Northwest Calgary is getting its own farmers’ market, with more than 70 vendors and newly-created job opportunities for Calgarians.

Calgary Farmers’ Market is set to open a new, 54,000 square-foot location in Greenwich in mid-August. Greenwich is a development just to the northwest of Bowness.

“We’ve been working on the new location for about five years, and now we should be launching early to mid-August,” said Calgary Farmers’ Market marketing and events coordinator, Mikayla Jayne.

“It’s about inviting our community from other neighborhoods to have a place like this to shop at,” said Jayne.

The original market opened its doors in 2004, in the community of Currie.

Calgarians were able to buy local produce and crafted goods at the Currie location for six-and-a-half years before moving to their current South location off of Heritage Drive and Blackfoot Trail.

According to Jayne, the Calgary Farmers’ Market board is looking forward to the opening in the new location. The development is being built to allow easier access by walking.

New and returning vendors

There’s a mix of new and returning vendors like D’Alpaca Peru, which has a booth at the current south Calgary location.

“I see a lot of people in here that appreciate what is handmade. This is important for us because we are still keeping in touch with the families who makes all the products in Peru,” said D’Alpaca Peru owner Carla Cervantes.

D’Alpaca Peru specializes in curating authentic Peruvian crafts and hypoallergenic alpaca wool products.

The business has been serving Calgarians for more than 35 years.

“Local food markets like the Calgary’s Farmers’ Market not only help me, they are helping 20 other families currently living in Peru who are also helping make these products,” said Cervantes.

Changes to market design for Greenwich location

The new location will have a second floor. It will have some upgrades from the current south facility.

“We have an event centre that can be booked for up to 200 people for anything from conferences to weddings. There’s a second-level atrium that brings in natural lighting throughout, a licensed food hall so you can sit and have a beer with your lunch, and a kids zone in the food hall,” said Jayne.

“It’s going to have full digital capabilities. If someone wanted to host an event, it’ll have a full bar and a commercial kitchen.”

According to Jayne, vendors are looking to hire 200 employees in the new location.

The new market in Greenwich will also have longer operating hours, open five days a week.

“It’s nine to seven Wednesday through Saturday and nine to five on Sundays,” said Jayne.

Jayne said the Calgary Farmers’ Market has made a difference in showcasing Calgary, and the province.

“We have an opportunity to showcase an authentic Alberta. We have authentic jewellers, local candle makers, local clothing makers, and local sausage makers,” she said.

“For anyone who’s unfamiliar with Alberta, to be able to come in and under one roof actually get a look at what we’re made of, what is important to us, and who we are as a people: that’s invaluable.”