CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Changes are coming to the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market this winter.
Renovations include updating the air system and electrical service for vendors, upgrading the washroom facilities and improving pedestrian and vehicle flow.
The federal and provincial governments are helping out with the bill.
The federal government is giving the Charlottetown Farmers’ Maret Co-operative Association Ltd. $271,250 to help with the infrastructure upgrades while the province, through the Department of Fisheries and Communities and Innovation P.E.I. is supporting the project with a combined contribution of $100,000.
The market provides space for more than 65 small-scale growers and producers, entrepreneurs and start-ups to reach a wide customer base year-round.
Bernie Plourde, manager of the farmers’ market, said the cash infusion will help “us root and preserve diverse food culture, promote healthy fair food in a community space for all people to share while supporting our local producers and artisans’’.
Charlottetown MP Sean Casey said the market is a cultural hub and gathering space in the city.
“It is also an essential driver for our economy, particularly for small business and agri-food entrepreneurs,’’ Casey said.
“The market brings together farmers, food producers, chefs, artisans, community and visitors to eat, meet and enjoy the local luxuries our Island has to offer,’’ added Matthew MacKay, minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture.
The farmers’ market was established in 1981 and is managed by a volunteer board of directors and a full-time manager.
