Community input used to shape Guelph Farmers' Market as 10C takes over

With the Guelph Farmers' Market officially under the management of 10 Carden Shared Space, better known as 10C, some changes are expected to begin that will develop the market with residents' shared interests shaping the future.

Council granted 10C management of the building at 2 Gordon St. for the continuation of the Saturday market operations, as well as additional programming at other times.

Last month 10C officially took operation control over the space, and management is currently looking for visionary ideas from residents on how they would like to see the space shaped moving forward.

“So far in general I think it has been positive. We were very clear it would be great to have more activity there and everyone that we’ve talked to so far has been curious and supportive how 10C could activate more activity,” said Julia Grady, executive director of 10C.

From increased vendors to using the space as a roller derby practice arena, 10C is welcoming all ideas.

“We’re looking at how we can better use the facility for other community events,” said Grady. “I believe there is a couple of other events that we are just lining up details for with different community collaborators that we will announce probably in the next month to two months that will take place in the fall.”

On Wednesday a formal community meeting was held to discuss ideas and practices.

Grady said the session revolved around new ideas on building a future for the space, which includes the market open longer and turning the space into an informal setting offering space for those looking to grab a coffee and chat.

“We’re basically in the active listening phase to what people have in mind and ways to practically move forward,” said Grady.

And while the ideas are still coming in, Grady said some changes can be expected with the biggest change beginning in May with a new program called take home Thursdays running from May until October with the hope to go permanent.

“From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. people can come to something that would look like a mini market that is anchored by some community-supported agriculture (CSA)  pickups as well as some existing Saturday vendors and new vendors tabling and having an afternoon market,” said Grady.

This will not replace the existing market, but will ideally be an outdoor market with 10-15 vendors allowing people to pre-order.

The next formal meeting is set for May 11 at 12:00 p.m. with a second meeting at 7:00 p.m. to hear from and chat with the 10C and Farmers' Market team.