The James Bay Community Market will open on May 2nd, 2020 but, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be some very radical changes to the Market

The various levels of government understand how important it is to support local food producers and getting our nourishment directly from the grower/maker and have therefore deemed farmers’ markets to be an essential service. The James Bay Community Market (as with all farmers’ markets) will have a very different landscape than in years past, as we will be required to operate under strict new regulations from the BC Centre for Disease Control and Island Health.
Some of these regulations are listed below:

• Only food (fresh, frozen and prepared) can be sold at any farmers’ markets.
• No food-sampling activities or demonstrations will be permitted.
• To reduce the spread of disease, the vendors will be using cashless point of sales devices wherever possible.
• There will be no craftspeople or artisans selling their wares and no live music at the farmers’ market this season, however, if the present situation changes we will update the information on this site.

Under the new regulations, which are designed to protect us all from Covid-19, visits to James Bay Community Market will be with the sole purpose of buying locally produced food and produce. We are grateful, however, that we can continue supporting our local farmers and food producers who have worked hard to provide our community with the freshest, healthiest food. We thank you for supporting us as we work to bring local food to the James Bay Community.
Our number one priority is the health and safety of our vendors and visitors therefore, you may expect to find the following at this year’s market:

• When you visit the market, you will be asked to wait your turn before approaching a table, ensuring ample physical distancing.
• You will also notice extra cleaning opportunities to make sure everyone has consistently clean hands.
• Wherever possible please allow the vendor, who will be practicing strict hygiene protocol, to assist you in selecting your purchases.
• The market tents will be more spread out to allow for appropriate physical distancing.
• Above all, do NOT visit the market if you are feeling the least bit unwell.

As well as preparing for the May 2nd opening under these new regulations, the members of the Board are actively working on an online store which will allow you to pre-order and prepay for items from your favourite vendors, making it easier to shop quickly and leave the market premises each Saturday. Please check back on this site for future updates.
It is so important to support our local food producers. On behalf of the farmers and processors, the James Bay Market Board wishes to thank you all for your continued support during these turbulent times. We look forward to seeing you on May 2nd between 9:00am and 1:00pm.