Port Coquitlam, BC, July 15, 2020. . . Starting July 16, the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market will return outdoors on Thursday afternoons, from 3 to 7 p.m.

The market will be located in the parking lot next to the Leigh Square in downtown Port Coquitlam.

“While it will look different, we are pleased to safely bring back the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market as we know many in our community look forward to getting outdoors weekly to buy fresh, locally grown food,” said Mayor Brad West. “Farmers Markets are a vital way to provide residents with access to affordable, fresh and healthy food choices while supporting local farmers and businesses.”

In order to meet COVID-19 health guidelines, the market will focus on providing access to locally produced food rather than a community gathering.

The following modifications will be put in place to ensure adequate physical space between vendors, customers, staff and volunteers:

• One-way entrance to the market from Leigh Square with a one way exit out to Donald Street.
• All customers will be required to complete a health self-assessment and return home if they are feeling unwell.
• Customers will be able to select the items they wish to purchase, with vendors handling and packaging the products prior to sale.
• Vendors and customers who are unable to maintain a 2 metre physical distance from others will be required to wear a face mask.

“The Farmers Market is an important part of building community and we encourage residents to take advantage of this farm fresh, local shopping experience,” said Councillor Nancy McCurrach, the Council designate for arts, culture and heritage.

For those who prefer an online shopping experience, the Market will also continue to offer curbside pick-up from the Gathering Place in Leigh Square.

To purchase on-line, residents can browse and shop for fresh food and produce at www.farmersandmore.org and select a pick-up time at the Gathering Place on Thursdays between 3 and 7 p.m. Orders must be submitted by Wednesday by 11:30 a.m. to be ready for pick-up Thursday the same week.

Customer parking will be reserved along Donald Street on Thursday afternoons. The Port Coquitlam Farmers Market and the online food distribution hub is run by the Fraser North Farmers Market Society.

To get updates on what will be available each week, residents are encouraged to sign up for the Farmers Market email newsletter at www.farmersandmore.org.   

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca