Edmonton’s Downtown Farmers’ Market to hold meeting on likely closure
Posted January 19, 2024 2:23 pm.
Last Updated January 19, 2024 2:27 pm.
Edmonton’s Downtown Farmers’ Market will be holding a meeting on Jan. 27 to discuss its future.
The farmers’ market announced Thursday it is facing a severe financial situation which is making it unable to sustain operations in its current location.
The Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market Association (EDFMA) board of directors will meet with all its members on current financial obligations.
It is believed the board will recommend that the farmers’ market shut down on Jan. 28, while they search for legal aid and likely file for bankruptcy.
The EDFMA also noted the board and the City of Edmonton did not renew the lease for the 97 Street location.
“The four years of operation in its current location have coincided with global pandemic and tepid east downtown recovery,” said the board in a statement.
“The move from the successful 104 Street outdoor market saw a loss of the market’s vendor base, which has continued to shrink to the point where operations cannot be sustained at the 97 Street location,” it added.
Despite the likely closure of the current location, the EDFMA is hopeful it can return to a similar outdoor setup on 104 Street over the summer of 2024.
