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City of Toronto Public Markets Action Plan

Small group-focused discussions

Toronto has roughly 105 food-centred markets (2019 data) and approximately 20 Flea, Vintage, Antiques, and Specialty Markets.  Imagine if Toronto had a connected network of public markets equitably distributed across Toronto, with a PLAN that allows Toronto’s public markets and the City to work together to collectively advance sustainable food systems, inclusive local economies, and social equity. Making real food & economic opportunities available for EVERYONE!


In early 2024, marketcityTO secured a contract to lead the stakeholder consultation process.  Our proposal details the activities that involve the public market stakeholders in a participatory process that confirms the issues, identifies solutions, and establishes priorities and recommendations. We prioritize small group discussions and focus on building relationships through deep, intentional engagement, which leads to increased trust and transparency. 


FRAMING QUESTION


How might the City of Toronto support existing and enable new public markets, especially in underserved communities, that increase food access and deliver social and economic benefits to residents and entrepreneurs while addressing the needs of market operators, regulators and advance City of Toronto's priorities to Invest in people & neighbourhoods and advancing climate action & build resilience? 


KEY ACTIVITIES


  • Market Manager Survey: if you manage a market and have not completed the survey, here is the link 

  • Small Group Virtual discussions: Ten sessions were organized by market type or stakeholder group

    • Group 1: Farmers’ Market Managers & Operators

    • Group 2: Managers & Operators of Vintage, Flea, Antiques and Crafts

    • Group 3: Market Vendors and entrepreneurs (with particular focus on BIPOC)

    • Group 4: Urban & Rural Growers and Farmers

    • Group 5: :Business Improvement Areas (BIA & organizations focused on Main Street Activations)

    • Group 6: Wholesale Markets, local food distributors & independent retailers

    • Group 7: Landlords & Private sector, including developers hosting or interested in public markets

    • Group 8; Managers and Operators of Other Types of Markets ( TCH, TCSH, AOCC, PRIVATE)

    • Group 9: FoodShare Supported Community Markets Managers (Formers Good Food Markets)

    • Group 10: Indigenous-led Markets Managers & entrepreneurs;

    • Group 11: Local & Regional bodies from Food, Farming, social economic and environmental sectors.

  • Multi-stakeholder conversations: eight sessions hosted at public markets across the city.

    • St. Lawrence Market

    • Scarborough Farmers' Market

    • North York Farmers' Market

    • Thorncliffe Bazaar

    • Three Sisters Market

    • Withrow Farmers' Market

    • Sorauren Farmers' Market

    • Flemo Farm Market

    • Toronto Flower Market


OUTCOME

We will develop an insight report that outlines gaps, opportunities and key recommendations


Throughout the process, we will identify champions within the City and community to enable the Plan's successful implementation over the next five years.


If you have any questions or want to be involved, please do not hesitate to contact Kyla Schwarz-Lam at kylalam@gmail.com. We will report findings from this process to the City of Toronto and stakeholders by September 2024. 


RELATED RESOURCES



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