The St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, one of Manitoba’s most popular summer destinations for local food and many other products, celebrated its 30th anniversary and the grand opening of another new improvement for visitors.
“The new enclosed canopy at the market will allow producers and processors to connect with their customers year-round, which is a wonderful opportunity for the thousands of Manitobans who want to make a connection with local food and local products,” said Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler. “Our government is proud to have been a partner in this project, recognizing it will be a special landmark in St. Norbert for many years to come. We’d like to congratulate everyone who has contributed to the longevity of the market and its ongoing success.”
The new $550,000 permanent, enclosed canopy and upgraded electrical system will allow 68 vendors to sell at the market year-round. It received financial support from the Manitoba government as well as the Government of Canada, City of Winnipeg and other community partners. It is part of a broader 10-year improvement plan at the market.
“We’re incredibly excited to see this project come to fruition,” said Marilyn Firth, executive director for the market. “As a non-profit co-operative, it’s our job to provide a place for Manitoba’s small producers to sell their goods and the new canopy will provide a much improved space for the 200 local producers we support.”
The St. Norbert Farmers’ Market has grown to include about 200 vendors since it opened in 1988 with eight. About 150,000 visitors are expected to attend throughout the five-month summer season. Items are also available year-round through an online market that launched several years ago. All vendors must make, bake or grow their products. For more information about the market, visit stnorbertfarmersmarket.ca.
There are many farmers’ markets, pre-picked market stands, U-pick vegetable gardens and community-supported agriculture sites in the province. Manitobans are invited to find the ones closest to home with the Local Produce Guide, which will be updated later this spring and includes helpful maps and detailed directions as well as the dates and times that each site will be open throughout the growing season.
