Kingston Public Market readies to reopen by end of June

After a spring without it, one of Kingston’s most beloved and historic features is about to reopen, bringing flowers, fresh produce, and a variety of other offerings back to Springer Market Square.

The Kingston Public Market – also known as the downtown farmers’ market – will return to Springer Market Square on Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2020, the City of Kingston announced on Monday, Jun. 22, 2020.

“We are excited to welcome the Kingston Public Market back to the heart of the city just in time for Canada Day. I encourage people to enjoy our beautiful downtown and come support your favourite local vendors back at the market this season,” said Jaclyn Grimmon, Manager of Recreation Programs for the City.

The open-air market, which is the oldest of its kind in Ontario, has not been operating due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The market is vendor-run and hosted by the City of Kingston. According to the City, the market will initially consist of seasonal, lease-holder vendors only to ensure the spacing and layout of the market stalls is adequate to maintain physical distancing and the implementation of new health guidelines developed with KFL&A Public Health.

The market will operate Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a special holiday market is also being coordinated for Canada Day on Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2020.

When visiting the market, residents will notice a number of measures in place to ensure safety and allow for physical distancing, the City said. These will include:

• Increased spacing between stalls
• Marked one-way aisles to help maintain physical distancing
• Patrons being encouraged to wear non-medical masks while shopping, and to wash or sanitize hands before and after visiting the market.

The City is advising residents to look for new signage when visiting the market, and to follow vendor instructions as they shop.