Vendor fees cut in half for downtown market

Greater Sudbury Council has approved a 50 per cent reduction in fees charged to Downtown Sudbury Market vendors to rent stalls during the 2016 season.

The new fee schedule was recommended by the Downtown Market Working Group following extensive consultation with vendors, consumers and additional stakeholders, as well as research into the practices of other outdoor markets in Northern Ontario.

“If we give residents an opportunity to shop locally, they will support local producers,” said Jeff Huska, Co-Chair of the Downtown Market Working Group.

“Reducing the fees for stall rentals will open the doors to a greater number of local farmers and gardeners who may want to sell smaller quantities of produce in season. It’s a win-win idea for both local food producers and residents who want healthy, fresh food options.”

Eat Local Sudbury has been contracted as a third-party operator to manage and operate the Market for the 2016 season, with assistance from municipal staff and volunteer advisors serving on the Downtown Market Working Group.

This third-party operator approach was tested during the latter half of the 2015 Market season and received very positive reviews from vendors and consumers.

“We’re hopeful that an increase in the number of vendors participating in the 2016 Market season will meet or exceed revenue targets,” said Greater Sudbury Manager of Tourism and Culture Meredith Armstrong.

“We’ll be issuing a call for vendors in mid-March, and we encourage anyone with an interest in gardening, farming, arts, crafts, preserves or any other locally produced items to contact us for more information.”

The Market will open every weekend at 233 Elgin Street, next to the CP/VIA Rail Station, starting Saturday, June 4 until Sunday, Oct. 9. For more information, please visit www.greatersudbury.ca/market.