CREMONA - Village council has approved the use of a parcel of land in Cremona for a farmers’ market starting in May.
The move came by way of motion during the Jan. 18 council meeting following a presentation from organizers.
A delegation made up of Cremona/Water Valley & District Chamber of Commerce officials and the local business community outlined plans for the market.
Councillors were told that benefits of having a farmers’ market in the village would include stimulating the local economy, drawing shoppers from neighbouring communities, helping revitalize the downtown core, providing local employment, and providing a market for area producers.
The market will take place on Sundays, running for 16 weeks starting on May 22. Who will be managing the market is yet be decided.
Organizers are requesting several things from the village, including signage, and port-a-potty access.
Mayor Tim Hagen said the market will be good for the whole community, including businesses in the village.
“I think it will bring in lots of people and help our businesses also,” he said. “The restaurants, the bar, the gas station, even the grocery store. You know, you come in to get milk and then head over to the farmers’ market.”
The market will be set up on a parcel of land east of the Cremona Hotel along Railway Avenue. That village-owned property is currently for sale; should it be sold, the market will be able to use land a bit further east, said Hagen.
“If we do sell it, we will make arrangements,” he said.
Council passed a motion approving the new market, including the use of the village-owned property, he said.
