Built in the late 1800s at a time when Victoria was enjoying rapid growth and prosperity, Market Square teemed with sailors and gold prospectors seeking adventure and fortune. The Square was home to bustling hotels, saloons, and shops that outfitted thousands of miners on their way to the Klondike gold fields.
Market Square was a hub of lively and sometimes ribald activity, offering a bold contrast to Victoria’s image today as a “quaint bit of Old England”! Today much has changed, but every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month Market Square plays host to the Victoria Winter Farmers' Market and once again bustles with activity and entertainment (although perhaps more family-friendly than in the past)!
Aside from accessing great local products, attending a farmers’ market today is a step back to a time when our daily essentials came directly from local food producers and public markets were the social hubs of a community. Seasonal farmers' markets provide consumers with access to fresh, local food and provide the best possible return to local food producers. A permanent downtown public market will go one step further by bringing residents and visitors together with local producers year-round, and thus increase food security and build social capital throughout Greater Victoria. Please support the Victoria Downtown Public Market Society, because Victoria is ready for a permanent downtown public market!
Who: The Victoria Downtown Public Market Society
What: Winter Market TWICE a month!
When: February 4th, 11am-3pm
Where: Market Square, Inner Courtyard
Why: What could be better than local food?
Questions? marycarmack@victoriapublicmarket.com
