Midland council looked to squash any fears that there wouldn’t be a downtown farmers’ market for 2024 by approving an agreement to relocate the event across from Harbourview Park.
Up until last year, the Southern Georgian Bay Farmers’ Markets was held during warmer months on Sundays at the town-owned parking lot located at Bay and First Streets. However, the parking lot was a declared brownfield site that had been made available as surplus land years ago.
At the recent meeting of council, Mayor Bill Gordon took time to address the new arrangement made between the town and the market organizers since the parking lot was purchased last year.
“As we all know, they lost their home because we sold their parking lot,” Gordon stated plainly. “There was a bit of drama around that when it happened, and the concern was they were going to vaporize and not be anywhere.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. Staff worked with them diligently to identify a new lot,” Gordon added.
An agreement and accompanying bylaw was readied for council to approve during the meeting, which would formalize locating the market to 201 Midland Avenue, placing the venue across Bayshore Drive from Harbourside Park, behind the Bayshore Dental Centre on Bay St.
“I’m really happy that happened, because the farmer’s market is an awesome draw in our community; they needed a new home and we found them one,” said Gordon.
Within the contract, a five-month term from May 19 through October 13 was listed with the option of renewal for 2025. Hours of operation for visitors are on Sundays between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with vendors allowed set-up and take-down times between 7 a.m. through 2 p.m. on the day.
The Southern Georgian Bay Farmers’ Market report, including agreement details and bylaw, is available in the council agenda on the town of Midland website.
Council meetings are held every third Wednesday, and can be viewed on Rogers TV cable channel 53 when available, or through the livestream on the Rogers TV website. Archives of council meetings are available through Rogers TV and on the Town of Midland’s YouTube channel.
