Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing

Although the Farmers’ Market Building is closed right now, exciting things have been 'growing' on at the site. Check back for regular updates.

At a Glance (June 2022)

• The City has been approved for $750,000 in Government of Canada funding through PrairiesCan under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the interior renovations of the Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing.
• A report (agenda item 7.2.5) will be presented to the Planning, Development and Community Standards Committee on Monday, June 13, 2022 to provide an update on the redevelopment of the Farmers’ Market project, including details of the project budget, the secured federal funding grant and the proposed opening date for the indoor public market.
• The City is in negotiations with Ideas Inc. to operate the new public market at River Landing a minimum of six days a week and provide a vibrant community destination and gathering place that will focus on Saskatchewan produce and content.
• At the August 30, 2021 meeting, a report (agenda item 10.3.1) was presented to City Council outlining next steps to continue negotiations and options to renovate the Farmers’ Market Building. 
• The City is working with Henry Downing Architects and Stantec Consulting to complete the interior design, plan mechanical and other infrastructure upgrades, and manage the construction project.
• Roof repairs were completed in Spring 2021.
• Street Stall Saturdays has partnered with the Community Farmers’ Market of Saskatoon during the growing seasons to offer a seasonal outdoor farmers’ market on Saturdays in Market Square in River Landing.

River Landing Concept Plan - Farmers' Market Building & Market Square Objectives

• The Farmers' Market Building and adjacent Market Square are City-owned assets within River Landing.  
• The River Landing Concept Plan calls for a farmers' market component at the site, along with other animation features, such as business activities at minimum of six days per week, to make this area a year-round destination.

Request for Proposal for the Lease of the Farmers’ Market Building

• The lease with the previous tenant expired on December 31, 2019.
• City Council directed City Staff to find a tenant who will fully utilize this community asset and animate the facility for six or more days a week, including a minimum of two days dedicated to a farmers’ market component with a focus on local produce and content.
• A Request for Proposal (RFP) was released in November and closed late December 2019.
• A team of City staff from departments relevant to the project evaluated the submissions based on criteria outlined in the RFP.
• The City is in negotiations with Ideas Inc. (the highest ranked proponent) to operate and animate the building six days per week. These negotiations are confidential at this time.
• Lease terms are anticipated to be brought forward to Council in Fall 2021 for approval, once estimated construction costs are provided by the design consultant.
• The overall RFP process has been overseen by an external Fairness Monitor.

Farmers’ Market Building Roof Repairs

• In February 2019, it was discovered that significant repairs were needed to the roof of the Farmers’ Market Building.
• The roofing contractor undertook the removal of the old roof, and the installation of new insulated roof panels and skylights. The result is a more efficient building with a roof that no longer leaks!  
• The Farmers' Market Roof Replacement Project was complete in Spring 2021.

Outdoor Market on Market Square

• Market Square will continue to be used for a farmers’ market as an extension of Ideas Inc.'s annual Street Stall Saturdays.
• As there was no building tenant at the time, the City approved this application, as an interim initiative, in order to meet the commitment to City Council. 
• Street Stall Saturdays partnered with the Community Farmers' Market (a farmers' market entity operating in the city) for the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons to offer a seasonal outdoor farmers' market on Market Square and Sonnenschein Way every Saturday from May through October; 9am - 2pm.

Frequently Asked Questions​

When will the future tenant be offered the lease?

The City is in negotiations with Ideas Inc. (the highest ranked proponent of the RFP); Lease terms are anticipated to be brought forward to Council in Fall 2021 for approval, once estimated construction costs are provided by design consultant.

Is the future arena going to be located at this site?

There are two vacant parcels of land in the vicinity of the Farmers’ Market Building (currently temporary parking lots).  Since the City owns the parcels, they are being evaluated as a potential site for a new arena and/or convention centre as part of the Downtown Entertainment District.  There are also a number of other sites around the Downtown that are being evaluated as potential sites.  It is expected that the preferred arena location be presented to City Council in late 2021, however future construction is some years away.

Other Information