Local markets bring residents together
Weekly gathering spots give residents a place to connect, Chris Penton says.
City staff recently cited increased local food production as one of their suggestions to Ottawa council for the new Official Plan.
In reaction to that, I recently submitted a proposal to two general managers at the city, as well as 14 councillors. I was proposing the proliferation of small local farmers’ markets across Ottawa in city-run parks.
The councillors were a mix of urban, rural and a couple of suburban representatives.
I was asking the city to give basic support to small, privately run farmers’ markets; to allow the use of city park amenities (play structures, green space), the on-site hydro and washrooms; afford minimal storage; and maintain the park. In exchange, we would pay a small fee, set up 10 to 15 local vendor stalls, (quiet) live music and a community table for local interest groups.
The Beechwood Market, of which I am the manager, has proven that this model works. Put up a farmers’ market in a city park with live music, breakfast, ample parking, kids’ area, tree cover and grass, and 300 people will show up every weekend.
In its sixth season, the Beechwood Market is a shiny, happy place. The benefits are many and easily could be replicated.
The community has a gathering spot of which it can be proud; a reliable place to see neighbours, discover the community and understand its environs. A weekly market gives residents a chance to connect, exchange notes and share ideas.
Residents also have a chance to engage with local business owners. A farmers’ market gives small-scale entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their products. Through the support of farmers’ markets, some of these businesses will move on to open a storefront, catering business or online shop.
In addition to these on-site operations, nearby businesses also thrive due to the influx of added shoppers. In the case of the Beechwood Market, our local butcher, cheese shop and pubs see a spike in traffic on Saturdays.
Those visiting their market will be exposed to locally produced food. A seasonal proposal, everything on-site would be from within 100 kilometres of the market itself. The nutritional value of produce picked the same day is greater than much of the produce found elsewhere and the security much more traceable.
We can extend the economic development piece to talk about the effects local markets have in rural Ottawa. Many family-owned farms cannot afford wholesale deals with large retailers. Farmers’ markets are their No. 1 direct-to-consumer point of sale, and present the largest margins.
These farms employ dozens of people, both temporary and full time. These farm workers shop in their local towns and nearby suburbs. Local towns within the Ottawa area are benefiting from urban markets.
The environmental impacts also are worth noting. With a market around the corner, the average family is less likely to drive to a larger market. This not only reduces emissions, but gets everyone out walking and leading a healthier lifestyle.
In addition, the vehicles coming in from a family farm are travelling a fraction of the distance compared to that of the large trucks, trains and boats from Montreal, California or Chile.
Ottawa is in the perpetual hunt for the “Main Street.” Main streets of yore often featured a farmers’ market. Their return would bring bustle back to our neighbourhoods, create a sense of community and bolster our local economy.