2020 is coming to a close, and although it happens to land in the middle of our indoor season, it still marks the closing of an important chapter for us, especially this year, especially in our current situation.

We know for many folks including our customers and vendors, this year was a tough one. However, through all the challenges we faced as a community, our resilience shone through.

Our outdoor season is usually one of fun community events, hanging at the market with friends, and sampling new items as we shop. This year we were forced to operate at ~50% vendor capacity. Despite this, we saw a huge surge in support for local food. A renewed appreciation for a healthy, and self-sufficient food system emerged.

We are so grateful.

Thank you for prioritizing your local economy, your local producers, and keeping the community spirit of our market alive this summer. We were so happy to see friends and neighbours meeting in physically distanced fashion all season long and connecting with their producers during such an uneasy time.

As we continue to operate this indoor season, we appreciate your continued cooperation with health and safety policies and welcome your feedback as we navigate a whole new market set-up. We are happy to continue providing the essential service of access to local foods and goods.

Please continue prioritizing your health and that of your community- not just physical, but mental and social as well. These small local businesses, and the wider farmers’ market could not have survived this pandemic if not for your support.

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Over the past three and a half years, I have felt so fortunate to have coordinated this market, and other food programming at the HSCA. This community is so welcoming and loving and genuinely cares for one another. It has been so special to be a part of. Beginning in January 2021 I will be moving on to other opportunities and am excited to leave this role to someone with a fresh perspective and renewed energy who will no doubt serve this community well. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your community- it has genuinely been a pleasure to work alongside all of you.
Stay well,
Heather Ramshaw