Smiths Falls sees potential for a sustainable farmers’ market, but staff say the town doesn’t need to get into the business of running one.
Council received a feasibility report Monday, Sept. 14 during a regular committee meeting, examining a strategic priority to create a local farmers’ market. With the independently operated Smiths Falls Market by the Rideau already established at Lower Reach Park, staff say the question has changed.
“What staff found is that the question has changed somewhat since the strategic plan was adopted,” said Stephanie Clark, the town’s director of community services, who presented the report on behalf of Community Development Coordinator Kerri Barlow.
“We already have an independently operated market and have had, in some sort of a form or another, for at least three years consecutively.”
Staff concluded a farmers’ market is feasible in Smiths Falls, but recommended against the municipality becoming its operator. The existing market already has a vendor base and a mix of producers, artisans and crafters that staff say provides a reasonable foundation for developing an official farmers’ market.
“Staff’s conclusion is that a farmers’ market is feasible in Smiths Falls, but we don’t believe the town needs to become the market operator,” Clark said.
The report found the biggest challenge facing markets in Smiths Falls historically has not necessarily been a lack of interest, but instability. Changing locations, schedules, visibility and operating arrangements have made it difficult for vendors and customers to establish a routine.
The current market moved to Lower Reach Park this year under a new organizer after previously operating at other locations, including Murphy Park.
Coun. Jennifer Miller asked how the Lower Reach location is working.
“I think what I understand is it’s actually quite successful,” Clark said, noting Barlow has been in ongoing discussions with the organizer.
Clark said the market appears to be seeing good traffic and consistent vendors. Lower Reach Park also provides more space and organizers have timed the Friday market to coincide with sporting activities taking place in the park, bringing more people into the area.
Staff presented three possible approaches, although council was not being asked to make a decision.
The first would continue the existing model with little change in the town’s role. The second would establish a municipally supported pilot with the existing organizer, potentially providing a consistent town-owned location, promotional assistance and limited in-kind support. The third would establish a permanent town-operated farmers’ market, an option staff do not recommend.
Coun. Steve Robinson said he favours the second approach.
“I really like option two, working with them, and I really think that that’s going to help,” Robinson said.
Coun. Peter McKenna also supported the idea of municipal assistance while keeping market operations independent.
“I like the idea of town support,” McKenna said, pointing to organizations the municipality supports without operating.
He said, however, that the town needs a clearer definition of what success would look like.
“When we say we understand it’s going well, by what definition?” McKenna asked. “Is it the number of vendors, or is it the number of customers? Is it sales?”
The staff report proposes several possible measures for a future pilot, including the number of successful market dates, average vendor participation, vendor retention, the mix of producers and other vendors, estimated customer attendance, community response and the amount of municipal staff time and in-kind support required.
Coun. Dawn Quinn agreed more information is needed about the market’s strength and success, but said visibility also remains an issue.
“We really need people to know where they are,” Quinn said. “That’s the one thing in my mind, and I keep forgetting. You know, it’s not right there. It’s not in front of me.”
Quinn said town support could help promote the market and make it more successful.
The regional comparison prepared by staff looked at farmers’ markets in communities including Almonte, Brockville, Carleton Place, Gananoque, Kemptville, Merrickville, Perth and North Gower. Operating models vary, with many markets run independently by volunteer boards, members or other organizations.
Staff concluded the strongest opportunity for Smiths Falls would be to provide stability for the existing market while leaving vendor recruitment, insurance, regulatory compliance and day-to-day operations with an independent organizer.
The report was presented for information, and any municipally supported pilot would return to council with details on potential costs and in-kind support before being implemented.
Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Smiths Falls news.
