It may just be a matter of time before a new farmer’s market is opened in Puslinch.
“There’s an enormous amount of interest out there,” councillor Matthew Bulmer said last week.
He explained many growers and vendors have expressed interest. Some are from as far away as Mapleton Township and include representatives of the agricultural, restaurant, and food processing industries.
“The market for a market is there,” he quipped.
But before Bulmer, who has taken on the preliminary work on behalf of the township, proceeds, he asked council if the proposed market should be municipally owned and operated or if one or more local not-for-profit groups or organizations should be in charge.
There are pros and cons to both types, he explained, although a “vast majority” of such markets are run by not-for-profit groups, which allows them to seek funding from a number of sources but also work in partnership with the municipality.
“A food-focused market would be the best approach for Aberfoyle,” Bulmer said, noting the market could be treated as a tool for economic development. Councillor Dick Visser said he likes the idea of a market, but he thinks it could be expanded to include homemade crafts. He does not think the township has the staff to run a market, and suggested community groups take charge.
Councillor Susan Fielding agreed, and said people seem really excited about the prospect of an Aberfoyle market. Bulmer suggested putting together a volunteer committee, although he said it is likely the township would have to provide some “modest” funding.
Councillor Don McKay, sitting in as chairman of the meeting for Mayor Brad Whitcombe, said the consensus of council seems to be for Bulmer to proceed with setting up a volunteer committee, with the municipality helping out where it can.
