The Market Managers and Operators Training Program is a professional development initiative currently being piloted by marketcityTO to equip public market managers and operators with the knowledge, skills, tools, and peer support needed to run successful and sustainable community-centered markets in Toronto. The program is a response to the expressed needs of market managers and operators, who have indicated their desire to receive professional development training but have had limited access to such opportunities.  

The Market Managers and Operators Training Program consists of ten (10) interconnected modules to help participants plan, manage, promote, and sustain their markets in Toronto. Built upon a framework of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, these ten modules will be facilitated by established market stakeholders and will engage participants in regular in-class activities, discussions, and feedback exercises.

Why the Public Markets Training Program Was Created

In 2024, marketcityTO conducted several stakeholder consultations through which we identified several challenges faced by public market managers and operators. One insight we gained from these consultations is that 64% of market managers who responded to our survey wanted but could not access professional development training opportunities. This finding, along with other insights gathered from our 2024 Market Managers Survey, 2025 Public Markets Impact Survey, and interviews with market managers and operators, helped shape the topics included in this training program.

The Training Program Modules

Module 1: Training Overview & Introductions

This module will provide an overview of the program, outlines the learning goals for the training, and gives participants the opportunity to get to know one another. The session helps establish expectations and personal goals, and prepares participants for the learning journey ahead.

Module 2: Establishing a Market, Understanding the Law in Toronto, and Building an Inclusive Market

This module will share ways to understand community needs, survey the local population, identify the appropriate market type, and learn the laws and permits required in Toronto. This session also covers how to build an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming public market for the community and market visitors outside of the community.

Guest Facilitators:

• Roberta Stimac (formerly of Withrow Park Farmers' Market)

• Marina Queirolo (Economic Development Officer, City of Toronto's Economic Development and Culture Division)

Module 3: Governance Structures & Succession Planning

This module will look at the different governance models for markets (non-profit, for-profit, sole proprietorship, etc.), the rights and responsibilities of market managers, and the steps needed to develop a succession plan that supports long-term operational continuity.

Guest Facilitators:

• Katie Herbert (Chair, Sorauren Farmers' Market) for content

• Laura Scrivener (former manager, Withrow Park Farmers' Market) for content and delivery

Module 4: Visioning & Planning

This module will prompt participants to revisit their market’s mission, vision, and audience, which should be the foundation of their market’s business plan, seasonal plan, and five-year plan. The session will likewise guide participants in identifying strategic priorities for the long-term development and sustainability of their markets. 

Guest Facilitator:

• Richard Ramsuchit (Co-Founder and Market Manager, Local MRKT)

Module 5: Vendor & Volunteer Management

This module will share strategies for vendor recruitment and retention, conflict resolution, volunteer management, and building a positive market culture. The session will also cover self-care practices for market managers to support their long-term success.

Guest Facilitator:

• Carolyn Wong (Co-Founder and Market Manager, Trinity Bellwoods Farmers' Market)

Module 6: Market Finances

This module will review the foundations of budgeting, financial record-keeping, and market revenue models, including sponsorships, fundraising, and grant writing. In this session, participants will practice strategies to ensure their markets operate with financial sustainability.

Guest Facilitator:

• Melissa Maltais (Membership and Programs Manager, British Columbia Association of Farmers' Markets)

Module 7: Data Collection, Evaluation & Storytelling

This module will examine ways to collect and analyze market data, protect privacy, and use evaluation findings effectively. This module also teaches participants how to use data to communicate their market’s impact through storytelling, and to strengthen relationships with community members and the City of Toronto.

Guest Facilitator:

• Laura Scrivener (former manager, Withrow Park Farmers' Market)

Module 8: Emergency Preparedness, Risk Management & Public Safety

This module will discuss emergency response plans, managing risks at the market, addressing climate-related hazards, responding to health and safety incidents, and guiding conflict resolution at the market.

Guest Facilitator:

• Gideon Greenbaum-Shinder (Market Manager, Sorauren Farmers’ Market) 

Module 9: Marketing the Market & Special Event Planning

This module will tackle communication strategies, social media planning, and messaging to help spread the word about the market. The session will also look into partnership development, public programming, and designing special events that attract and engage visitors.

Guest Facilitator:

• Natasa Hansen (Founder and Market Manager, Toronto Flower Market)

Module 10: Final Presentations & Wrap-Up

This final module will be dedicated to participants sharing their seasonal plan or five-year plan with the group, and getting real-time feedback from their peers and facilitators. The last session will also serve as a networking opportunity for participants and facilitators, where they can discuss how they can support each other beyond the training program.    

Program Schedule and Format

The pilot phase of the Market Managers and Operators Training Program will run from February 03 to April 07, 2026, and will be offered in hybrid format. One new module will be discussed each week, with each session running for two hours. 

marketcityTO would like to thank the Peter Gilgan Foundation for funding the pilot Market Managers and Operators Training Program. 

Our gratitude as well goes to the market managers and operators who have generously agreed to lend their time and expertise to help develop the pilot version of the Market Managers and Operators Training Program.