$100K review of Hamilton Farmers’ Market recommends changes

The future of the Hamilton Farmers’ Market was front and centre at city hall on Monday as councillors received a $100,000 consultant report outlining a vision and guiding principles moving forward.

In Feb. 2022 city council voted to spend $100,000 on a review of the 185-year-old institution.

On Monday, the U.S.-based Project for Public Spaces presented its findings to the council which included recommended changes.

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The recommendations include fixing the building, bringing in more local farmers and producers, expanding public spaces, increasing and clarifying operating hours, and continuing to ensure ample and nearby on-site parking.

In addition, the report suggested the city address the physical restraints of the 2-storey York St. location. They offered two proposals, including gradual improvements or temporarily or permanently moving from its current location.

Council will now consult market vendors and stakeholders on the report’s recommendation to renovate or move the market. With a lot of changes happening in the area of the farmer’s market, council is making the farmers’ market a priority.

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The FirstOntario Centre will undergo extensive renovations, expected to start late in the year.

There is also the LRT on King St., and the Hamilton City Centre is slated to undergo major renovations into a new condo building.

Council is expected to move forward with a plan as soon as possible.