Skip to content

Village Market returns this Sunday

24th season opens as food-only venue
Market banner
The Ladner Village Market kicks off its 24th season this Sunday but it won’t be the usual market experience.

The Ladner Village Market kicks off its 24th season this Sunday but it won’t be the usual market experience.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market will operate as a food-only venue with vendors selling fresh produce, prepared foods and edible plants. This focus allows vendors and shoppers to maintain physical distancing within the existing market footprint along 48th Avenue.

Jill McKnight, one of the market coordinators, said they’re excited to open this Sunday.

“I think we have a cautious level of excitement,” she said. “We really want this to be as safe as possible for everyone. We’re excited to see our vendors, excited to have access to the produce. I’m already looking ahead to what I’ll be purchasing and I love that I will be getting it from our local farmers.”

The 2020 season was scheduled to begin last month but the first two editions had to be cancelled. Sunday will be the first of five dates this year with markets also set for July 26, Aug. 9 and 23, and Sept. 13.

The number of vendors has been reduced from 160 in previous years to less than 70 this year. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Here are the essentials on how the market will operate:

  • The market will be completely fenced with one entrance at the corner of Delta Street and 48th Avenue. There will be ample area to queue prior to entering and there will be a controlled number of people allowed in the market to allow for proper physical distancing.
  • The market will flow in one direction only. Shoppers will be asked to follow the “Shop-Do Not Stop” theme found in all farmers’ markets this year.
  • There will be multiple hand washing/sanitizing stations within the market and it is highly recommended each guest entering the gates use hand sanitizer upon entry.
  • No eating is allowed within the market so you must keep all foods in their packaging until after you leave the market.
  • Vendors will be taking necessary precautions within their booths to ensure hygiene, so shoppers are asked to follow their instructions and signage.
  • No Dogs will be allowed into the market, except for certified service dogs.
  • Shoppers will be encouraged to use cashless, no contact payment methods.

In recent weeks there have been some concerns expressed on local Facebook groups about how the market will operate, and whether its operation will have negative impacts on businesses in Ladner Village. Some on social media have said the fencing will block access to businesses.

McKnight said at no time has it ever communicated or suggested there would be fencing in front of businesses to limit access.

“A letter was taken around to the businesses in early May and we do this every year – every year we communicate with the businesses,” she said. “The one difference this year was that we needed to communicate that the market was going to be enclosed by fencing as a way of maintaining social distancing for everyone. By limiting the people we are ensuring we have social distancing for everyone in the market area.”

McKnight said businesses can open as they choose.

“If a business make a decision to close on this day, that is their choice. My preference is we have always tried to get more businesses to open on market days because we feel that makes for a more vibrant community,” said McKnight. “Each business has to make that call and what is right for them. Over the years there are businesses that have found a detrimental effect on business, but we also know a number of businesses who have had a positive effect on. We are not setting out and have never set out to have a negative impact on business.”