Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize members of the Yellowknife Farmers Market for their very successful first season. The Farmers Market was started by two friends of the land, France Benoit, a Weledeh constituent, and Amy Lizotte. They say their idea caught on quickly, with many helpful volunteers.
The market operated in the Samba K’e Park next to the Yellowknife City Hall every Tuesday evening for 12 consecutive weeks. Over 70 vendors throughout the summer enjoyed total sales of over $140,000. Based on studies of other farmers markets in Canada, this farmers market likely contributed over half a million dollars to the Yellowknife economy.
I visited the market several times over the summer and it was a wonderful place. People had stalls selling fish, berries, birch syrup, fresh eggs from Hay River, fresh local produce, delicious home baked goods, international cuisine, and crafts. Early in the season, vendors sold out quickly, so shoppers learned to arrive promptly and vendors increased their supplies as they could.
During June start-up the city staged its summer garden parties at the same time as the Farmers Market, providing a great example of local government working with the community. Entire families came out to enjoy the festivities. Health and Social Services inspectors contributed to market success via their open communications and willingness to try something new. Their reward: a vibrant addition to our community.
Market collaborators greatly appreciated the role of ITI, who funded the NWT Farmers’ Association to bring up the president of the Ontario Farmers Market Association for a “Farmers Market 101” workshop in Yellowknife and another in Hay River, a truly sound investment.
Premier McLeod and myself, perhaps others, were invited to ring the opening bell for the market, a real honour.
What started as a small volunteer initiative has quickly become a fully functioning farmers market cooperative, and I hear that there will be a Christmas farmers market this December. We seem to have a model here that could be successful throughout the Northwest Territories.
Colleagues, please join me in offering our hearty congratulations to all involved. Here’s to next spring. I can’t wait. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
