KENILWORTH – The Wellington North Farmers Market is moving to a new day and a slightly new location.
On Feb. 24, Wellington North councillors reviewed a report by economic development officer Dale Small.
The report recommended the township approve the Wellington North Farmers’ Market roles and responsibilities agreement with the Victory Church and Community Centre and direct township staff to prepare the necessary temporary road closure permit applications for each Saturday from June 20 through Sept. 26, from 8:30am through noon, for the portion of 320 King St. E at the fairgrounds entrance in Mount Forest.
Small noted that since 2014 the Wellington North Farmers’ Market has become a common weekly meeting location for many residents.
In 2019 there were nine full-time and seven part time vendors and upwards of 200 visitors each week.
He added the cost to run the market is very low and vendor fees offset most of the insurance and advertising costs, with $1,000 in additional funding coming from the economic development office budget.
Small added the purpose of the Farmers’ Market is to market local farm and agriculture products and to improve production of, stimulate public interest in, and increase consumption of local products.
“With the support of our vendors we are trying something different and moving the time from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning,” Small said.
Location
While the location of the market will still be at the Victory Community Centre, the 2020 plans outline moving the market into the parking lot and off of King Street.
Small stated, “We believe this will reduce the congestion on Egremont Street and provide the vendors with better coverage from the sun.”
Time
The market will open from 8:30am until noon from June 20 to Sept. 26.
“The market is fantastic,” councillor Steve McCabe said.
“It is a great thing they have.”
Councillor Lisa Hern was excited to see the market switch to Saturday mornings.
“I found it difficult to go on Friday afternoon,” she said.
“Saturday mornings for me will be wonderful.”
Small said he wasn’t quite as thrilled with the date change as he used to look forward to leaving work early on Fridays to head off to the market.
Small added the market is operated by a dedicated group of volunteers and noted the market vendors have also supported the change to Saturday mornings.
Overall, he said he believed it will be a good move for the market.
Pastor Harry Engel who serves as market manager thanked the township for its support of the market.
“By supporting the market, you are telling the farmers ‘you are important to us’,” he said.
