Jump to content

      



























Photo
- - - - -

Farmer's, seasonal, weekly and other outdoor markets


  • Please log in to reply
41 replies to this topic

#21 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,297 posts

Posted 05 May 2021 - 05:05 AM

There will be no bustle of the Wednesday market this year on Oak Bay Avenue.

 

The annual market, traditionally held the second Wednesday of the month June through September, is a victim of space constraints amid a distanced world for 2021.

 

Heather Leary, organizer of the night market hosted by the Business Improvement Association, said she keeps hearing rumblings the patios are to blame. She insists those are not the hindrance, but space in general, and a need to police attendees.

 

 

https://www.vicnews....-winter-events/


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 05 May 2021 - 05:05 AM.


#22 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,297 posts

Posted 05 June 2021 - 03:53 AM

Satnam Dheensaw floats his hand over a green produce tray as candy-red berries cascade through his spread fingers. It’s one of several delicate hand checks his strawberries go through just minutes after they come off the vine at Gobind Farms in Central Saanich.

 

“Look at that, these are picture perfect berries,” Dheensaw said.

 

After weeks of waiting until they’re just right, a couple hot late May days has Greater Victoria’s strawberry growers at crunch time. The berries are at peak ripeness and need to be picked fast, but a gentle hand is needed to free each one from the plant without bruising them.

 

“We’ve been picking every day, seven days a week,” Dheensaw said, adding that 11 acres of early berries are ready to go. “When that berry is ripe, it’s got to be picked, it can’t sit an extra day.”

 

Strawberry season started almost a week earlier than last year, he added, and would’ve been even earlier had the nights not been so cool.

 

 

https://www.vicnews....to-meet-demand/


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 05 June 2021 - 03:53 AM.


#23 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,297 posts

Posted 07 July 2021 - 06:38 AM

The 2021 Oaklands Sunset Market is up and running and takes over the Oaklands Community Centre on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

 

The June 30 opening market kicked off what will be the event’s biggest season to date, with more than 50 local farm and food vendors and five food trucks on site for the evening at 2827 Belmont Ave. now through Sept. 1.

The event opened with a First Nations blessing and traditional dance, and local rock and country band Born Reckless entertained patrons with a live performance.

 

 

 

https://www.vicnews....et-in-victoria/


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 07 July 2021 - 06:38 AM.


#24 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,297 posts

Posted 14 November 2021 - 06:52 AM

With many of the usual Christmas craft shows and markets being cancelled due to pandemic restrictions, Westcoast Impressions is hosting a special, one-of-kind OUTDOOR Christmas Market on November 14 at the Mary Winspear Centre. In the old-fashioned tradition of outdoor markets, the Sidney Christmas Market will be open "come rain or shine". This is an opportunity to shop local and find unique Christmas gifts created by Island entrepreneurs, artisans and producers.

 

There will be a door prize, prizes for the best-decorated booth, music, fun and much more!

 

 

https://www.sidneyst...hristmas-market


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 14 November 2021 - 06:53 AM.


#25 Nparker

Nparker
  • Member
  • 40,390 posts

Posted 14 November 2021 - 07:29 AM

Today's weather doesn't suggest this event will be well-attended.  :(


  • Victoria Watcher likes this

#26 Mike K.

Mike K.
  • Administrator
  • 83,155 posts

Posted 02 May 2022 - 09:05 AM

From the province:

 

Additional federal-provincial funding is coming to the BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program, further supporting the province's local farmers' markets and vendors.

 

“Each public market is a privileged meeting place between our agri-food producers and consumers where relationships of trust are built,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “While supply chains are under pressure, using shorter supply chains is one way to promote food self-sufficiency. This new investment will allow many of British Columbia’s public markets to be even better equipped to serve their communities.”

 

The BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program is reopening, making $142,500 available to eligible farmers’ markets that did not receive funding in the first round. Each successful applicant can receive as much as $15,000.

 

“Farmers’ markets are the heart of our communities, and it’s extremely important they're able to continue operating, especially during times of need such as emergencies,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “The response to the initial round of funding was so great that it was clear we needed to help more markets in their efforts to expand and operate during critical times. This will help support local food security and build a strong food economy for B.C.”

 

Funding for this one-time, reimbursement-based program is being shared by the federal and provincial governments through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and is being delivered in collaboration with the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. The program will help farmers' markets grow and to operate during emergencies, while supporting the markets' long-term success and contributing to resilient local food systems.

 

"The BC Farmers' Market Expansion Program has made everything we have been working toward a reality,” said Madeline Bourette-Knowles, executive director of the Esquimalt Farmers' Market, a recipient of program support in the first round of funding. “This program has provided us with the support we needed to increase the effectiveness of our systems, support emerging vendors, grow to a twice-weekly market, and increase our capacity in terms of both vendor numbers and sales."

 

The program reopens on Monday, May 2, 2022, when it will begin accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully allocated. To apply, visit: https://www.surveymo...m/r/fmexpansion

Funding is provided by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.


Know it all.
Citified.ca is Victoria's most comprehensive research resource for new-build homes and commercial spaces.


#27 Nparker

Nparker
  • Member
  • 40,390 posts

Posted 02 May 2022 - 09:50 AM

...“Farmers’ markets are the heart of our communities, and it’s extremely important they're able to continue operating, especially during times of need such as emergencies,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. ,,

In my experience, anyone living on a tight budget cannot afford to shop at most farmers' markets, emergency or not.


  • Matt R. and Dr. Barillas like this

#28 Matt R.

Matt R.

    Randy Diamond

  • Member
  • 7,861 posts

Posted 02 May 2022 - 01:05 PM

The Tuesday farmers market on salt spring has vouchers available from Community Services so low or no income people can access farm fresh produce. I assume it’s very popular.

#29 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,297 posts

Posted 06 May 2022 - 03:41 PM

Metchosin Day cancelled due to parking challenges

Field used as temporary parking lot no longer available



https://www.vicnews....ing-challenges/





Classic.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 06 May 2022 - 03:41 PM.


#30 spanky123

spanky123
  • Member
  • 20,971 posts

Posted 06 May 2022 - 04:28 PM

^ Bicycles?



#31 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,297 posts

Posted 08 May 2022 - 03:49 PM

Luxton Spring Fair returns to Langford May long weekend
After a two-year break due to the pandemic, the fair is back with rides, games and historical demos


https://www.vicnews....y-long-weekend/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 08 May 2022 - 03:49 PM.


#32 lanforod

lanforod
  • Member
  • 11,232 posts
  • LocationSaanich

Posted 08 May 2022 - 10:02 PM

I miss the rodeo.


  • Nparker and Fox like this

#33 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,297 posts

Posted 14 August 2022 - 06:17 AM

Hillside Centre hosts Market Collective today, 10am-4pm. Featuring 70+ local artisans, a prize draw, music, and more. Or check out vintage shopping and entertainment in Market Square at the ReLove Market, 12-5pm.


  • Nparker likes this

#34 aastra

aastra
  • Member
  • 20,649 posts

Posted 14 August 2022 - 10:15 AM

Are we familiar with this artist? www.artbysharonlam.com

 

Pretty neat stuff. If she keeps at it she might end up documenting every building in town.


  • Nparker likes this

#35 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,297 posts

Posted 12 September 2022 - 05:16 PM

THE LUXTON FALL FAIR

LUXTON FALL FAIR 2022

WELCOME!

SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 25 2022

The Metchosin Farmers Institute and Luxton Fair Committee are pleased to announce that the Luxton Fall Fair is returning for Fall of 2022! The Fair will look a little different this year, but we’re pleased to announce the midway will be returning, as well as some family favourites. We’re working hard to put together the best Fair possible after COVID-19, and we really hope you’ll join us at the Fairgrounds.

We look forward to seeing you at the Fair!


https://www.luxtonfair.ca/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 12 September 2022 - 05:16 PM.


#36 Nparker

Nparker
  • Member
  • 40,390 posts

Posted 18 January 2023 - 02:30 PM

Imagine this: a street market actually taking place on a street. https://www.victoria...86F2gCk5ixVGF_c



#37 AllseeingEye

AllseeingEye

    AllSeeingEye

  • Member
  • 6,543 posts

Posted 13 June 2023 - 06:19 AM

We ventured out Oldfield Rd on the weekend in pursuit of various fresh veggie and/or fruit items and were rather disappointed; compared to years past there are fewer farms offering up fresh produce such as both fruit and veggies - we know in at least two cases because the children of the original family-owners are simply not interested in maintaining that lifestyle, ie they don't care for hands-on farming.

 

What was out there appeared to be mostly eggs and, oddly, flowers, with one notable exception where you can still pick your own strawberries, the only such operation we saw. The most popular outlet along that entire stretch up to and including Bear Hill Rd is Dan's Farm & Country market which we've perused in the past:

 

https://www.dansfarm.ca/

 

While its well provisioned with fresh produce and all manner of meat also freshly butchered and prepared, I'm guessing in part its popularity stems frankly from the lack of other nearby options, although you can get some nice deals/prices on certain items such as green onions ($1.99/bag of six), pure honey etc.

 

Interestingly we were really looking for a few varieties of tomato's - roma and cherry tomato's specifically - and noticed Dan's was (re)selling produce from Glanford Greenhouses at a not particularly bargain price; since GG was literally on our way home we hit it up and what a revelation: two bags practically bursting with freshly picked cherry tomato's, two bags of gorgeous roma's and a bag of amazingly fragrant basil (much of which went straight into a spaghetti sauce that night), all for $ 23 tax included. We'll definitely be buying all our tomato's from GG in future.

 

https://glanfordgree....wordpress.com/


Edited by AllseeingEye, 13 June 2023 - 06:34 AM.

  • Victoria Watcher likes this

#38 Matt R.

Matt R.

    Randy Diamond

  • Member
  • 7,861 posts

Posted 13 June 2023 - 10:17 AM

Glanford has long been a source for early cukes and toms for Victoria chefs, not so much an hidden gem but not one talked about that often either.

#39 LJ

LJ
  • Member
  • 12,701 posts

Posted 13 June 2023 - 07:46 PM

We ventured out Oldfield Rd on the weekend in pursuit of various fresh veggie and/or fruit items and were rather disappointed; compared to years past there are fewer farms offering up fresh produce such as both fruit and veggies - we know in at least two cases because the children of the original family-owners are simply not interested in maintaining that lifestyle, ie they don't care for hands-on farming.

 

What was out there appeared to be mostly eggs and, oddly, flowers, with one notable exception where you can still pick your own strawberries, the only such operation we saw. The most popular outlet along that entire stretch up to and including Bear Hill Rd is Dan's Farm & Country market which we've perused in the past:

 

https://www.dansfarm.ca/

 

While its well provisioned with fresh produce and all manner of meat also freshly butchered and prepared, I'm guessing in part its popularity stems frankly from the lack of other nearby options, although you can get some nice deals/prices on certain items such as green onions ($1.99/bag of six), pure honey etc.

 

Interestingly we were really looking for a few varieties of tomato's - roma and cherry tomato's specifically - and noticed Dan's was (re)selling produce from Glanford Greenhouses at a not particularly bargain price; since GG was literally on our way home we hit it up and what a revelation: two bags practically bursting with freshly picked cherry tomato's, two bags of gorgeous roma's and a bag of amazingly fragrant basil (much of which went straight into a spaghetti sauce that night), all for $ 23 tax included. We'll definitely be buying all our tomato's from GG in future.

 

https://glanfordgree....wordpress.com/

We always go to Sun Wing farm for our tomatoes and a few other veggies.


  • Matt R. likes this
Life's a journey......so roll down the window and enjoy the breeze.

#40 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,297 posts

Posted 01 November 2023 - 05:23 AM

Now the other side of the story.

 

I, and many others, lost thousands of dollars at a privately owned “public market” venture in Victoria, possibly due to only one missed step by the developer, but definitely because it was privately held and profit motivated, rather than a growers’ and producers’ foodcentric market.

 

Value Village was the site, where we were promised windows onto the harbour and a large eating deck for the public. Imagine the view from that deck as if it were built.

We got a manager who fled with our money and his opioid addiction instead of the deck. It was a very quick failure.

 

That market was a private venture, with no civic or public responsibility, despite the name Victoria Public Market.

 

The Hudson Public Market in Victoria is slowly shrinking. It is privately owned and managed, without any farmer control or any public stewardship, despite the boldly displayed name Public Market on Douglas Street.

 

I did some design consulting for the Hudson/Townline development and told them that their market plan would not succeed without the loss of one retail space on Fisgard Street to create another entry and allow more natural light.

 

Public markets are not shopping malls, they require easy access and egress for shoppers, and in my experience, they need abundant natural light. No successful market that I am aware of, from Vienna to Victoria, overlooks these principles.

 

The shrinking of the Hudson Public Market is the motivation for my discussion today.

 

We are being promised yet another public amenity, of a “public market,” as one of the carrots that will allow a serious shadowing of parts of Victoria West by a shoreline tower of 30 storeys.

 

What will we actually receive in return?

 

This developer may have the best of intentions, just as I think Hudson wanted a successful market as well. When faced, however, with decisions that could cost money and/or reduce profit by making selections and decisions that probably would have a higher front-end cost, but probably would lead to long-term success, what choices will be made?

 

Will a developer wait years to lease all the stalls to appropriate vendors, as Granville Island did?

 

I hereby propose for the reasons stated above, and a myriad of other examples that could be given, that the “Roundhouse Public Market” portion of the Focus/Bayview development, be a public-private partnership with actual public investment and decision making.

 

No other solution will see something like a Victoria version of Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market or the Granville Island Market, thriving enough to provide a genuine, long-lasting public amenity in Victoria West.

 

Anything less than a public-private partnership will probably see the developer explaining in the near future why the public market did not work and why it should become a car dealership, or offices, or townhomes.

 

Finally, I’d like to point out a semantic variable, but one that may be key to the entire discussion. The most successful and long-lasting public markets are often farmers markets such as the successful indoor /outdoor farmers market in Ottawa, and the now expanding farmers market addition at the St. Lawrence Market.

 

I am not aware of a privately owned and controlled public market that is successful. Private malls have been successful, at least in the past, but it should be noted that many malls are now being redeveloped for residential use.

 

 

 

https://www.timescol...-market-7766884



You're not quite at the end of this discussion topic!

Use the page links at the lower-left to go to the next page to read additional posts.
 



0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users