Public Commons

Part of Farmers' Markets

Outdoor Fresh Food Market Policy
Revised DRAFT
Feb. 9, 2009

Outdoor Fresh Food Market Policy (pdf)

Policy Statement

The policy will outline requirements and procedures relating to requests to establish outdoor fresh food markets on city-owned parkland.

Goals

• To provide consistent, city-wide approach to dealing with requests to establish outdoor Fresh Food Markets on city-owned parkland;
• To preserve and protect city-owned parkland;
• To promote local agriculture and locally grown produce and create a direct producer consumer marketplace.

Procedure

Requests to establish an Outdoor Fresh Food Market on city parkland must be submitted by the Market Coordinator, in writing, to Parks, Forestry and Recreation Customer Service.

Upon receipt, Parks, Forestry and Recreation Customer Service staff will:

• Review the written submission with the Manager of Parks, in consultation with the local Councillor and Toronto Public Health;
• Conduct a site visit with the Market Coordinator to review the proposed location and layout as required;
• Authorize and issue permit if the proposal is approved; and
• Conduct a post event evaluation to address any issues including the Market Coordinator covering all costs associated with parkland rehabilitation. (e.g. turf repair, litter clean up, property damage).

Operating Dates and Times

The Market may be open for business: May 1st to October 31st of each calendar year, or as provided by permit; Daily between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Market Location

The location will be approved by the Manager of Parks provided that: sustainable turf management practices are upheld; vehicular traffic is restricted to hard surfaces where possible; on-street parking is coordinated with Transportation Services, and an “Application for Temporary Street Parking Permit” is secured as required;

Requirements

Prior to applying for a city permit from Parks, Forestry and Recreation, all fresh food markets must:

• designate a Market Coordinator to act as the liaison with City representatives; consult with Toronto Public Health to ensure compliance with the Food Premises Regulation;
• ensure that market operations are in compliance with all City by-laws and any other applicable legislation (e. g. Ontario Health and Safety Act);
• feature local, Ontario grown or manufactured products;
• ensure that no wholesaling or reselling of any products occurs at the Market, with the exception of local not-for-profit organizations as outlined within the Categories of Vendors;
• secure general liability insurance for a minimum $2,000,000.00 (two million dollars), naming the City of Toronto as additional named insured.

Safety and Security

The Market Coordinator will submit site drawings listing:

• vendor locations;
• parking locations;
• a traffic control plan including parking monitors;

The Market Coordinator will ensure that:

• on-site storage or permanent structures are not permitted on City parkland;
• all amenities are free standing, (e.g. tents, power, water, portable toilets, hand wash sinks).
• staking is not permitted on city parkland.

Public Health

• The Ontario Food Premises Regulation (0.Reg 562 as amended) governs fresh food markets and as such, Market Coordinators will ensure adherence of all vendors to the requirements of Toronto Public Health;
• All fresh food markets may be subject to Public Health inspections and approval;
• Additional information can be found on the Toronto Public Health website at http://www.toronto.ca/health/

Categories of Vendors

The market is a combination of the following five categories of vendors in compliance with the Ministry of Agriculture regulations for sales, display, packaging and sampling:

1.Grower
Raw agriculture products including fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers, bedding plants, potted plants and bulbs;

2.Bakery

• Baked goods must be prepared and packaged in a sanitary, hygienic manner.
• Compliance with the Ministry of Agriculture regulations for sales, display, packaging and sampling.
• Vendor to obtain all required permits and approvals from Toronto Public Health including valid certification from an accredited, safe food handler course.

3.Food Vendor

• Must meet all required permits and approvals from Toronto Public Health including valid certification from an accredited, safe food handler course as required.
• All food products offered for sale must be from an approved commercial kitchen.

4.Mixed Product

• Value added agriculture products including meat, fish, cheese, dairy products, oils, vinegars, eggs, honey, soaps, herbal preparations, jams and jellies and craft;
• Must be made predominantly of material grown or gathered by the vendor;
• Craft item(s) must be original, unique work or design and be handmade related to the garden or agriculture;

5.Not-for-profit organizations

• One (1) free market vending spot to be reserved for local, not-for-profit organizations;
• Cultural fresh foods may or may not be grown locally;
• The purpose is for community outreach and promotion of cultural diverse, fresh foods.

Waste Diversion

The Market Coordinator is responsible for:

• waste management and recycling arrangements. submitting a detailed plan for recycling to ensure compliance with the Parks, *Forestry and Recreation, Waste Diversion Guidelines.