Market Future

The Owen Sound Farmers’ Market continues to operate from the historic market building located at 114 8th Street East, Owen Sound.

The market board continues to explore opportunities to improve the services provided to (and the environment provided for) our customers and our community.

Some of the mid to long term renovations planned for the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market include:

• The existing deck perpendicular to the Market Building would be widened and triple pane glass garage doors would enclose the space.
• A monitor roof would be installed providing increased natural lighting.
• The parallel deck would be dismantled and placed towards the river, creating a square with the river as a focus. This deck would remain open for public use.
• A clock tower would be placed between the two decks.
• An interior ground floor washroom and kitchen would be installed allowing greater accommodation of events and rental potential.
• This design allows for an expanded winter (enclosed deck) and summer market as the market can expand into the square.

Motivation:

• The closed in deck would enable greater capacity of vendors during the winter months. (This is not a new idea; minutes from Market Board as far back as the seventies show this issue arising.)
• The enclosed deck and reconfigured square would greatly facilitate various community events, and would enhance existing events. (Festival of Northern Lights, Celtic Fest)
• The reconfigured deck and square would bring focus to the river. The river becomes a resource, a celebrated feature of the downtown, not a “ditch”.
• The clock tower, if feasible, would utilize a restored clock from the original city hall.

A model of this concept is on display at Market and we heartily solicit comment and feedback in regards to the design. Any questions or comments can be forwarded to the Market Manager, Tom Pink (manager@owensouondfarmersmarket.ca).

We welcome your feedback. Please email your comments to us at manager@owensoundfarmersmarket.ca.