Mayor Olivia Chow has proclaimed June 16 to 22 as Public Markets Week in Toronto. The program promotes Toronto’s network of more than 130 markets and celebrates the diversity and entrepreneurship of those participating in public markets across Toronto with an emphasis on Indigenous, Black and newcomer communities.
The Toronto market network is made up of diverse public markets with strong neighbourhood ties and unique character, ranging from neighbourhood bazaars to the beloved St. Lawrence Market.
The mid-size, primarily not-for-profit market network in Toronto is a key sector that supports food supply localization, promotes inclusive economies, advances climate action and fosters social connections at the community level.
This year’s program was developed in partnership with marketcityTO, a local advocacy organization, and St. Lawrence Market.
Highlights of the Public Markets Week program include:
Toronto Public Markets Interactive Map
This interactive map highlights the Toronto market network. For the first time, all locations are listed in one place, organized by market type for ease of use. The map is available on marketcityTO’s webpage.
#ILoveTorontoMarkets Campaign
This public awareness campaign encourages all Toronto residents and visitors to celebrate community-based markets by sharing their market stories online.
Neighbourhood Markets & Food Tours
Tours began last weekend at St. Lawrence Market, the Afro-Caribbean Farmers Market in Little Jamaica and the Eglinton Way Farmers’ Market. Participants can enjoy a curated experience highlighting food and cultural assets in the area. Registration is open on marketcityTO’s webpage.
Tours are available on Saturday, June 22:
In 2023, Toronto City Council endorsed creating the first Toronto Public Markets Action Plan by 2025 to strengthen its commitment to the community-based markets sector, the first of its kind in North America.
Public Markets Week has been funded by the City of Toronto’s Main Street Innovation Fund as part of the Government of Canada’s support through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
More information about Public Markets Week including available programming is available on marketcityTO’s 2024 Public Markets Week webpage.
Quotes:
“Public markets are integral to our city’s cultural and economic landscape. The diversity of Toronto is reflected in our robust network of over 130 public markets. I encourage all Torontonians to visit their local market this week and throughout the summer.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“The St. Lawrence Market is a gathering place and community anchor for Toronto. I’m so proud that our ward, Toronto Centre, is home to this City-owned and operated public market and look forward to being a part of this celebration of markets, community and culture.”
– Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre)
“I am excited to celebrate the second ever Public Markets Week across Toronto. Public markets are treasured neighbourhood spaces, connecting residents with access to local food, supporting small businesses and strengthening local economies. I trust that this week’s events will help get the community even more involved in their local markets, strengthening our public market network and helping shape the forthcoming Toronto Public Markets Action Plan.”
– Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Mayor’s Economic Development and Culture Champion
“Neighborhood markets provide opportunities for weekly or seasonal gatherings, which are especially important for immigrants like me. Being involved in markets, first as a vendor, then as a market manager, and now as an advocate, has allowed me to form connections, share my culture, and feel more connected to the city I now call home. I am deeply grateful for this, and it motivates me to remain dedicated to this work.”
– Marina Queirolo, Founder & Steward, marketcityTO
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