Peterborough’s two downtown farmers’ markets have announced their 2020 summer outdoor market seasons will begin in May.
The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will continue to operate on Saturdays at the Citi-Centre courtyard at Charlotte and Aylmer streets, while the Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market will now operate on Wednesdays at the newly renovated courtyard at Peterborough Square at Charlotte and Water streets.
Both markets will operate as outdoor grocery stores, taking measures to ensure customer and vendor well-being, health, and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through ongoing dialogue with Peterborough Public Health, the operations of both farmers’ markets will be adjusted as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
“Both markets will continue to promote and facilitate the measures already put in place at the Saturday market,” says Josh Blank, board member with the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Network. “We’ve introduced hand sanitizer stations, signage prompting best practices, promotion of pre-order and pick-up, and appropriate physical distancing between vendors and customers.”
Last year, the Wednesday market operated on Charlotte Street, with the section between Alymer and George closed to cars to create a pedestrian-friendly market. This year, the Saturday market was going to move from Citi-Centre to the Peterborough Square courtyard as its new permanent summer location, with Charlotte Street between Water and George closed on market mornings.
For the interim, the Wednesday market will operate at the Peterborough Square location instead, with the Saturday market remaining at Citi-Centre. The markets will operate from these interim locations until at least June 30th. Decisions on locations for the longer term will depend on the timing of street closure approvals from the city.
The summer season for the Saturday market begins on May 2nd, and the Wednesday market on May 13th. Both markets will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will place an emphasis on the promotion of products from verified local farmers.
For a list of vendors attending the markets and for pre-order information, visit ptboregionalfarmersmarket.org for the Saturday market and ptbodowntownmarket.com for the Wednesday market.
