, including fencing, road access, tree planting for noise reduction, and essential plumbing repairs.
In 2023, she secured funding to install natural gas, ensuring a more efficient and reliable energy supply for the cabins.
In 2020, a loan through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) helped sustain operations during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her journey with Community Futures goes back even further—she first accessed a loan in 1998 to launch her landscaping business.

“Community Futures helped me through many financial situations. Their support allowed me to move forward with projects that would have otherwise been impossible.”

What makes Old Town Cabins truly special is its ability to offer that "far-away" feeling without leaving Slave Lake. Just a short drive from town, it gives families opportunity to disconnect and recharge & free their minds from stresses in their normal routines. Also, it gives families time to enjoy each other's company without any interruption from the world and enjoy nature's simple pleasure - fishing, bonfires, bird watching, and stargazing.

“I love seeing many families and their kids catch their first fish or roast marshmallows with their parents. It’s the little moments that matter—being outside, being present, and being together.”

Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

For those considering developing their own cabin or nature retreat, Gail offers this advice: Do your research. The process can be more costly and regulated than expected, especially near water, but the reward is worth it.

After 15 years running a landscaping company and 25 years in a tax office, Gail is now embracing a slower, more fulfilling pace of life - helping guests create memories, teaching kids to fish, and simply enjoying the beauty of the world just outside her door.