Farmers market pitched for Braefoot Park in Saanich
Sales on Sunday would be limited to local produce, baked goods, crafts
Organizers are hoping to attract up to 30 vendors to a new Saanich farmers market this summer, provided the proposal makes it through a public hearing.
Saanich council voted to send an application for a temporary use permit to an April 5 hearing at 7 p.m. at municipal hall.
The permit would allow the registered non-profit organization, Saanich Sunday Farmers’ Market, to operate weekly at Braefoot Park from July 2 through August.
Sales at the proposed site at the lacrosse box at 1359 McKenzie Ave. would be limited largely to locally grown and prepared produce, canning, baking, crafts, soap, and chocolates.
“Sunday is really the day when the people of Saanich come out and play,” said Marsha Henderson, who is working with Sean Newby to create the market.
The market would not allow flea market sales, loose dogs or loud music, although solo musicians and small ensembles are hoped for in a family-friendly atmosphere. Only four food trucks would be allowed.
Vendors with provincial approval could provide alcohol for tasting and sale, but consumption would not be allowed. About 10 vendors are already lined up, said Henderson, with tables expected to cost about $20 a day.
The partners have invested “several thousand dollars” and conducted a survey of farmers, vendors and would-be customers.
“It’s a good fit for Saanich,” said Henderson, noting the location is a high-visibility, hightraffic area close to farmers in the Blenkinsop Valley.
“If you look at other markets, they’re really such a community event,” Newby said.
A Sunday opening would complement other area markets that include Moss Street and James Bay in Victoria on Saturdays, Esquimalt and Sidney on Thursdays, Oaklands and Oak Bay on Wednesdays. The Metchosin market is also held Sundays.
The Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association told Saanich it is strongly supportive, with president Susan Hadden saying members are looking forward to patronizing the market.
“We see it as a great community builder and opportunity for residents to access a farmers market in their own neighbourhood,” Hadden said.
Hours of operation would be 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with the setup getting underway at 8 a.m.
“It’s a very thorough process. We’ve been at this for about two years, planning,” Henderson said, adding that they have applied for a Saanich grant to cover some of the expenses they have incurred.