09/04/2026
I was genuinely saddened to hear the news this week about the Spruce Grove Farmers Market closing its doors at 95 McLeod Avenue.
I was there not that long ago and had a great conversation with Nicole about some of their ideas and hopes for the future. Iāve known Nicole for many years, and I know how much passion she and so many others have put into making it a success.
Farmers markets are an important part of communities like ours. They give farmers, makers, entrepreneurs and small businesses a place to sell their products, meet customers and grow. Just as importantly, they bring people together, create connections and give us more opportunities to support local.
We are fortunate that, in addition to this farmers market, we have a second at the Ag Society Grain Elevator, along with our City Centre summer market events. Each offers something a little different, and I truly appreciate everyone who works so hard to make them possible.
The Spruce Grove Farmers Market is by far our longest-running, and I sincerely hope leaving McLeod Avenue isnāt the end of its story.
There has been a lot of conversation about what happened and about the Cityās role. I wonāt weigh in on matters between the organization and its landlord, but I do want to share some context about the Cityās responsibility.
When a business or organization operates from any particular property, the development process looks at whether that location can accommodate the use, including parking and the impact on neighbouring properties and businesses. City staff have worked with the organizers throughout their time on McLeod Avenue on permitting, extensions, licensing and parking, while applying the same requirements fairly and consistently.
Parking has been an important part of those discussions. The property has 27 stalls, which also serve other businesses. Based on information provided through the development process, an additional 50 stalls were required off-site. For a time, the additional parking was addressed through a temporary arrangement with a nearby private property owner that required renewal. The parking requirement needed to be addressed for the development permit to continue at this location, and the most recent extension expired August 30.
Iāve also seen questions about why the City doesnāt simply provide a City facility. I understand why that might seem like a straightforward solution, but our facilities serve many different community needs. Space is allocated through established policies and processes depending on the facility and intended use, and weekends are particularly busy with sports, weddings, cultural events, public programs and other community activities.
Finding a recurring block of space every weekend is more complicated than simply identifying an available facility. We have to balance the needs of many different users and make sure access is fair and consistent, while continuing to work with groups to explore options wherever we can.
For me, the important thing now is what comes next.
I appreciate the contribution Nicole, the Board, their vendors and everyone involved have made to Spruce Grove over many years. I hope theyāre able to find a location that works and allows this long-standing part of our community to continue. If another potential location is identified, City staff are ready and willing to work with them through that process.
I sincerely hope this isnāt goodbye to the Spruce Grove Farmers Market, but simply the beginning of its next chapter.
