The town’s business and economic manager Belinda Wick-Graham, believes, “It’s going to be a great market.”
Last Wednesday, she provided councillors with an update of the proposed farmers market set to open June 5 in Clifford. She came as a representative of the Minto Farmers’ Market Association.
Wick-Graham said her goal was to tell council about “what feels like a forever long process that’s finally going to happen. It’s very exciting.”
In April 2007, those involved in Minto’s strategic planning process came up with the idea and in May, the tourism committee agreed it was something it was interested in. In November, the tourism committee recommended to ask Farmers’ Markets Ontario to work with the group to ensure the startup was done properly.
In April 2008, Wick-Graham said there was a preliminary meeting to see if there was interest.
“There was quite a bit of interest, so we carried on.”
By August, Wesley Bates and Juanita Wilkins proposed a location in Clifford for a ’ market. After quite a few questions, the committee did a site visit. By December, the committee met with Farmers’ Markets Ontario for guidance on what to do next.
In January, Wick-Graham said, “We started the Minto Farmers’ Market Association.”
The mission is “to establish or maintain a farmers’ market to provide producers a profitable, well-organized retail marketplace and to provide consumers with locally-grown, good value products and to strengthen the ties between our rural and urban communities.”
She said the market will be 100% locally produced.
She pointed out that includes a 50km radius.
“So far, most of our vendors are from within Minto, where they are growing or making their own products.”
The market also has a rule of seven produce vendors or bakers to one crafter.
“It won’t be a flea market, it will be a farmers’ market.”
One of the subcommittees will work to ensure the products are locally produced and not wholesaled in, she said.
She pointed out the slogan is “Get Real” referring to getting real food.
“We’ve developed some really strong partnerships,” Wick-Graham added.
Community Heart Health has also been a big help, she said.
The market is being given $1,500 this year to help with advertising because it is local food and the market enhances the walkable communities initiative, since there is no grocery store in Clifford.
There is also a hope to catch traffic going through town on Friday afternoons as well.
The proposed location is between Wes Bate’s Gallery and a convenience store. The design she gave councillors is based on the streetscape proposal – with a few differences.
There will be vendors in there, not trees, Wick-Graham said, adding that it will fill in a gap on the main street.
The market will be open Fridays from 3 to 7pm from June 5 to Thanksgiving.
The site will have a grass patch in the centre for picnic tables, spaces for 14 10- x 10–foot booths and a stage area for demonstrations or entertainment.
The association is currently looking for a market manager, an eight hour per week position. The job description is on the town website.
The grand opening is June 5 at 3pm.
Mayor David Anderson said he has seen a lot of enthusiasm from the local group. “It’s amazing how much you’ve been able to complete in such a short time.”
He added there appears to be a broad cross section of individuals interested in the project. “It makes for a stronger board.”
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen said that Wick-Graham has done a wonderful job, and having her do the secretarial work has made a big difference. She noted the group has been able to snag some additional funding as well.
Wick-Graham said it is one of her favourite committees to work with.
“It’s nice to see something finally happening.”
She noted there have been 19 people who have expressed interest in taking part, from fresh fruit and baking sales to gluten-free products.
Councillor Rick Hembley noted Wick-Graham had earlier stated there would be only 14 spots.
She said some would be partners.
Councillors later passed a bylaw authorizing an agreement between the town and Wesley W. Bates and Juanita J. Wilkins for their property at Part Lot 176 of Elora Street to be used as the site of the Minto Farmers’ Market.
