Three new farmers’ markets may sprout

There could be a bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables coming to three Ottawa neighbourhoods.

The planning committee will be asked Tuesday to formally approve farmers’ markets in three locations, two of which are new — Village Square Park in Stittsville, the Byron Linear Tramway Park in Westboro and the Riverview park and ride in south Ottawa.

A minimum of 60 per cent of the vendors must be direct-sales from farmers within 100 kilometres of Ottawa and the markets prohibit the re-selling of farm products. The new Stittsville market would operate on Fridays between noon and 6 p.m., from June to October.

The Byron market has actually been operating for five years, but the city is only now amending the zoning to permit a farmers’ market at this location. The market operates on Saturdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., from May to October.

And the south Ottawa market would operate on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., from June to October.