Riverdale Farmers market

Riverdale Farmers' Market to shut down

It's curtains for one of Toronto's longest running produce stands. The Riverdale Farmers' Market will not be back this spring despite a 14 year run. A number of problems have been cited as the culprit, including increase competition, poor weather, and mismanagement from the city.

When it opened in 2001, Riverdale was the city's first organic farmers' market, and at its height it proved a significant draw for local residents and those after a more authentic food-buying experience. Led by Elizabeth Harris, the Star reports that 30 vendors participated in its heyday.

That number dropped when Harris fell ill and management of the market was eventually tasked to the city-run Riverdale Farm. For her part, Carol Guy, supervisor of the farm, claims that terrible weather and the rise of other farmers' markets across the city were what ultimately led to the demise of Riverdale.

Does this mean Toronto has hit the saturation point for farmers' markets. If more closures ensue, that would seem to be case.

Photo by Kyle Burton


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

There's a huge Peruvian food festival in Toronto this summer

Dessert spot shuts original location and goes all-in on Toronto's new food hall

Toronto restaurant that opened with big buzz has permanently closed

5 tiramisu in Toronto you need to try at least once

Justin Trudeau showed up to eat at a Toronto restaurant this week

Pick-your-own strawberries at farms in Ontario open for the season this month

Win free ice cream for the summer and a Chapman's chest freezer

People in Ontario have mixed feelings about The Beer Store's monopoly ending