By Zachary Dayler
The time has come to announce the re-opening of our beloved ByWard and Parkdale markets! You have probably noticed the increased activity of patio set-up and stand construction as we look to open the area in a new way. The markets will begin to be open June 18, 2020, and if you can, make an effort to get out there and support local! The next few months are going to be important as businesses re-open, every little bit of shopping that you can do at the local grocery, restaurant, or specialty shop will mean a great deal.
Ottawa Markets would also like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who supported the Ottawa Markets Pick and Click Market that launched the 2020 season for both ByWard and Parkdale. Because of your support, we were able to provide over $65,000 to local producers. We will be keeping this online service for the added convenience, but also because it is a great way to meet and engage with new producers. For many, this is an excellent first step to potentially coming out and setting up on a busy weekend!
The area and our markets are going to feel and look a little different. We will slowly be opening vendors to make sure each stand and producer have an understanding of what is required to keep a healthy and safe environment. You will also see most staff wearing masks and taking other protective measures, along with distancing decals and signage on how to move through the area. It is going to feel awkward at first, but if we come together in understanding and remain supportive of each other, we can carve out our new routines.
It is a nervous and exciting time as we all dust off and wade back into our routines. We are not going to rush. Instead we will be taking a measured approach to add all the components back that make up the market experience in Ottawa. We have started with our food producers, then we will add back arts, and hopefully, by the end of July, we will see busking. As you begin to get back out there, keep a couple of things in mind:
- Wash your hands. We have added hand sanitizing stations around the markets.
- Do not rush. Maybe write a list of everything you need and plan a route.
- No mask jokes. Many have no choice, and people are wearing them for our collective health and safety.
- Have a good time, but remember wait times will increase, so think of the next person. Many shops and services are working with limited space.
- Do NOT come out if you are sick.
- Your kids are cute, but if they are running around, they might be getting too close to other people.
- If you can, tip generously, there is ALOT of added work so we can have some normality in our routines.
- Be kind. Be patient. Be a friend to a local business.
These are just some helpful tips as we get back into our daily routines and activities. From us here at Ottawa Markets, we are working hard to re-open, and as the season goes on, we hope we can return to a full complement of artists, producers, and buskers at both ByWard and Parkdale.
Enjoy the summer months, and just in case it wasn’t clear in our article – don’t forget your neighbour and remember to be kind. We do that, and we may just get to a better place!
Zachary Dayler is Executive Director of Marché Ottawa Markets