1. St. Norbert Farmers’ Market
2. Wolseley
3. Hydro

Along with music festivals and potholes, Winnipeg has no shortage of farmers’ markets. It’s clear that our city has a love for fresh produce and locally made wares - in Winnipeg alone there are 13 markets, spread out enough to effectively compete with chain grocery stores.

St. Norbert Farmers’ Market is the largest and most diverse of its kind. Not only is it open spring to fall on location at 3514 Pembina Hwy., it has begun to operate online as well, making it accessible year-round.

“The market really provides a showcase for the local producers to share their goods and wares with Winnipeggers,” Sachit Mehra, candidate for city councillor in St. Norbert during the 2014 civic election, says.

Mehra has been supporting the growth of the market.

“It’s a phenomenal family event. Being outdoors gives it great ambiance, and the facility is excellent.”

Mehra says the market’s board of directors chooses vendors based on quality and variety, as well as the producers’ availability. Anyone who’s visited the market can expect to see varieties of produce that they’ve never seen in the grocery store, and at prices that compare to or beat those at the store.

“The market offers a freshness that can’t be beat, short of you going to the farm and digging the produce out yourself,” Mehra says. “The success of the market speaks for itself. You’re able to get food in a consistent and timely fashion.”

Online sales push the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market another step ahead of its counterparts.

“There’s been an explosion of markets, and going online is the next step,” he says. “E-commerce is not just for gadgets.”  

The online selection represents an impressive variety and shoppers can pay online before picking up their goods from St. Norbert.

Part of the series: The Uniter 30

Published in Volume 69, Number 15 of The Uniter (January 7, 2015)