The Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market’s (EDFM) new indoor space will open later than originally planned because of a “permit issue between the City of Edmonton and the building owner,” according to a news release issued by the PR firm Grapevine Communications on Thursday.
“We are working closely with the city and the building owner to clear this matter as soon as possible,” said Dieter Khulmann, the EDFM’s board president. “We’re hopeful the market will be able to open its doors to our year-round indoor home in the coming weeks.”
An event was originally supposed to be held Saturday to kick off a new era for the market, when it was expected it would open its new location at the historical GWG Building on 97 Street.
READ MORE: Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market prepares to launch new location
John Osborne owns Cookie Crumbs, which specializes in waffle cookies and waffle pucks — a hybrid of waffle and shortbread. They’ve been in business for just over three years, running booths at both the Old Strathcona and Bountiful farmers markets.
Because Osborne’s products are primarily butter and sugar, an indoor setting is ideal. So when news of a new year-round indoor market came up, they jumped at the chance to apply. Osborne said they signed up for the EDFM about six months ago.
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“We also love the whole concept of being able to set up permanently in a booth and to be able to do a nice job of setting up a booth that people want to come and be part of,” Osborne said.
He said their booth at the new market location was nearly complete when they got word of the delay.
“Obviously anything permit related, it’s nice if that could have been dealt with in the past but these things do happen,” he said, adding they haven’t been told when the market might open.
“We really haven’t heard very much. All we’ve heard at this point is, ‘We can’t open this weekend, we will keep you posted,'” he said, adding most vendors are understanding of the situation.
“We take it day by day.”
The EDFM will continue to run an outdoor market at 10305 – 97 St. on weekends where it is “warm enough.” This weekend the market will be open on Saturday only.
“Our main priority is ensuring our commitment to our customers and vendors is fulfilled,” Khulmann said. “We’re thankful for their ongoing support, loyalty and patience throughout this transition period.”
Operating hours will be published on a weekly basis on the EDFM website.
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