It looks like the Elora Farmers Market will get a chance to grow this spring.
On Monday, Centre Wellington’s committee of the whole endorsed Parks and Recreation Director Andy Goldie’s recommendation to allow the Elora Farmers’ Market to operate within Elora’s Bissell Park between mid-May and mid October.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work with our Elora Farmers’ Market.”
Goldie explained over the past years the market operated on private lands on Mill Street East in Elora. That site became too small for the operation. The market is currently at the Grand River Raceway during the winter, and this is the first year for that location.
The group has been a partner in the Ontario Market Investment Fund (through OMAFRA) for the last few years.
The park area proposed is the stone dust path between the newer parking lot at the west end of the park, past the ice surface area to the gravel parking lot at the east end of the park. The market would operate Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
“We think it’s a good partnership and it will bring more people to Bissell Park,” Goldie said.
He added that with a proposed Kitchen in the Park Project outdoor oven project in the park, which is moving along, “We see it working very well together.” He said proponents of the KIPP are still seeking funding.
He stated, “The vision for the market is to remain a true farmers’ market, one where all goods each Saturday are locally grown produce, meats, baking, and preserves.”
A few vendors also sell local artisan crafts.
The intent is to allow the market to operate in the park along the main pathway near the existing ice rink. Market users would use existing parking on the street, and walk to reach the market.
The following are the items agreed to between the parks and recreation.
Staff would be directed to prepare a commercial access use agreement with the Elora Farmers’ Market for approval by council at the March council meeting. The agreement would be similar to those developed for any commercial operator in the park system.
Goldie cited similar agreements in place for zipliners and kayakers using Victoria Park.
“We worked out an agreement to protect the interests of the municipality. They understand it is still a public park and the public require access and that they do not have exclusive rights to use the park.”
There is a fee for that use – $200 per month. He said that fee is similar to private agreements for Victoria Park.
The group is also looking for water and hydro access to be shared among the vendors.
One benefit, Goldie said, is the market will cover the cost and maintenance of a portable washroom on site.
He stated that the municipality will also make allowances for a small storage shed there. The intent is for the market to start May 14.
“I see this as a very exciting new use for the park.”
Councillor Kirk McElwain wondered if there is protection for the shed and porta-potty.
Goldie said work is being done to ensure they are secure.
Councillor Mary Lloyd asked if there would be a crossover issue with Sensational Elora, which has held events in the park.
Goldie said his understanding is Sensational Elora this year is looking to move to the Elora community centre.
Sensational Elora also generally happens on a Monday, not on a Saturday.
Councillor Kelly Linton was excited with the prospect. He said the market is very community driven.
“But what happens in the case of rain?”
Goldie responded, “We’re not going to have rain on Saturdays this summer.”
He said it is the first year, and organizers will have to see what happens.
Goldie added there may be some options to use the picnic shelter on those days.
McElwain said the farmers’ market has operated for years during rain.
