Kitchener, Cambridge farmers’ markets re-open
The St. Jacobs Market opened for its Thursday and Saturday schedules this week (no Tuesday market for the time being).
Kitchener Market re-opens June 13.
Cambridge Farmers’ Market re-opens June 27.
Limitations and restrictions in effect. See press releases below for more details:
Kitchener Market to gradually reopen with new health and safety measures
KITCHENER – The City of Kitchener is reopening the Kitchener Market starting Saturday, June 13 following the guidance of the Provincial Government and the Region of Waterloo Public Health. Initially, the market building will open for the Saturday Farmers’ Market, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. but the Food Hall will remain closed until further notice.
Although the Kitchener Market will be open, customers can expect a different experience when visiting. Significant measures will be in place to ensure public safety.
For now, the market will be a place to procure food and similar to grocery stores crowd size will be limited in order to allow for necessary physical distancing. Customers are asked to be patient as there may be a need to wait before entering the market. Market staff will be limiting and monitoring the number of shoppers to follow physical distancing requirements. Initially, customer traffic will be limited to one direction throughout the Market. Physical distancing, traffic flow markers and additional signage have been installed as well as plexiglass guards to limit contact between vendors and shoppers.
The number of Saturday Farmers’ Market vendors will be reduced at first, with more vendors being added in the coming weeks. Where possible, market vendors will have prebagged goods for purchase. Shoppers are being asked to use contactless payment options or carry small denominations of cash for exact change. Families are encouraged to limit the number of household members who attend the Market. All marketplace classes, cooking events, and rentals remain cancelled or online.
“The Kitchener Market is usually a place for community gatherings, live music, and family fun, but, for now, this activity is on hold,” said Cory Bluhm, Executive Director Economic Development. “For the time being our focus is on providing a safe location for residents to pick-up the food they need for the week and supporting our local farmers and small businesses.”
“Protecting the health and safety of our community and our staff continues to be our highest priority as we begin to gradually reopen facilities and deliver more services to residents,” explains Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “I would like to thank Market staff, vendors and our municipal partners for working collaboratively and coordinating closely to ensure the Kitchener Market reopens safely. The market is a community hub, a spot for community connections and we look forward to a time when it will be like that again.”
In addition to the Kitchener Market reopening, the Cambridge Farmers’ Market is expected to reopen in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit www.kitchenermarket.ca
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Cambridge Farmers’ Market set to re-open to shoppers June 27
Cambridge, June 4, 2020 – The Cambridge Farmers’ Market is set to re-open to shoppers on Saturday, June 27. Much like grocery stores, shoppers will be able to shop in-store at the market, however new regulations and protocols will be in effect to ensure a safe shopping environment.
“I’m thrilled that the Farmers’ Market will reopen to the community this month and that we will be able to welcome back our farmers and vendors who have no doubt been impacted by the pandemic,” says Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “We know that many people depend on the market for local fresh food options and we’re excited that we will have things running again soon under the proper safety precautions.”
Market staff have been working closely with Waterloo Region Public Health, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and the Kitchener Farmers’ Market, as well as with market vendors, to establish appropriate procedures and protocols for re-opening local food markets.
In order to adhere to provincial directives and Public Health measures, the Cambridge Farmers’ Market will be implementing the following changes while pandemic restrictions remain in place.
· One entrance for both indoor and outdoor markets
· Limited capacity for shoppers both indoors and outdoor
· Electronic payments encouraged where possible
· Use of reusable bags/containers not permitted
· Food sampling suspended
· Buskers and community groups suspended
· Pets temporarily not allowed both indoor and outdoor
· Signage will be posted to encourage social distancing
· Plexi barriers installed at indoor vendor booths
“It’s important for customers to expect a different market shopping experience for the time-being,” says Market Manager Alix Aitken. “While the market is usually a very social place, we are encouraging more efficient shopping with just one or two people per household attending at a time and to leave children and pets at home.”
Shoppers can visit the Cambridge Farmers’ Market online map to see which vendors will be open and where they are located in order to quickly navigate the market. As well, shoppers are encouraged to contact vendors directly to see if pre-ordering options are available.
Started around 1830, the Cambridge Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest markets in Canada.
“The Famers’ Market is a highlight in Cambridge and has a long and strong history,” added Mayor McGarry. “There is no doubt that residents clearly value and want to support our local farmers and vendors by buying directly from them. The market is an extremely important tradition in our community.”
Updates and more information will be posted before the June 27 opening date. Please visit www.cambridgefarmersmarket.ca.
