Just one year after a local non-profit group took over operations of a Riversdale farmers’ market, it’s going to be handed back to the City of Saskatoon.
In a statement issued Friday on social media, Gather Local Marketplace, which is run by Ideal, Inc. said the market, located at 414 Avenue B South, will hand over operations to the City of Saskatoon effective May 8, 2025.
“Gather does not come by this decision lightly,” the statement read. “It ultimately believes that it was the right entity to launch the market.
“However, the market now requires a different operator to reach its full potential.”
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No names were cited on the statement, however, it indicated that “financial and operational constraints” have placed a “significant strain” on the non-profit’s resources.
Ideas Inc. officially entered into a lease agreement with the City of Saskatoon on Jan. 1, 2024.
The City of Saskatoon and other government organizations have also put significant money into renovating the former Saskatoon Farmer’s Market, including a roof replacement that was completed in 2021.
The City was also approved for $750,000 in Government of Canada funding, through PrairiesCan under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), for the interior renovations of the Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing.
In 2022, administration recommended council approve another $150,000 for interior furnishings.
It’s not clear how long the City of Saskatoon will run the market, and how much that could cost.
Gather’s statement also wished “all the tenants the best in their future business operations.”
650 CKOM has submitted a request for an interview with the City of Saskatoon.
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