Burnaby is getting a new farmers market right beside one of its busiest SkyTrain stations starting this Sunday.
The Brentwood Farmers Market on Brentwood Boulevard between Alpha and Halifax streets will run on Sundays from June 2 to Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It’s less than a five-minute walk from Brentwood Town Centre SkyTrain station.
Run by Artisan Farmers Markets, the new market will be the non-profit’s second Burnaby location and third in Metro Vancouver.
'I could walk!'
Jennifer Winning, executive director of the Artisan Farmers’ Market Society, said the location is one of the most appealing aspects of the new market.
“Now we are just a step away off the Brentwood SkyTrain station, so we are one of the most accessible farmers markets in terms of public transportation,” she told the Burnaby NOW.
She said she’s heard very positive reactions about the Brentwood market so far, with comments like “Oh, I live near that area,” “I could take the SkyTrain,” or “I could walk!”
Winning said the Brentwood market will target a new, younger demographic, including the students and young professionals who take public transit.
“Our other two markets are primarily seniors, and this location, being that it’s so new, has a lot of younger clientele and younger families,” she said and added the market will also be easily accessible for those living in the nearby residential areas.
The market will still feature its staple vendors, like farmers with fresh food, artisans, prepared food vendors and community organizations – but there will also be new, hyperlocal additions.
“We’ve had an influx of new vendors that were not at our Burnaby (City Hall) or Ambleside locations,” Winning said. “They were familiar with this location themselves, either they have a business, maybe a brick-and-mortar store down the street, or they’ve sold at pop-up markets around this area. So we do have quite a few new vendors.”
Soon Coffee, which has a shopfront in Brentwood mall’s “Tables” food court, is on the list of Brentwood market vendors, and Small Victory (also a Brentwood tenant) plans to sell its bread at the market later in June. (The market will publish vendor lists each Friday on its Instagram before the Sunday event.)
A vibrant gathering space
Winning said the non-profit was approached by Shape Properties, the developer of the Amazing Brentwood mall, to start the market.
Lennie Eulalia, Shape’s director of marketing for the Amazing Brentwood, said the company is “thrilled” to host the Brentwood Farmers Market.
She said the goal for the Amazing Brentwood is to create a vibrant gathering space for residents and guests alike.
“The market presents a fantastic opportunity to achieve that goal while also supporting local businesses and fostering relationships within our neighbourhood,” Eulalia said.
“The introduction of the market aligns with our ongoing commitment to sustainability, engaging with our community, and creating an unparalleled shopping experience. This addition not only enhances our evolving retail mix, but also marks the start of a series of exciting summer activities we have planned this year.”
Winning is also enthusiastic about branching out into Brentwood.
“We’re really excited about this Brentwood venture, because Burnaby is such a huge city that we can’t reach everybody with only the one area that we’re in.”
She added, “Again, it’s a new area, so I’m really excited to get the feedback from the public there to see what they’re looking for, and then in hopes that, in future years, we can build upon that.”
Brentwood Farmers Market
- Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- June 2 to Sept. 29
- Brentwood Boulevard off Halifax Way
Burnaby City Hall Farmers Market
- Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- May to October 26
- 4949 Canada Way in the parking lot of Burnaby City Hall
