Ottawa’s Farmers’ Market

For Immediate Release: Ottawa, In its present form the “Lansdowne Live” proposal inhibits the viability and potential growth of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market which, last year alone, has served 210,000 customers (70 % of which come from outside the immediate area) with projections for over a million by 2015.

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In examining the requirements of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market, President Andy Terauds stressed that of first importance for the Association was the need for it “to continue to do business directly with the City. This means that our lease for the Market at Lansdowne Park must be directly between the Ottawa Farmers and the City of Ottawa for the same durations as that of the developer,” he stated. Of equal important to the Association is the need for the integrity of the heritage buildings to be maintained. “The Horticulture Building should not be moved,” said Terauds, “Due to its heritage designation it should remain where it is in relationship to the Aberdeen Pavilion. The area between the two heritage sites supplies a unique ambience for the outdoor market while allowing for sufficient parking. “The Aberdeen Pavilion, currently slated as the site for three or four restaurants, would be our preferred site for a year-round market which would not only provide sufficient revenues to maintain the building’s historical structure but also be in keeping with its heritage status.” Terauds emphasised the need for the market to have “continued access to both the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Bank Street to ensure easy access” and gave the assurance that the Association would cooperate fully in the matter of parking for special events. “We’re very hopeful that some accommodation can be reached,” said Terauds. “I believe that everyone concerned wants the same thing – the very best for our country’s capital.”