City receives federal funds for Farmers’ Market Building project
The City is pleased to announce the approval of $750,000 in Government of Canada funding through PrairiesCan under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the interior renovations of the Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing.
“Our government is pleased to support infrastructure projects through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund that provide Canadians with opportunities to connect and explore their communities,” said the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “The renovated Saskatoon Farmers’ Market Building will continue to be an important hub of social activity and a favourite source for fresh produce and locally produced goods.”
The City is currently working with consultants Henry Downing Architects and Stantec Consulting to complete the interior design, plan mechanical and other infrastructure upgrades, and manage the construction project. The renovation project will upgrade the washroom facilities and mechanical systems, as well as prepare permanent tenant spaces for the building’s intended use as a public market with a dedicated seasonal outdoor farmers’ market. Construction on the project is estimated to begin fall 2022.
“This important investment will help to revitalize the Farmers’ Market Building and bring even more activity to River Landing,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “This exciting renovation project will give residents and visitors a world class experience when they buy goods and produce from our local producers and artisans.”
To achieve the goal of establishing a fully animated Farmers’ Market Building, the renewal project is estimated to cost $1.65M. Funding of $400,000 has been allocated from the City’s Civic Building Comprehensive Maintenance reserve, $1.1M in capital funding was secured through the 2022/2023 budget deliberations and $150,000 was supported as a post-budget request in 2021 to hire the Design Consultant.
The City is working to complete a lease agreement with Ideas Inc. to operate the new public market at River Landing a minimum of six days a week and provide a vibrant community destination and gathering place that will focus on Saskatchewan produce and content.
Street Stall Saturdays, an outdoor market, has returned to Market Square in River Landing for the 2022 growing season.
For more information on the Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing, visit saskatoon.ca/farmersmarket.
About the Canada Community Revitalization Fund
The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) helps communities rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund assists non-profit organizations, municipalities, community groups, and Indigenous communities across Canada to build and improve community infrastructure projects. The CCRF is a two-year, $500 million national infrastructure program to revitalize communities across Canada.