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 (October 2021)

• The City is in negotiations with Ideas Inc. to manage the Farmers’ Market Building.
• 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 so it may operate with business activities a minimum of six days per week with an emphasis on local foods and products and a farmers' market component. 
• City Council approved the hiring of a design consultant to prepare the building for the next phase; a public Request for Proposal was released on October 7, 2021 to secure a design consultant.
• Roof repairs were completed in Spring 2021.
• Street Stall Saturdays partnered with the Community Farmers’ Market of Saskatoon for the 2020 and 2021 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